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Definition: CarPlay


The hands-free integration of Apple mobile devices into a vehicle's in-dash head unit, starting with iOS Version 7.1. Although iPod music as well as Bluetooth hands-free phones were built into cars for several years, CarPlay added Siri, navigation and messages. Introduced in 2014, more than a dozen automobile manufacturers offered CarPlay within the year. A year later, Google introduced the Android counterpart to CarPlay (see Android Auto). See Apple Car and SYNC.

More In-Dash Features Expected
Enhancements to CarPlay are expected that will make it function more like the head units built into vehicles. Camera integration and fuel efficiency are some of the features. Stay tuned! See head unit and in-dash navigation.




CarPlay Home Screen
CarPlay is built into iOS, Apple's mobile operating system. When an iPhone is plugged into a CarPlay-enabled auto, the in-dash screen shows the functions that CarPlay supports.