With Apple CarPlay, your iPhone is also of value on the road, but without distracting you. From simply navigating to listening to audiobooks, these are the best CarPlay apps.
Handy CarPlay apps for on the go
CarPlay is a safe and convenient way to use your iPhone on the go. Unfortunately, not all apps are supported yet. In the list below, we’ve selected standard Apple apps and additional programs that are a must on the go.
1. Apple Cards
When you’re in the car you have to go somewhere. A navigation app is therefore indispensable. The most obvious option is Apple Maps, CarPlay’s default navigator. The program can navigate, shows the journey time and gives detailed instructions along the way. Moreover, you can pass on your destination with Siri and keep both hands on the wheel: very safe.
2. Flash Master
An attractive alternative to Cards is Flitsmeister. This app from Dutch soil also tells you when to turn left or right, but also keeps an eye on the speed cameras and speed traps. Flitsmeister’s own voice recognition does not work as well as Siri from Apple Maps.
Also of interest: The best navigation apps for Apple CarPlay
3. radioNED
Sometimes you don’t feel like playing your own music, or you don’t know what to play. In such situations, the old, trusted radio offers a solution. There are several radio apps for CarPlay, but as far as we’re concerned, radioNED is recommended. The app is simple, works smoothly and the range of channels is very complete.
4. WhatsApp
WhatsApp for CarPlay is a stripped-down version of the app that you most likely already have on your iPhone. It is especially useful to send messages via Siri, although this is of course less easy than typing texts. WhatsApp for CarPlay is therefore not intended to maintain lengthy conversations, but to let you know that you are coming.
5. Apple Music
You can play your purchased music via Apple’s Music app. Do you have an Apple Music subscription? Then you can stream unlimited songs from all your favorite artists. The interface for CarPlay is nice and clear and the app also listens to Siri. The Spotify app can also handle CarPlay and offers approximately the same options as the Apple app.
6. Podcasts
Are you tired of radio stations that keep playing the same playlist? Then take a look at Apple’s Podcasts app. The range of shows is huge and that means that there is always a program to your taste. Podcasts come in all shapes and sizes, so there is always one long enough for your car ride.
7. Apple Books
Are you going to take a very long car ride? Then combine the tour with an audiobook. With Apple Books you have a large selection of top books at your disposal. You can select by genre, popularity and language, among other things. Best of all, books are also available in audio version. A popular alternative is Audible. This app from Amazon has the largest selection of audiobooks.
Arrange or delete CarPlay apps
Do you want to change or delete the order of apps? Then go to ‘General’ in the Settings app of your iPhone and tap ‘CarPlay’. Then select your car and use the add or remove icon to add or delete apps. Drag and drop apps to change the order.
Want to learn more about Apple’s way of being safer on the road? Then check our CarPlay overview page. A handy function is the possibility to find your car. Also check the video below. Here we explain step by step how CarPlay exactly works and what the options are.
More about CarPlay
- Four affordable car radios that put CarPlay in your car (24-5)
- These 5 features are still missing on Apple CarPlay (4-3)
- Tip: Add, remove or organize CarPlay apps (27-2)
- Video: Set up, use CarPlay and useful tips to help you find your way (26-2)
- Looking ahead: the future of CarPlay in 4 predictions (26-2)