CarPlay is a must in every car, but not every car has this option. No worries! We will tell you how you can get CarPlay in your car in 2024.
CarPlay in your car
With Apple CarPlay you connect your iPhone to your car radio, where iOS takes over the screen. You can then arrange your music, navigation or answer your phone when you receive a call. The app icons are deliberately larger than you are used to on your iPhone and you use Siri via voice control, so that CarPlay can be used safely while driving.
Sounds convenient, right? This usually works by laying a cable between your phone and car, but it can also be done wirelessly. If your car does not yet have Apple CarPlay, it is possible to install it by replacing your car radio. If that is not possible, fortunately there are other options to use your iPhone safely while driving. We show you several options to use Apple CarPlay.
Apple CarPlay dongles in 2024: connect wirelessly
With an Apple CarPlay dongle you no longer need a cable to use the operating system in your car. Your phone automatically connects to the car radio when you get in. From that moment on you can immediately navigate, make calls and listen to music.
Most dongles work by plugging the adapter into your car’s USB port. The device then sets up a Bluetooth connection to which you connect your iPhone. Afterwards, your smartphone will always be connected automatically and wirelessly in the future.
- CarlinKit CarPlay AI Box: for 175.99 euros at Bol.com
- Buddi Play 2: for 99.95 euros at GSMpunt
- Car Dongle Pro: for 84.95 euros at Bol.com
- Ottocast Dongle: for 79.99 euros at Amazon with coupon
Install Apple CarPlay
Is your car a bit older and is such a handy screen still missing in your car? It is then often possible to replace your ‘old-fashioned’ car radio with a modern infotainment system that allows you to use CarPlay. Please pay close attention to which systems are suitable for your car or ask your car dealer.
The new car radio must fit into the appropriate opening in your car. Most screens in the list below are so-called double DIN radios, where the opening must be larger than that of the single DIN variants. The latter is compatible with old-fashioned car radios and for this you need the Boscer Car Radio Universal.
- Pioneer SPH-DA230DAB: for 345 euros at Amazon
- Pioneer SPH-DA160DAB: for 307.19 euros at Bol.com
- JVC KW-M560BT: for 269 euros at MediaMarkt
- Boscer Car Radio Universal: for 109.95 euros at Bol.com
- ATOTO F7: 279.90 euros at Amazon
Once you have the screen in your car, it is time to install CarPlay. In the video below we show you how to do this – with or without a cable – and how the software works. We also have some practical tips for you.
Also useful: holder for your iPhone in the car
Do you have an outdated phone or car that will not support CarPlay in 2024 and is installing a new car radio too crazy for you? Unfortunately, it is not possible to use Apple Carplay.
However, you can always use your own iPhone, but do so safely. With a holder for your device you can attach the iPhone to the fan or on your dashboard. You can then use the iPhone with Siri, for example.
- Kenu Airframe Wireless: for 69.95 euros at Bol.com
- ESR HaloLock with Cryoboost and MagSafe: for 47.90 euros at Appelhoes
- Belkin phone holder for dashboard or windshield: for 29.99 euros at Bol.com
Bonus: make your car findable, buy an AirTag!
You may already have an AirTag on your key ring or in your wallet. This way you can always find them quickly via a signal sent to your iPhone. Have you ever thought about putting an Apple AirTag in your car? Forgetting where your car is parked is a thing of the past. Moreover, you know where to look if your car is stolen.
- Check out the Apple AirTag at Amazon: for 34.95 euros
- Check out the Apple AirTag at Mobiel.nl: for 36.95 euros
- Check out the Apple AirTag at Bol: for 38.95 euros
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