CarPlay CarPlay Buyer - Couple questions

[TheArgonaut]

Hi folks,

I'm looking into buying a CarPlay head unit and wanted to know if you all had recommendations about what to look for or specific model head units even. I'm not totally sure I understand how CarPlay works at this point so looking to get started into my research. I guess my main question is, does CarPlay function the same on any head units that has CarPlay capabilities? I see CarPlay head units that have redundant features like Maps and such which I'm assuming is just there for folks that aren't going to use CarPlay or Android Auto but want to make sure. Here are my list of things I'm looking for and also I wanted to know if all or just some models include the following:

1. Wheel button controls - I'm assuming that not all head units can do this and it has nothing to do with CarPlay really but more a hardware enablement.
2. USB port connectivity to USB port in my seat storage box - I have an Aux port that connects to my current head unit that came with my Jeep in the center console box (not sure if that's what it is called but the box for storage in between the two front seats). Again, I'm assuming this is a hardware specific thing for the head unit regardless of CarPlay
3. Apple Maps - Do all CarPlay head units support Apple Maps?
4. Aux Port - I would like to have a head unit with a front Aux 3.5mm jack.
5. Physical buttons - I would like to have a head unit with physical buttons for basic things like volume.
6. Connect to Mic in car - My Jeep has a built in Mic above the driver's seat which I would want the head unit to be able to connect to and use for calls.

Most of these items I'm including if someone can recommend specific head units and I understand are not directly related to CarPlay. So again looking for recommendations that include these features and any info on what to look for based on your experience with CarPlay enabled head units. Help appreciated. Thanks!

 

[AZhappyjack]

Hi folks,

I'm looking into buying a CarPlay head unit and wanted to know if you all had recommendations about what to look for or specific model head units even. I'm not totally sure I understand how CarPlay works at this point so looking to get started into my research. I guess my main question is, does CarPlay function the same on any head units that has CarPlay capabilities? I see CarPlay head units that have redundant features like Maps and such which I'm assuming is just there for folks that aren't going to use CarPlay or Android Auto but want to make sure. Here are my list of things I'm looking for and also I wanted to know if all or just some models include the following:

1. Wheel button controls - I'm assuming that not all head units can do this and it has nothing to do with CarPlay really but more a hardware enablement.
2. USB port connectivity to USB port in my seat storage box - I have an Aux port that connects to my current head unit that came with my Jeep in the center console box (not sure if that's what it is called but the box for storage in between the two front seats). Again, I'm assuming this is a hardware specific thing for the head unit regardless of CarPlay
3. Apple Maps - Do all CarPlay head units support Apple Maps?
4. Aux Port - I would like to have a head unit with a front Aux 3.5mm jack.
5. Physical buttons - I would like to have a head unit with physical buttons for basic things like volume.
6. Connect to Mic in car - My Jeep has a built in Mic above the driver's seat which I would want the head unit to be able to connect to and use for calls.

Most of these items I'm including if someone can recommend specific head units and I understand are not directly related to CarPlay. So again looking for recommendations that include these features and any info on what to look for based on your experience with CarPlay enabled head units. Help appreciated. Thanks!

Think of the CarPlay feature as a display for your iPhone... basically, it will display any app or action that your phone supplies, within the guidelines set by Apple for safety, etc (e.g., no ability to display video/movies/etc).

With that said, the physical operation of the head unit may differ from brand to brand, with regard to buttons, dials, etc.

Most stock head units will provide a USB port somewhere on the console to physically connect your phone to the unit... and thankfully, wireless CarPlay is finally becoming more ubiquitous... most third party head units (Alpine, Pioneer, etc) have a USB port on the back of the head unit, and offer a pigtail that you can plug your phone into... and many now offer wireless CarPlay.

Most auto manufacturer stock head units offer some level of infotainment system, including things like navigation and satellite radio. These can be used independent of CarPlay, or as standard for those who don't use CarPlay. My wife refuses to use CarPlay as a matter of preference and relies instead on the SYNC3 infotainment system in her Ford Edge. When I drive, I always use CarPlay, and both function equally well, essentially.

Apple Maps and any other app approved by Apple for use in CarPlay will work on all CarPlay enabled head units... these include map apps, music/podcasting apps, etc.

Aftermarket head units can be affected by mic placement... for auto manufacturers stock units, the mic is typically placed in the headliner above the driver seat. With the 3rd party/aftermarket head units, it usually goes somewhere in the dash/instrument cluster, so there can be a difference in outgoing audio quality.

Good luck with your search!

 

[TheArgonaut]

Think of the CarPlay feature as a display for your iPhone... basically, it will display any app or action that your phone supplies, within the guidelines set by Apple for safety, etc (e.g., no ability to display video/movies/etc).

With that said, the physical operation of the head unit may differ from brand to brand, with regard to buttons, dials, etc.

Most stock head units will provide a USB port somewhere on the console to physically connect your phone to the unit... and thankfully, wireless CarPlay is finally becoming more ubiquitous... most third party head units (Alpine, Pioneer, etc) have a USB port on the back of the head unit, and offer a pigtail that you can plug your phone into... and many now offer wireless CarPlay.

Most auto manufacturer stock head units offer some level of infotainment system, including things like navigation and satellite radio. These can be used independent of CarPlay, or as standard for those who don't use CarPlay. My wife refuses to use CarPlay as a matter of preference and relies instead on the SYNC3 infotainment system in her Ford Edge. When I drive, I always use CarPlay, and both function equally well, essentially.

Apple Maps and any other app approved by Apple for use in CarPlay will work on all CarPlay enabled head units... these include map apps, music/podcasting apps, etc.

Aftermarket head units can be affected by mic placement... for auto manufacturers stock units, the mic is typically placed in the headliner above the driver seat. With the 3rd party/aftermarket head units, it usually goes somewhere in the dash/instrument cluster, so there can be a difference in outgoing audio quality.

Good luck with your search!

Hey there. Thanks so much for your post and info. You cleared up my main question which is if the CarPlay experience is the same across all receivers with CarPlay and it sounds like that is the case and the rest comes down to specific hardware items (buttons, Aux, etc). If that's not right please let me know but it sounds like it is. Thanks so much for taking the time to reply.

 

[AZhappyjack]

Hey there. Thanks so much for your post and info. You cleared up my main question which is if the CarPlay experience is the same across all receivers with CarPlay and it sounds like that is the case and the rest comes down to specific hardware items (buttons, Aux, etc). If that's not right please let me know but it sounds like it is. Thanks so much for taking the time to reply.

You are correct... dials, buttons, etc may vary from unit to unit, but the basic CarPlay functionality is consistent across manufacturers and models... the biggest question is wired or wireless...

Also, there are kits for most auto/aftermarket head unit combination to allow full use of steering wheel controls, which is a godsend, IMO.

 

[Canyda]

After driving a rental this weekend with a brand new CarPlay system I'm now looking at getting an after market head unit for my 2018 Toyota vehicle.

Some additional questions:

1) I see a lot of after market units also serve as backup cameras. My CHR has a backup camera, but the display for the camera output is in the rear-view mirror, not the built-in Toyota infotainment unit. Will adding a new head unit switch the display to the new unit? Or would it stay with the rear-view mirror?

2) Similarly, my CHR already has a USB port that connects my iPhone to the Toyota infotainment system for music and phone calls and the like. Would I continue to use this port with a new head unit, or would the new head unit want me to connect to its USB port instead?

Thanks!