Mad Mac Maniac
macrumors 601
do you need to buy a mount/dock for your iphone to use its mic, or can you leave your iphone in your pocket?
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Do any new cars include iPhone compatibility?
- Thread starter Kwill
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
do you need to buy a mount/dock for your iphone to use its mic, or can you leave your iphone in your pocket?
09 Yukon and 10 Lexus RX350
Ok couple things here...
i have an 09 Yukon Denali, it has an aux jack on the front of the unit, by the cd loader...You cant control the Iphone with the OE interface. It connects via bluetooth, for calls only. The 2010 version has a usb interface, not sure how it works.
I also have a 2010 Lexus RX350. This car has Aux, USB, and Bluetooth connectivity. The USB connectivity was hit or miss for the iphone, sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't. When it did work the OE interface on the nav screen is excellent. It works always with an ipod...not sure why the iphone gives it problems.
The bluetooth connection works for both calls and music, but you cant control the music from the OE interface
I have not tried the AUX connection
Ok couple things here...
i have an 09 Yukon Denali, it has an aux jack on the front of the unit, by the cd loader...You cant control the Iphone with the OE interface. It connects via bluetooth, for calls only. The 2010 version has a usb interface, not sure how it works.
I also have a 2010 Lexus RX350. This car has Aux, USB, and Bluetooth connectivity. The USB connectivity was hit or miss for the iphone, sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't. When it did work the OE interface on the nav screen is excellent. It works always with an ipod...not sure why the iphone gives it problems.
The bluetooth connection works for both calls and music, but you cant control the music from the OE interface
I have not tried the AUX connection
My wife just got a Ford Escape Limited a few months back and it has Sync. Makes me jealous how easy the interface works. Plug in my iPhone and I'm good to go. The Bluetooth functionality rivals BMW's integration as well. I do agree it's one of the top reasons to buy a Ford along with the dramatically improved build quality.
A car with built in USB will work if you need the car now. Other wise have to wait at least till WWDC to see 100% what kind of dock it will have/need.
I have a 2010 Lincoln MKZ with Navigation, Sync and Bliss. Voice commands for just about everything including sports, weather, destination etc. The Navteq maps are very outdated though.
Iphone 3GS syncs perfectly including the address book.
I just use a simple aux-in cable. Of course, I needed a stupid little adaptor when I had my iPhone 2G, but the 3G allowed me to get rid of that.
That beats the crap out of the myTouch 3G I am using until the next iPhone comes out though. The stupid thing uses a proprietary USB/headphone jack connection, which you need an adaptor to plug in a normal headphone jack. So I have been sadly stuck without Pandora for a couple of weeks now.
That beats the crap out of the myTouch 3G I am using until the next iPhone comes out though. The stupid thing uses a proprietary USB/headphone jack connection, which you need an adaptor to plug in a normal headphone jack. So I have been sadly stuck without Pandora for a couple of weeks now.
I have an infiniti with bluetooth and its iPhone compatible.
I have the original iPhone, it charges and plays.
**** I have read the newer model iPhones dont charge is this true??***
The infiniti bluetooth wont read and download your address book, you'll have to enter that info yourself and i think you have only up to 30 contacts if im not mistaken.
The iPhone/iPod set up is only available with navigation (my car is a G37 2008). To be honest its very glitchy and takes a while to scroll through songs. Playlist appear and so do podcast. if the podcast is broken up into chapters you can skip between chapters (this feature was added with OS 2.0 update)
I have the original iPhone, it charges and plays.
**** I have read the newer model iPhones dont charge is this true??***
The infiniti bluetooth wont read and download your address book, you'll have to enter that info yourself and i think you have only up to 30 contacts if im not mistaken.
The iPhone/iPod set up is only available with navigation (my car is a G37 2008). To be honest its very glitchy and takes a while to scroll through songs. Playlist appear and so do podcast. if the podcast is broken up into chapters you can skip between chapters (this feature was added with OS 2.0 update)
iPhone 3G and up has a USB-based charging port, whereas the 2G and earlier iPods had firewire-based charging ports. While my current dock connector on the 2010 Mazda is USB and thus charges the 3G/3GS just fine, I had an older Chevy Tahoe that had an aftermarket Firewire cable only. I had to go buy one of these to make it charge (and it worked like a charm!).
http://www.amazon.com/Scosche-passPORT-Charging-Adapter-iPhone/dp/B001HN6CVA
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
My iPhone works fine in my 2003 Jeep Liberty using the Mopar iPod Integration Kit. The only downside is that it doesn't charge the phone. But that's why I have a car charger. 
