Multimedia systems of new cars are increasingly equipped with Apple CarPlay. This is standard or the manufacturer offers an option to purchase the system optionally. If your car is provided with CarPlay support, you must in most cases use the iPhone cable to connect to the multimedia system.
Some car manufacturers also offer the wireless variant of CarPlay, but the adoption of this is still limited. With the Carlinkit Mini Ultra Dongle If you no longer need a cable and you can set up a wireless CarPlay connection between your iPhone and the multimedia system for only € 39 (with a temporary discount code).
Carlinkit Mini Ultra Dongle
The Carlinkit Mini Ultra can be connected to the USB port of your car with which you can also use carplay wired. The Dongle itself is equipped with a USB-A connection. If your car has a USB-C connection, you can use the supplied USB-A to USB-C Converter.
After placing the dongle, you can connect with the iPhone via Bluetooth with the Carlinkit Mini Ultra. Once this connection has come, CarPlay will automatically be activated on the multimedia system system of your car. You now have wirelessly access to all Apple CarPlay functions.
It is possible to link multiple iPhones with the Carlinkit Mini Ultra, making it easy to use by different drivers. If there are several linked iPhones in the car, connection is made to the last used iPhone.
Wireless CarPlay in practice
The Carlinkit Mini Ultra worked without any problems during our test period. After the dongle is linked to the iPhone, the connection is automatically connected to the multimedia system of our Kia Sportage.
Wireless CarPlay has various advantages. For example, the battery life of your iPhone is displayed in the CarPlay Interface and difficult cables are a thing of the past. The biggest advantage is that CarPlay is always connected automatically. Without this dongle you must always connect your iPhone physically with a cable, this step is skipped with Bluetooth.
A button is automatically created in the CarPlay home screen with which you can return to the media system of your car, in our case that is Kia Connect.
Support for Android Auto
In addition to CarPlay, the Carlinkit Mini Ultra also supports the Android variant ‘Android Auto’. The effect is exactly the same, with an Android device you can connect to Android Auto via Bluetooth.
Not an official Apple solution
In the past it has happened that charging cables, which do not meet the MFI program (Made for iPhone) no longer functioned after an iOS update. The Carlinkit Mini Ultra emulates a fully-fledged CarPlay system, which means that Apple cannot be blocked its operation. If this is the case, the Carlinkit Mini Ultra simple software can be updated.
Update and manage dongle
In addition to a Bluetooth signal, the dongle also sends out a WiFi signal. By connecting with this you can access the Dongle’s configuration webpage. On this page you can also update the software.
For this you have to connect to the “Vehiconn_xxxx” WiFi network. After the WiFi connection has been established you can make contact with the dongle in Safari or another web browser. Open the address: http://192.168.50.100 to open the internal webpage of the Dongle.
The WiFi connection can only be used for performing the firmware updates and adjusting settings.
Conclusion: Carlinkit Mini Ultra
Review Score
The Carlinkit Mini Ultra does exactly what it should do: transform the wired carPlay system from your car to a wireless solution. You can use CarPlay via Bluetooth and you no longer suffer from cables. It is a solution for a luxury problem, but it works better because CarPlay is always connected to your car automatically and automatically. Ideal during a long drive on vacation or when you are often on the road by car.
With this adapter you cannot add CarPlay to your motor system. This only ensures that you can connect wirelessly to the existing CarPlay system that normally only works via the cable.
- Works with CarPlay and Android Auto
- Suitable for USB A and C (with converter)
- Very small format dongle
- Very fast stable and fast connection
Purchase Carlinkit Mini Ultra with discount code
The Carlinkit Mini Ultra can be purchased online via autokitcarplay.com For a price of $ 55.00 (± € 48) that includes standard shipping. With discount code APPLETIPS You receive an 18% discount on all products in the webshop and you only pay $ 45.10 (± € 39) for the Carlinkit Mini Ultra.