Apple CarPlay? Meh.

All in all, I’m fine with the O’Toyta () built-in NAV, call-making, text-reading, etc., although it certainly has its quirks, for sure...

As I read it, the biggest benefit is that it’s both on the car’s screen and also integrated with your phone’s other functionality. So, for example, if somebody texts you a map link, you can navigate to it, as viewed on the car’s own screen.

 

I really appreciate the Carplay setup for navigation on longer trips.

I got over the act of plugging it in along with buckling up my seat belt. Never felt like much of a tradeoff.

 

plugging it in is a first world problem

the ease of map use on google maps is leagues ahead of toyota's nav choice.

Plus it keeps the phone charged which is nice

I wonder if wired has less of a dealy issue than bluetooth.

 

Bluetooth will also use more battery life.

 

I agree with most people here... at first apple carplay seems basic, BUT the small integrations like typing on the phone rather than the screen, having siri access, mirroring on a bigger screen, sound quality (vs. bluetooth), less lag, etc. I dont think I can go back to no carplay... Hence I waited for the 2020 prime.

 

i would just like it for google nav vs toyota trash

 

If the car has it. Not all Carplay equipped cars do.

 

Forgot about that... HUGE HUGE perk.

 

I am considering getting a Iphone after using an Android for the last 10 years. Using carplay in my cars is a big plus from what I have seen. My family mostly has Iphones and they love them for the most part. Another benefit is I like keeping up on technology and shifting computer platforms helps you stay sharp. There is only two platforms left here in the US and I want to stay current with them. I think they have pluses and minuses but do the same things at this point and are equally amazing.

 

Like everyone else, I was a bit disappointed by having to plug my phone in. In fact a few times I realized it was still plugged in as I was checking out in the grocery store (the phone is also my wallet). It also refuses to start up at times unless I fiddle with the phone. Eventually CarPlay starts but I haven’t figured out how to get it to reliably do so on demand.
Overall, though, I would still want it on any car with a screen. There is clearly room for improvement, though.

 

There are now aftermarket wireless carplay/auto solutions that connect to the headunit's USB port. IIRC most of these wireless adapter solutions, which are cheaper obviously than buying a whole new wireless headunit, only work with an OEM headunit that is android based.

Random example (not a recommendation): Carplay Dongle Display USB Adapter Auto Smartphone Link Receiver Map/Music/Navigation For Android For IPhone - Walmart.com - Walmart.com

YMMV

 

For me, if Toyota keeps the same rebate deal as they did for the past years, trading in my 2020 PP LE to 2021 PP LE to use the Android Auto with my good old Pixel XL would be cheaper than buying a new iPhone 12. lol

I just can not justify paying that much for a phone. Not a big Apple fan. Unless they change the marketing strategy, I will not buy their product.

 

Well after 10+ years I am using an Apple Iphone12 and Carplay. It works well and is easy. i would recommend the switch if your cars only have Carplay like my Prius Prime and BMW's. If anything Apple software is easier that Android but both have improved and work well. i also like how now I now know both cell phone systems pretty well which keeps my tech skills sharp.

 

Coming to a car with CarPlay built-in after having using my phone in a car mount for so many years is like a whole new world for me right now. Really refreshing to see maps and music from the phone on the screen and I like how it really allows me to put the phone away and just get the essential functions I need. (I'm sure it must be the same experience for Android Auto)

I feel like plugging-in for now is a small price to pay but then again I'm a newb; I'm sure I'll want wireless once I get used to it. Though, I heard there are USB dongles that can provide wireless CarPlay these days...

 

Another option is getting an Apple Se Iphone or a Iphone 11 on sale so you can keep your 2020. The phone switch is easy. I still use Gmail and Google photos and all the same music, waze, google maps, search engines and a ton of apps. I have switched from an Iphone to Android a few times in the past but they have made it really easy now. Easier and cheaper than changing cars that is for sure. I really can't say if Iphone or Android is better than the other as they do the same functions. I also haven't found any key feature one can do that the other can't do. And lastly the Apple Carplay on the Prius prime is fine even if you have to plug it in. It is worth the effort to switch phones.

 

Thanks for the reply. I just sold my 2020 PP for a ~$4000 profit. Dropping it off tomorrow. I didn't sell it to just change to 2021 PP to use AA, but as I said, I am not going to buy Apple products. And I am not driving a car much currently, so all are moot points for me. I have not decided what to get for my next car. It may be a newer PP again or might be Rav4Prime, but more likely a BEV like Leaf or Kona. In any case, they should all have AA by the time I need my next daily drive.