I have a '08 Civic. My iPhone 3G is hooked up via AUX and charges via USB. Music/Speaker phone plays just fine. Though sometimes I find it so much easier to just burn a quick CD mix!
iDrive on BMW Z4 and 5 series both work great with my 3G, although neither car charges my iPhone, while my older pre-updated iDrive 6 series does charge although the playing and selecting of songs is quite a bit less intuitive on that model (anyone know why it doesn't charge on the newer cars?). I also have a Range Rover Sport with iPod integration, but I am not completely happy with that. Along with randomly removing playlists and being much more difficult to navigate, it also doesn't charge the phone.
Long time lurker...
I would like to add something before anyone runs out to buy a BMW...
The iPod kit work PERFECTLY with the iPhone 3G (the OLD one), but IT DOESN'T RECHARGE the iPhone 3GS (it charges only if your iPhone is above 98% of charge and than it says charge not supported).
You can find several threads on various forums about this (even in the Apple support ones) and has been confirmed by BMW several times to me (I ask them every month since I got a 3GS)...I have even saw a internal BMW memo stating this (the problem has been there forever and they really seem uninterested in solving this, it needs an adaptor or a new cable).
Needless to say that I'm VERY disappointed....it's impossible to use a navigator and hear the music so for more than 2 hours.
The white original cable charges perfectly the 3GS in the car (but you cannot control the iPod function without the BMW cable).
As for the phone placing...probably I'm the only one in the world, but I like to have my iPhone in front of me (ie...using a navigator, looking at maps...)
So...I really do not like where almost all car contructors place the usb port/iPod connection (typically in the armrest, usually with super short cables)...forces me to buy extension cables which transform the cockpit in a mess.
A simple iPod port near the radio or above the vents would be perfect (along with using the original Apple cable, so you do not have compatibility problems).
Just my two cents...
I would like to add something before anyone runs out to buy a BMW...
The iPod kit work PERFECTLY with the iPhone 3G (the OLD one), but IT DOESN'T RECHARGE the iPhone 3GS (it charges only if your iPhone is above 98% of charge and than it says charge not supported).
You can find several threads on various forums about this (even in the Apple support ones) and has been confirmed by BMW several times to me (I ask them every month since I got a 3GS)...I have even saw a internal BMW memo stating this (the problem has been there forever and they really seem uninterested in solving this, it needs an adaptor or a new cable).
Needless to say that I'm VERY disappointed....it's impossible to use a navigator and hear the music so for more than 2 hours.
The white original cable charges perfectly the 3GS in the car (but you cannot control the iPod function without the BMW cable).
As for the phone placing...probably I'm the only one in the world, but I like to have my iPhone in front of me (ie...using a navigator, looking at maps...)
So...I really do not like where almost all car contructors place the usb port/iPod connection (typically in the armrest, usually with super short cables)...forces me to buy extension cables which transform the cockpit in a mess.
A simple iPod port near the radio or above the vents would be perfect (along with using the original Apple cable, so you do not have compatibility problems).
Just my two cents...
No Honda love?
I don't have a BMW like everyone else, but I do have a 2009 Honda Civic, and the USB cord is in the armrest like pretty much everyone else. You can hook up any USB mass storage device and it'll automatically find the music for you, but for the best results, plug in any iPod or iPhone.
I have my iPhone 3GS constantly on me, with my entire music collection, so it's nice to be able to dock the iPhone in the armrest, and control through the steering wheel controls or dash controls (no special cord required like the BMWs). Also, whenever you get a call, the music turns down and you can talk, then when you hang up, the music turns back up from where you left off. Another plus it the USB hookup charges the phone for you as well, so I've been using Navigon and it's been FLAWLESS. Never runs out of battery, when my music is playing, the sound decreases and the Navigon voice tells me the directions, then the sound turns back up. Love it.
