The Best CarPlay Apps
Admit it, we’ve all been there. Stuck in the backseat on a road trip, boredom setting in, then WHAM! Your sibling punches you because they saw the yellow car first. (Hey, those were the good old days… right?)
But those days are over! Now, we have an entire entertainment center riding shotgun with us—that’s CarPlay!
CarPlay is all about hands-free calling and texting. It’s also your gateway to a world of in-car entertainment, navigation that won’t quit even when your phone signal does, and even the chance to learn something new on the go.
This article will show you the best CarPlay apps out there, so you can transform your next car trip (or even your daily commute) from a slog into a productive or entertaining adventure.
What is CarPlay?
Think of CarPlay as the ultimate co-pilot. It’s Apple’s in-car system that takes the best features of your iPhone and puts them right on your car’s dashboard. Need directions? CarPlay has you covered. Want to make a call or send a text? Easy peasy. Craving your favorite playlist or podcast? Done.
All this without taking your hands off the wheel or your eyes off the road. CarPlay uses Siri for voice control, so you can just tell it what you need: making your drive smarter, safer, and way more fun.
What Are CarPlay Apps?
CarPlay Apps are specially made to work perfectly with Apple’s CarPlay system. These apps bring the best of your iPhone to your car’s dashboard, making your drive more enjoyable and efficient.
CarPlay Apps are designed to be super easy to use, with big buttons and voice control so that you can keep your focus on the road. CarPlay uses Siri for voice control, so you can just tell it what you need: making your drive smarter, safer, and way more fun.
How To Add Apps To Apple CarPlay
CarPlay itself doesn’t actually have downloadable apps. It integrates with apps that are already on your iPhone. Here’s the thing:
CarPlay only uses pre-approved apps that meet Apple’s safety and usability guidelines for in-car use. These approved apps will automatically appear on your CarPlay display when you connect your iPhone to your car.
So, to get the most out of CarPlay, focus on downloading CarPlay-compatible apps to your iPhone. Look for apps that mention CarPlay compatibility in their description, or search for terms like “CarPlay navigation” or “CarPlay music.”
And once you have CarPlay-compatible apps downloaded to your iPhone, they should automatically appear on your CarPlay display when you connect your iPhone to your car.
The Best Car-Play Apps in 2024
The Best CarPlay Apps for Navigation & Maps
CarPlay apps for navigation and maps make sure you get where you’re going quickly and safely. They give you real-time updates and detailed directions, turning your drive into a smooth, hassle-free experience.
Apple Maps (Built-in)
Apple Maps comes pre-installed on iPhones, offering a seamless connection with CarPlay. It provides real-time traffic updates to help you avoid congestion and turn-by-turn navigation to guide you to your destination.
Plus, you can download maps for offline use, making it a reliable companion even in areas with limited cellular service.
Google Maps
A popular choice for many drivers, Google Maps integrates seamlessly with CarPlay. It also includes real-time traffic updates to keep you on the fastest route, clear turn-by-turn directions to avoid wrong turns, and the ability to download offline maps when cell service dips.
And Google Maps goes even further, offering extensive listings and information about businesses along your route, helping you easily find gas stations, restaurants, and other points of interest.
Waze
Another CarPlay App for navigation is Waze. And this unique navigation app uses real-time traffic data from other users to suggest alternative routes and avoid traffic jams.
However, remember that Waze might sometimes prioritize faster, less conventional routes, so it’s not always the best choice for a scenic drive.
The Best CarPlay Apps for Parking, Charging, and Gas Stations
Save money and time on your journey with the best CarPlay apps for finding parking, charging stations, and gas stations.
GasBuddy
GasBuddy helps you locate the most affordable gas prices nearby, saving you money on fuel. With real-time price updates and station reviews, you can always find the best deals.
PlugShare
PlugShare is essential for electric vehicle (EV) owners. It helps you locate charging stations, read reviews, and plan your trips. It’s an excellent tool for anyone driving an electric vehicle.
ABRP
A Better Route Planner (ABRP) is a must-have for planning EV trips. It offers detailed route planning with charging station locations and real-time updates, ensuring you have a smooth journey.
The Best CarPlay Apps for Communication
CarPlay turns your car into a connected command center, keeping you focused on the road while you stay in touch and entertained.
Phone Calls (Built-in)
CarPlay seamlessly integrates with your iPhone’s calling features, enabling you to make and receive calls using just your voice.
You can easily access your entire contact list and stay connected with loved ones, colleagues, or anyone else while focusing on the road, all through the power of voice control.
Messages (Built-in)
Staying connected doesn’t have to mean taking your eyes off the road. CarPlay integrates with your iPhone’s Messages app, allowing you to listen to incoming text messages and even dictate replies using voice commands.
The Best CarPlay Apps for Music
Apple Music
Explore specially curated playlists for every mood, genre, or activity, whether you’re in the mood for classic hits or need an energy boost for your morning commute.
