Since iOS 17, all iPhone users can join a music session when using CarPlay. When users listen to music in the car with Apple Music, other trusted iPhones are automatically invited to the session.
Passengers can then control the music from their own device, even if they do not have an Apple Music subscription. This way, all occupants can manage the music and determine the next song. This makes driving together even more fun.
CarPlay SharePlay and music
The main user of CarPlay has the option to share the playlist with other occupants while playing music via Apple Music. Via SharePlay, they can then add music to the playlist, edit it or skip tracks.
Manage music together via CarPlay
When users are listening to music in the car with Apple Music, other trusted iPhone users are automatically invited to the session. From their phone’s lock screen, they can open the SharePlay notification and initiate the pairing.
Manual pairing
If automatic pairing fails or is disabled, you can also start SharePlay manually.
- Take the iPhone used for CarPlay
- Open the Music app
- Navigate to the media player by tapping on the current song at the bottom
- Tap the SharePlay icon
You can then manually invite or confirm the connection with known users, such as your family members or contacts present in the Contacts app who are nearby.
In addition, you can use a QR code for the other occupant. This appears on the screen of the main user after tapping the SharePlay symbol. After scanning, a connection is automatically made with CarPlay and they can control the music.