Any 2009 or above Honda has iPhone/iPod support.
I don't have a BMW like everyone else, but I do have a 2009 Honda Civic, and the USB cord is in the armrest like pretty much everyone else. You can hook up any USB mass storage device and it'll automatically find the music for you, but for the best results, plug in any iPod or iPhone.
I have my iPhone 3GS constantly on me, with my entire music collection, so it's nice to be able to dock the iPhone in the armrest, and control through the steering wheel controls or dash controls (no special cord required like the BMWs). Also, whenever you get a call, the music turns down and you can talk, then when you hang up, the music turns back up from where you left off. Another plus it the USB hookup charges the phone for you as well, so I've been using Navigon and it's been FLAWLESS. Never runs out of battery, when my music is playing, the sound decreases and the Navigon voice tells me the directions, then the sound turns back up. Love it.
Any 2009 or above Honda has iPhone/iPod support.
wow nice little compartment / setup you got there...
for my old school 92 BMW, my iPhone compatibility = Dynex Cassette / headphone jack + iPhone / 20Gb iPod Color.
It works pretty well, sound quality is better than any FM transmitter I've used.
I still need to find a good iPod car charger though...
http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10826&cs_id=1082602&p_id=3523&seq=1&format=2
http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10831&cs_id=1083101&p_id=6228&seq=1&format=2
And the best thing, it's only $3.
Alternatively, the two-footer:
http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10831&cs_id=1083101&p_id=6227&seq=1&format=2
Same setup in my '02 Intrigue, by the way. A Belkin adapter (my parents thought that $15 was a good deal.. their money, not mine) with that cable, and probably the exact same Dynex cassette you have.
Turns it into a shuffle
I have a 2010 Honda Fit, which has a dashboard compartment with a built in USB hookup. There is also an AUX jack in the front of my system, should I want to plug in that way.
When I plug into the USB built in cord, it charges, but it also turns my iPhone into a glorified ipod suffle. The phone's screen locks out and you can only use the built in Honda stero to controll. Basically, it puts the songs in alpha order and plays them that way the same every time, unless you choose random. You can not use your screen, choose an albumb and play what you want. Not with the built in USB that is.
I have a 2010 Honda Fit, which has a dashboard compartment with a built in USB hookup. There is also an AUX jack in the front of my system, should I want to plug in that way.
When I plug into the USB built in cord, it charges, but it also turns my iPhone into a glorified ipod suffle. The phone's screen locks out and you can only use the built in Honda stero to controll. Basically, it puts the songs in alpha order and plays them that way the same every time, unless you choose random. You can not use your screen, choose an albumb and play what you want. Not with the built in USB that is.
MINIs have an option to get a "Smartphone" armrest. You buy the insert that matches your phone (ie, iPhone 3GS) and it is perfectly customized to securely hold/charge/access the music from your iPhone through your main car display.
It also has a separate iPod cable, but that only works if you don't have an iPhone in the armrest.
It also has a separate iPod cable, but that only works if you don't have an iPhone in the armrest.
Thank for the link, heres hoping the new iPhone will have an accessory that can be used that both charges and plays!
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
Mad Mac Maniac
macrumors 601
Thanks for this info. I'm considering getting a Honda civic or accord. But how does this compare to the Ford SYNC feature? because I'm also considering the Ford Fusion or Taurus. I've heard a lot of good things about SYNC.
Any voice activated/hands free calling for the honda?
Just remove the factory stereo and get this installed:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXbQSYpKawM&feature=related
Just got it installed and Pandora link and iPhone integration is slick.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXbQSYpKawM&feature=related
Just got it installed and Pandora link and iPhone integration is slick.
Alpine has similar Pandora integration. I'm not sure how it compares to the Pioneer.
Any car with the Ford "Sync" system will be your best bet. Those cars are have been built for this kind of technology and you won't find any better integration between technology and your car. I would strongly recommend a Ford Fusion. The build quality is there and the ride is quite nice. Good luck with the 300
Ford? It's all about not being able to break ya know.