Plus, for compatible vehicles, Dolby Atmos makes your car’s music sound amazing by surrounding you with great sound.
Spotify
Whether you’re a free user or a premium subscriber, Spotify offers a world of music and audio entertainment on CarPlay. You can explore curated playlists for every occasion, or revisit your favorite albums.
And Spotify goes beyond music, offering a massive library of podcasts and audiobooks as well. Catch up on the latest news, dive into a captivating story, or learn something new – all while you drive.
The Best CarPlay Apps for Audiobooks
Overcast
For podcast enthusiasts, Overcast is a must-have CarPlay companion. This feature-rich app goes beyond simply playing your favorite shows.
Whether you’re catching up on the latest episode of your favorite true crime podcast or learning a new skill through an educational series, Overcast delivers an exceptional listening experience, making long drives feel shorter and more engaging.
And for those of us who enjoy mystery, intrigue, and suspense, check out this True-Crime collection. It dives into cases like Jeffrey Epstein’s sex crimes and the O. J. Simpson murder case, taking you inside the minds of criminals and exploring the stories behind notorious crimes that shook the world.
Audible
Audible transforms your car into a mobile library, perfect for listening to audiobooks on long drives or daily commutes. With an impressive collection of audiobooks and personalized recommendations, Audible makes any journey more enjoyable.
Prologue
Prologue is a fantastic app for Plex users, allowing you to stream your audiobooks directly from your Plex server. It’s perfect for managing and listening to your personal audiobook collection on the go.
The Best CarPlay Apps for Entertainment
CarPlay isn’t just about entertainment; it can also be a tool for staying informed and productive. These bonus apps will help you maximize your time behind the wheel:
NPR One
Stay up-to-date on current events without missing a beat with NPR One. This customizable news app allows you to curate a personalized feed of stories from NPR and other trusted sources. Feeling pressed for time?
Choose shorter news bites for your quick commute. Have a longer drive ahead? Dive deeper with in-depth interviews and features. NPR One puts the power of knowledge in your hands, ensuring you stay informed on the go.
Calm
Feeling stressed after a long day? De-stress and unwind with Calm, your on-the-go oasis of tranquility. This app offers a variety of guided meditations specifically designed to help you relax and de-clutch on your commute.
Soothing music and sleep stories further enhance the calming experience. Calm is the perfect antidote to road rage and everyday stress, helping you arrive at your destination feeling centered and focused.
Blinkist
Looking to learn something new but short on time? Look no further than Blinkist, the ultimate app for busy minds on the move. Blinkist offers insightful summaries of more than 7,000 nonfiction books, condensed into easily digestible audio and text formats.
Perfect for commutes of any length, Blinkist allows you to explore topics like history, science, business, personal development, and more. In just 15 minutes, you can gain valuable knowledge from some of the world’s leading authors.
And if you have a strong desire to explore the world and a restless spirit, don’t miss out on Blinkist’s curated list of the Best 45 Wanderlust Books. Whether you’re seeking inspiration for your next trip or simply want to satisfy your wanderlust from the comfort of your own home, these books will be your perfect travel companions.
Whether you have a short drive and want to listen to a quick book summary or a longer trip where you can dive into a comprehensive Guide on a more complex topic, Blinkist has you covered.
And it’s not just about books—Blinkist also offers Shortcasts, summaries of the best podcast episodes out there.
For the readers of this article, we have a special treat: our Blink of the Day, a daily free book summary of the best reads available. And for those who want to dive deeper into the world of Blinkist, we’re offering an exclusive discount just for you.
Let Blinkist be one of your favorite CarPlay apps and sign up for Blinkist Premium now to get a great discount along the way:
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions About CarPlay Apps
Q: How do I know if my car has CarPlay?
A: To find out if your car has CarPlay, you can:
- Check your car’s owner’s manual or visit the manufacturer’s website to see if CarPlay is listed as a feature.
- Look for a USB port in your car labeled with a smartphone or CarPlay icon.
- Try connecting your iPhone to your car using a USB cable and see if the CarPlay logo appears on your car’s infotainment screen.
- Visit Apple’s CarPlay website for a list of compatible car models and manufacturers.
Q: Does CarPlay work for Android?
A: No, CarPlay is specifically designed for iPhones and does not work with Android devices. However, Android users can use a similar system called Android Auto, which provides many of the same features for Android smartphones.
Q: How do I activate CarPlay?
A: Activating CarPlay is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps:
- Start your car and make sure Siri is enabled on your iPhone.
- Connect your iPhone to your car using a USB cable. Some cars also support wireless CarPlay—check your car’s manual to see if it’s compatible.
- Your car’s display should automatically show the CarPlay interface. If not, look for the CarPlay logo on your car’s infotainment system and select it.
- Follow any on-screen instructions on your car’s display and your iPhone.
- Once set up, you can use CarPlay with Siri voice control, touch screen, or your car’s controls.
