Why does CarPlay need WiFi?

[Baritone_Guy]

Why does wireless CarPlay need WiFi. While my vehicle does have a hotspot I do not have a data plan for it.

Also, when I setup CarPlay it asked me to enable wireless which I did but it never asked for the Hotspot password.

I don’t understand.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Bichon]

Wireless CarPlay uses wifi for most communication between the head unit in the car and the iPhone.

There are some really informative videos from presentations at past Apple WWDC conferences.

Developing Wireless CarPlay Systems - WWDC17 - Videos - Apple Developer

Wireless CarPlay is perfect for any trip. Get in your car without taking your iPhone out of your bag or pocket, and start experiencing...

developer.apple.com

 

[iStorm]

It doesn't need a Wi-Fi network with data or a hotspot. It just needs Wi-Fi enabled so it can connect to the CarPlay network. It's essentially a wireless ad hoc network so that the two devices can communicate.

Connect iPhone to CarPlay

Set up CarPlay by connecting your iPhone and your vehicle using your vehicle’s USB port or its wireless capability.

support.apple.com

 

[Baritone_Guy]

It doesn't need a Wi-Fi network with data or a hotspot. It just needs Wi-Fi enabled so it can connect to the CarPlay network. It's essentially a wireless ad hoc network so that the two devices can communicate.

Connect iPhone to CarPlay

Set up CarPlay by connecting your iPhone and your vehicle using your vehicle’s USB port or its wireless capability.

support.apple.com

If I turn the hotspot off in my car (GM) wireless CarPlay does not work. However I get the adhoc network idea. There are other devices like that.

Thank you.

 

[Baritone_Guy]

Wireless CarPlay uses wifi for most communication between the head unit in the car and the iPhone.

There are some really informative videos from presentations at past Apple WWDC conferences.

Developing Wireless CarPlay Systems - WWDC17 - Videos - Apple Developer

Wireless CarPlay is perfect for any trip. Get in your car without taking your iPhone out of your bag or pocket, and start experiencing...

developer.apple.com

Got it. Thank you.