The next generation of infotainment systems' operation and supported mobile operating systems confound many consumers who are unfamiliar with them. In this article, we will discuss whether Carplay is compatible with Android devices.
Two smartphone integration technologies, Android Auto and Carplay, let you use your phone while driving more safely. Both systems enable you to view information and interact with your phone via an in-vehicle display while using your phone to handle the heavy lifting of running apps and placing calls. Only Android phones can use Android Auto, whereas iPhones can only use Carplay modules. Although the functionality of each system is similar, there are some significant variances.
Can an Android phone be used with Apple Carplay?
Even though they do comparable tasks, Carplay and Android Auto each use a different manufacturer's operating system. These cannot coexist since they are fundamentally different. But if you purchase a head unit that supports both Carplay and Android Auto you will be able to switch between them at will or allow those who use your car but have a phone with a different OS to benefit from the head unit.
Every iPhone released since the late 2012 launch of the iPhone 5 supports Carplay. All the way up to the most recent iPhone 14 range, this includes more affordable gadgets like the iPhone 5C and iPhone SE of the first generation.
When it was introduced in 2014, Carplay was a very specialized piece of software, but it has since become widely used in the automotive sector. Given this, it will be difficult to find a car manufacturer that does not offer Carplay in some capacity.
Almost all of the major automakers support Carplay, which is currently available in more than 600 vehicles. The list of Apple Car-compatible vehicles provides information on the automakers and models that enable Carplay. However, it is always a good idea to confirm Carplay functionality for any vehicle you are considering purchasing.
As more vehicles run on the new Android Automotive OS, they are also turning to Google for their software requirements.
The good news is that even if your car uses the Android Automotive OS, Carplay will still function.
Features and Accessibility
Similar features and accessibility can be found in both Android Auto and Apple Carplay. Few vehicles that do not support Android Auto have Carplay, but most new cars that have one also have the other. Most people's choice of phone will be the deciding factor, as there is minimal benefit to switching from an Android to an iPhone to use Carplay, and vice versa.
Divergent Interfaces and Voice Assistants
Divergent interfaces, voice assistants, and interoperability with third-party apps are a few notable variances. Additionally, they each employ a separate default navigation app: Carplay uses Apple Maps by default, whereas Android Auto uses Google Maps by default. However, both of them let you change to a different navigation app if you so want.
Default Navigation App and Interoperability
Both Apple Carplay and Android Auto have excellent user interfaces. Carplay's interface used to be more aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly, but Android Auto has caught up with a customizable interface. You may choose whatever apps you wish to see on the screen with Android Auto, and you can launch two or three apps at once using the split screen feature.
User Interface Customization and Split-Screen Feature
While Carplay lacks that level of personalization, it does feature a well-designed UI that combines music, Siri suggestions, and navigation on a single screen without the use of a split-screen layout.
Default Navigation App and Map Options
While Carplay uses Apple Maps by default, Android Auto utilizes Google Maps by default. Although Android Auto and Carplay let you switch between multiple map apps, you can ultimately use whatever you choose even if Google Maps is typically the preferable option.
In contrast to Carplay, which requires you to tap arrow buttons to move the map view and return to the route options to change your route, Android Auto lets you zoom in and out to see more of your route and tap gray alternative to do so, just like you would on your phone.
App Compatibility and Third-Party Support
Although Apple Carplay has a large number of apps with no significant flaws, Android Auto also has better compatibility with third-party apps. The majority of Google apps, including Google Calendar and Google Maps, are compatible with Apple Carplay, while Android Auto only supports Apple Music.
Google Assistant and Siri Integration
Google Assistant and Siri are the AI speech assistants at the heart of both Android Auto and Apple Carplay's hands-free features. They all have the same fundamental features, including the ability to play music, create and alter navigation routes, send and receive hands-free calls and texts, and more.
While both have comparable features, Google Assistant excels at natural language processing and third-party integration. This implies that it can use more apps and understands your voice instructions better.
Similar features are provided by Android Auto and Apple Carplay, and the majority of vehicles that support one also support the other. In light of this, there are not many reasons to select one over the other save than compatibility with your phone. Both feature well-designed user interfaces, a range of music and podcast apps, hands-free calling, messaging, and navigation. The user interface of Android Auto allows for more customization, and Google Assistant is more potent than Siri. Still, unless you are already in the market for a new phone, there isn't enough of a difference to warrant switching.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Apple Carplay does not work with Android phones. Because they run on separate operating systems, Carplay and Android Auto are incompatible. However, if your head unit is compatible with both Android Auto and Carplay, you may switch between the two at will or let passengers with other phone operating systems use the head unit in your car. Over 600 automobiles provide Carplay, which is extensively supported by major automakers.
Android Auto is also becoming more common as more cars embrace the Android Automotive OS. Both Carplay and Android Auto provide comparable functionality and accessibility, so which one you choose usually depends on your own preferences and your phone's compatibility. Although they offer different interfaces, voice assistants, and pre-installed navigation apps, both support customization and app swapping.
While Carplay screens offer a well-designed interface combining music, Siri suggestions, and navigation on a single screen, Android Auto offers better interoperability with third-party apps. In comparison to Siri, Google Assistant outperforms it in natural language understanding and third-party integration.
