For the car
What is wireless CarPlay and how does it work?
Wireless CarPlay shows your iPhone apps on the car screen — maps, music, calls and messages — without plugging in any cable. Wireless Android Auto does the same with Android phones. The connection starts over Bluetooth and then the data travels over a direct WiFi link between the phone and the screen.
How it connects
The first time, you pair over Bluetooth. From then on, when you start the car the phone connects by itself, and picture and sound travel over a WiFi network the two create between them. The link itself does not use your mobile data; apps such as maps or streaming music do use data, just as they would on the phone.
If your car does not have it
There are two routes. If the car already has wired CarPlay, an adapter makes it wireless. If it has neither, there are portable screens that mount on the dashboard, take power from the lighter socket and send sound to the car stereo through an aux cable, Bluetooth or an FM transmitter.
What to check before you buy
- Confirm compatibility with your phone: CarPlay is for iPhone; Android Auto is for Android.
- On portable screens, check how the audio reaches the car stereo.
- With no cable the phone is not charging: keep a charger handy on long trips.
Products with Wireless CarPlay in our store
This is how it appears on their spec sheet. Open each one to see all its specifications.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, somewhat more than wired, because the phone keeps WiFi and Bluetooth active and is not charging.