Basically, we could define Apple CarPlay as the iOS version for our car . We should not confuse it as an expanded version of our phone, but rather it basically consists of a simplified interface to allow us to use some of the key functions of our phone in the vehicle (effectively, reliably and, most importantly, one hundred percent safe).
This is because CarPlay offers us the possibility of carrying out many of the most basic functions, such as phone calls, text messages (through our voice), maps or music. In this way, we can keep our eyes on the road and not on our phone, with the obvious safety risks that this could pose.
In case we have an iPhone and a new car, it is likely that this already has CarPlay connectivity. Otherwise, we could buy a compatible unit, such as a music system that has this function (as well as Android Auto).
In any case, regardless of whether we choose one option or another, you should know that the main experience of use is always the same: an interface very similar to the typical interface found in iOS, so we go from our iPhone to the The car screen will basically offer us an intuitive and fluid experience, with whose design and organization we are already accustomed.
Setting up CarPlay for the first time
First of all, you must bear in mind that in order to use CarPlay, two basic aspects are necessary: that our vehicle has this functionality (that is, that it is compatible with CarPlay) and that our iPhone is equally compatible (it will be enough to have an iPhone 5 in forward running iOS 7.1 or higher).
In addition, we also need a standard Lightning to USB cable , as this is the necessary way to connect our iPhone to the car. Unless, yes, we have a wireless CarPlay solution in the car, which will offer us the possibility of using the app without having to take our iPhone out of our pocket, much less do it using cables.
One of the main advantages is that CarPlay starts automatically every time we connect the phone to the car via USB (or wirelessly). Although for this it is necessary to have configured it first.
To connect it for the first time, we can do it using two different options: connecting a Lightning to USB cable , such as the cable with which we charge our device daily, or connecting via Bluetooth (although, we repeat, this option is not available for all devices). vehicles).
How to connect to CarPlay via Lightning to USB cable
In case you choose the first option (with cable), it will be enough to connect it and, if it is the first time, unlock the iPhone to then allow the vehicle to have access to CarPlay from that moment.
Although we can use the charging cable that we use every day, if you plan to make regular use of CarPlay it is highly advisable to buy another compatible cable to always leave it connected to the vehicle. In this way, every time we enter it, it will only be enough to connect our device (instead of looking for the cable and connecting it every two by three).
How to connect to CarPlay via Bluetooth
If our car offers the possibility of connecting to CarPlay wirelessly (for example, while BMW was one of the first to do so in 2017, we have recently learned that through the Wireless SmartLink option, Skoda also offers this functionality without cables in the Kamiq and Scala), we can always do it without cables.
But you must bear in mind that the steps to follow will vary depending on the car, so it is advisable to consult the user guide to be sure of the instructions to follow to enable this option and use it.
However, in most cases it will be enough to activate Bluetooth in the car, press and hold the voice command button on the steering wheel for 5 seconds, on the iPhone launch the Settings app, touch General , select CarPlay and, finally, choose our vehicle in the list that will appear.
Once this is done, Apple CarPlay should start automatically every time we connect our device to the vehicle , either via USB cable or completely wirelessly.
