Introduced with iOS 7 in 2014, Apple CarPlay simplifies the process of navigation, music playback, messaging, and more through the vehicle’s touchscreen dashboard. It undeniably provides a dependable and safe way to access your iPhone applications without the need to physically handle or glance at your device while driving. In this article, we will highlight some of the top Apple CarPlay applications that every driver should consider. We have curated a selection of the finest navigation, music, and practical iPhone apps that are compatible with CarPlay, ensuring you remain entertained and connected while on the road.
Cars With Apple CarPlay Support In India
The five top cars with Apple CarPlay Support in India are-
- Mahindra XUV3XO
- Maruti Fronx
- Mahindra XUV 700
- Hyundai Creta
- Mahindra Scorpio N
ALSO SEE: Sony IMX882 Sensor Mobile Phones in India 2024
14 Best CarPlay Apps that can be your travel companion
1. Google Maps
Road trip means a long journey and every long journey becomes easier to navigate with Google Maps. By default, the Apple Maps application is available through CarPlay. However, if you find Apple Maps not up to the mark, you can use Google Maps on Apple CarPlay. The app offers real-time traffic updates which allows the traveler to dodge crowded and slower routes. Offline navigation is also available along with the ability to look up locations along the way. Google Assistant keeps guiding you about the needed directions and it works seamlessly with Siri commands.
Google Maps offers a simplified dashboard view of CarPlay which also shows navigation and important controls like music, phone, and more. Speedometer and speed limit warnings have also been included in the CarPlay display. All in all, it is a handy app for any kind of road trip.
2. WhatsApp
Apple does offer its own messaging app, iMessage with CarPlay, but WhatsApp can also be useful. WhatsApp for CarPlay offers the capability to hear unread messages or dictate a new message. WhatsApp notifications will come through to the CarPlay home screen and you will also be able to see the contact or group chat name at the top of the display. WhatsApp messages can’t be read from the screen but you can tap on the screen to ask Siri to read them for you and simultaneously respond to them. If you are traveling with someone and don’t want them to hear your messages, you can always save them for later. WhatsApp is one of the best messaging apps for CarPlay.
3. Phone App
When traveling, you not only need a messaging app but also a Phone app. The phone app is the first-party app that has a seamless integration with CarPlay. Due to this integration, you can make or receive calls from your car’s touchscreen display or from the controls on the steering wheel. The Phone app shows contacts, recent call logs, dialer, voicemail, and more options. One can easily call up favorites or people you have recently contacted. If you are driving, you can even ask Siri to make a phone call for you. Phone App is one of the best to let you stay connected with the world while traveling.
4. Audible
Are you an e-book lover? If yes, Amazon’s Audible app for CarPlay can be one of the most enjoyable apps for you. Audible app offers a library of audiobooks, downloaded and otherwise which can be played on the go. It has a simple user interface and one just has to tap on a book to start hearing it. Also, if you pause the book in the middle, it will resume from where you had left off. There are large playback controls that make it simple to pause, play, and skip 30 seconds forward or backward without getting distracted. If you have an Audible Plus or Audible Premium Plus subscription, the catalog of books will be even larger with 1000s of podcasts, titles, and originals. Premium members can download a new book every month and keep it forever. You can pre-download books and play them while traveling in the car, even if you are offline while traveling.
5. Zoom
Zoom app comes in handy for those who need to stay in business mode while they are driving or traveling. Zoom Mobile Meetings are a snap that allows you to audibly connect and collaborate when the phone is connected to CarPlay. There is an option to accept Zoom calls which is displayed on the CarPlay interface. If you want to initiate a Zoom call, CarPlay will prompt you to ask Siri to make a call or ask you to put the vehicle into the park before sending out the call invite. Once the call gets accepted, Zoom call time and meeting controls will appear on the CarPlay interface. The video conferencing feature isn’t available due to CarPlay’s built-in safety features.
