CarPlay

CarPlay is an Apple standard that enables a car radio or automotive head unit to be a display and controller for an iOS device. It is available on iPhone 5 and later models running iOS 7.1 or later.

Key facts

Software.title: CarPlay
Software.logo: Apple CarPlay Logo.svg
Software.logo size: 120px
Software.screenshot: 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 running wireless CarPlay.jpg
Software.screenshot size: 300px
Software.caption: Wireless CarPlay in a Volkswagen ID.4
Software.author: Apple
Software.developer: Apple
Software.latest release version: iOS 26.3
Software.operating system: iOS
Software.platform: iPhone
Software.language: Same language as the connected iPhone

~18 min read

Article

13 sections

Contents

Software
Hardware
Wired CarPlay
Wireless CarPlay
History
Predecessor
Development
Timeline
CarPlay Ultra
Changes by iOS version
Competition
References
External links

CarPlay is an Apple standard that enables a car radio or automotive head unit to be a display and controller for an iOS device. It is available on iPhone 5 and later models running iOS 7.1 or later.

More than 800 car and motorcycle models support CarPlay, according to Apple. Vehicle owners can add support by installing certain aftermarket vehicle audio products. Most CarPlay systems connect to iOS through USB, some are wireless, and wireless support can be added through aftermarket dongles. CarPlay Ultra, a more integrated version of CarPlay, was first announced on Aston Martin DBX707 in May 2025.