If you have a compatible car or stereo unit, Apple CarPlay makes it easy to navigate, reply to messages, and play music on the go. And to take full advantage of this feature, you must have compatible apps installed on your iPhone.
Let’s take a look at some of the best CarPlay apps you should try.
A note on available Carplay apps
Unfortunately, only a small selection of iOS apps are compatible with CarPlay. The vast majority of them fall into one of three categories: audio, browsing, or messaging. As a result, you probably won’t end up installing too many of these apps as they overlap a lot.
We’ll cover the most useful CarPlay built-in apps so you know how to use them, then skip to some third-party highlights. If you use a different audio or navigation service, it is probably available for CarPlay.
Apple CarPlay quick guide: what it is, how it works, and why it’s useful
Apple CarPlay is Apple’s standard for accessing vehicle-friendly versions of iPhone apps in the car. This is how it works and how to use it.
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first to stay up to date. And although it is not a suitable application, remember that you can touch Playing now from the application list to jump directly to any active audio source.
Built-in Apple CarPlay apps
First, let’s look at the most useful applications included on your iPhone that work with CarPlay.
Please note that in addition to these, Siri can also access the built-in Calendar, Clock, Reminders and other applications. You won’t see CarPlay icons for them, but you can use commands like “Add paper towels to my shopping list” or “Set an alarm for 7am tomorrow.”
1. Apple Maps
If you don’t prefer another navigation application (see below), Apple Maps works very well with CarPlay.
When you open it, you will see an overview of your location. Hit the Destinations The link and Maps will suggest places based on where you are or what you’ve recently discussed in messages and emails. You can use the Search for the function to quickly find service stations, food, and more.
Use the microphone button on your steering wheel or touch the Microphone icon to navigate with Siri.
2. phone
The CarPlay integration of the Phone app allows you to make and receive calls in your car. Opening the application allows you to explore your contacts, open a dialer, review recent calls, or check your voicemail.
However, since browsing a contact list while driving is not safe, it is better to use the Siri integration to say something like “Call Sarah”.
3. Messages
The Messages app allows you to chat securely in the car. Touch a conversation to listen to the latest messages out loud. You can also dictate a new message using your voice here.
Try saying “Text Norah, I’ll be home in 15 minutes” or “Read my text messages” to use the app without opening it.
4. Apple Music
What is a trip without the right music? Use the Music app with CarPlay to enjoy the entire Apple Music catalog if you are subscribed. Of course, you can also listen to anything you bought on iTunes.
Open the app to browse through your library and saved playlists. It’s also easy to ask Siri to tap your favorite artists, albums, genres, and more.
5. Podcasts
Do you prefer podcasts over music on your trip? Use the Podcasts app to access the programs you have subscribed to on your iPhone.
Siri can also help with commands like “Play the Really Useful Podcast” or “Fast Forward a Minute”.
Third-party Apple CarPlay apps
While the above apps come pre-installed on every iPhone, various third-party apps also work with CarPlay. While there isn’t a ton to choose from, they all support Siri for hands-free control.
On the CarPlay home screen, you will see icons for any CarPlay compatible apps you have installed on your iPhone. In addition to the apps below, CarPlay is also equipped to work with automaker apps to control the functions of your vehicle.
6. Waze
With iOS 12, Apple opened third-party navigation apps for use with CarPlay. Although Google Maps is also available, Waze is more different, that’s why we include it here.
Waze’s main draw is its community-sourced information. The app alerts you to nearby speed traps, construction zones, or road obstacles. Give it a try if you find Apple Maps mediocre.
To download: Waze (Free)
7. TuneIn Radio
Would you rather listen to the radio in the car, but don’t have a favorite station nearby? TuneIn Radio, one of the best radio apps for iOS, is available on CarPlay.
Using it, you can explore more than 100,000 radio stations from around the world. For quick access, save your favorites to your phone before you start driving.
To download: TuneIn Radio (Free, subscription available)
8. Audible
If you like audiobooks, Amazon’s Audible service is a great way to get your fix. A subscription allows you to download and maintain a new book every month, and there are tons of genres to choose from. If you don’t want to subscribe, you can buy books individually, although this is not as profitable.
Within the CarPlay app, you can play any downloaded audiobook, so be sure to save it offline while connected to Wi-Fi. Check out our best audible tips for more of the service.
To download: Audible (Free, subscription available)
9. WhatsApp
WhatsApp is one of the few third-party messaging apps available on CarPlay (Telegram is another). When you open it, you can simply choose to listen to unread messages read aloud or dictate a new message.
However, all the voice commands you would expect are here, so you can have Siri read your incoming messages and reply by voice. With the app installed, you’ll also see WhatsApp notifications on the CarPlay home screen (unless you’re in Do Not Disturb mode).
To download: WhatsApp (Free)
10. Spotify
If you don’t use Apple Music, you probably use Spotify for your music streaming. Like other music apps, you can browse your playlists and other saved music through the interface, or simply use Siri to start playing an album or genre. Spotify is also hosting podcasts now, so you can manage everything in one app.
Remember you will need Spotify Premium to listen without ads, save music offline, and disable shuffle mode.
To download: Spotify (Free, subscription available)
11. MLB
If you are a baseball fan, the MLB app helps you keep up to date with what’s going on in the league. With CarPlay, you can listen to game audio while driving, but you will need an MLB Audio subscription to do so. That subscription also unlocks other premium features, including condensed games.
With the free version, you can still watch the game of the day, but you can’t listen to it with CarPlay.
She is a freelance blogger, writer, and speaker, and writes for various entertainment magazines.