6. iHeart: Radio, Podcasts & Music
iHeart is an all-in-one audio entertainment CarPlay application that offers access to a huge music library, along with 1000s of radio stations and popular podcasts in one place. The driver can browse through local FM and AM radio stations covering news, music, sports, talk shows, comedy shows, and more. It also broadcasts the latest sports discussions on NBA, NFL, and more through radio stations like ESPN Radio and Fox Sports Radio.
7. onX Offroad
The app is meant for those who are fond of adventure. It is a powerful tool when integrated with CarPlay app as it offers exceptional navigation for off-road adventures. It has an extensive database of off-road trails, recreation areas, and points of interest offering drivers detailed and up-to-date information needed for planning and executing excursions. OnX Offroad offers comprehensive mapping data if you want remote trails, scenic viewpoints, or camping spots. One can even download and run offline mapping to offer navigation details in areas with less or no cellular coverage.
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8. Spotify
Those who love listening to music can make their journey memorable by playing music. CarPlay offers support for the Apple Music app. However, if you don’t like it, you can go for the Spotify app. Spotify is one of the most popular music streaming apps and offers over 100 million songs to listen to. If you subscribe to Spotify, you can stream music for free without any ads along with listening to it offline. The app has a clean and intuitive interface so it is easy to browse. You can access your playlists and use Siri to play an album, singer, or genre. The playlists are shareable so you can share them even with your non-apple friends. The app not only has songs but also podcasts and audiobooks for entertainment.
9. ChargePoint
The app will be handy if you own an electric car. When you are on a long road trip, you will need to charge your EV on the way. The ChargePoint app allows you to connect to the world’s largest EV charging network that includes hundreds of stations and roaming partners to choose from. The application also offers real-time notifications and reminders about the charging status of your vehicle. It also tells you about nearby stations and a charging session’s cost. Since you can access all this information right from the CarPlay in-vehicle display, you can decide where you want to charge your EV beforehand. It is a must-have app for electric car owners.
10. ESPN
ESPN is a sports app for CarPlay. It offers comprehensive coverage of a wide range of sports like football, basketball, baseball, hockey, and more. The app keeps sports lovers entertained and informed while they are on the road. There is access to live scores, game highlights, news updates, and expert analysis to stay up to date with the latest happenings in the world of sports. Drivers can easily browse through various sports and access what they want to with minimal distractions.
11. Waze
Waze is one of the popular navigation applications that relies on community-sourced information to make your travel stress-free. The app offers real-time directions and safety alerts so that it can warn you against work in progress, accidents, crashes, constructions, and traffic jams. It even tells about potholes that might be on your way. The app allows you to change your route to prevent obstacles. The driver will get to know about where the cops are, where red lights are, and even the speed camera location so that an appropriate route can be chosen. It works smartly to make ETA as low as physically possible.
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12. Overcast
Overcast is a premier podcast app for CarPlay because of its comprehensive features tailored specifically for podcast enthusiasts. It has a user-friendly interface optimized for CarPlay, with features like easy-to-navigate menus and intuitive controls that minimize distractions while driving. The recommendation and discovery system is one of the stand-out features that suggests podcasts based on listening preferences. This gives a personalized touch and discover fresh content aligned with your choices.
13. Weather on the Way
Although there are plenty of apps that give weather updates on CarPlay, there are limited ones that allow you to track the weather on your way. Weather on the Way is one such application that is a unique and super useful app that tells you about the weather you will experience on the way to the destination. The weather along your route not only affects road conditions but also changes the way you drive. You can slow down the speed and carefully drive through a patch of heavy rain. You can even pick your route with the best weather conditions. The app also gives you real-time alerts as and when you drive. This app allows you to stay prepared for road trips and avoid unexpected delays.
14. ETA
The ETA app provides real-time travel time estimates to your destination by factoring in driving, public transit, cycling, and walking times individually. It also alerts you to any potential delays along your route. Specifically designed for the iOS home screen of CarPlay, this app allows for easy access to your favorite and commonly visited locations, with travel time and traffic conditions prominently displayed.
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