Apple CarPlay - Anyone Using in the Car?

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allanc

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Location
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
I just received an Email from my Mazda dealer regarding Apple CarPlay.
Apparently, for only $443 CDN (Yikes!) I can get the following:
"For a price of $443.00** including installation. This offer features a proprietary software update to your MAZDA CONNECT system which is required for complete installation of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™. Offer valid through March 31st, 2019."
I am using an IPhone 5.

Is anyone using AppleCarPlay?
Opinions? Suggestions? Etc.?

Thanks in advance.
 
Don't have a vehicle with it but have rented a few times and had it. At least I'm guessing it's CarPlay since when I plugged my iPhone into the USB port it popped up on the dash LCD. Really pretty slick in my book. But I'm not going to spend any extra to get it.
 
I'd LOVE to have CarPlay. On my vehicle, a 2014 Honda Accord EX-L, it's nearly impossible to do a new head unit. The factory head unit controls so much of the cars electronics like the informational displays, backup camera, Lane Watch (passenger mirror) camera, etc. etc., that if you replace it you lose many functions. There are solutions that provide a little computer that (poorly) replicates these features for $400. Some have relocated their head unit to behind the dash, which I can't do on my model. Others have relocated the head unit to the trunk which requires major skills or outlay.

So for me I could spend about $1,400 with the replication device, adapters and a nice head unit, and do it myself. Or spend about $2,100 for a custom install from a local shop.

As I said, I've been a big fan and have lusted after a CarPlay solution but not sure if I'll ever make it work in my car.

If Honda offered me such an upgrade for $450 I'd jump on it in a second.
 
Not an iPhone user, but I use Android Auto, the Android alternative. Love it - I listen to podcasts on the road all day, and use my Google Maps, which is integrated with my contact list, instead of the convoluted car navigation system. The phone integration technology in cars is really a huge improvement, and getting better each generation.
 
carmen617 said:
Not an iPhone user, but I use Android Auto, the Android alternative. Love it - I listen to podcasts on the road all day, and use my Google Maps, which is integrated with my contact list, instead of the convoluted car navigation system. The phone integration technology in cars is really a huge improvement, and getting better each generation.
Click to expand...
I use 'Waze' on my IPhone for navigation ... not Google Maps.
I am due for my semi-annual oil-change and was thinking of buying myself something for the holiday season :)
 
allanc said:
I use 'Waze' on my IPhone for navigation ... not Google Maps.
I am due for my semi-annual oil-change and was thinking of buying myself something for the holiday season :)
Click to expand...
Waze works with Android Auto - a quick Google search says it works with Apple CarPlay, although I have no first hand experience with it. I'm just too lazy to put Waze on my phone, and accustomed to Google Maps. What I really like is that I can pull the little voice command switch on my steering wheel, say "Navigate to Joe Smith", and have the directions to Joe's place come up on my car's dashboard screen. I'm a sole proprietor doing residential break fix, visiting 3-5 clients a day. With over 1100 clients in my contacts that type of integration is invaluable.
 
carmen617 said:
Waze works with Android Auto - a quick Google search says it works with Apple CarPlay, although I have no first hand experience with it. I'm just too lazy to put Waze on my phone, and accustomed to Google Maps. What I really like is that I can pull the little voice command switch on my steering wheel, say "Navigate to Joe Smith", and have the directions to Joe's place come up on my car's dashboard screen. I'm a sole proprietor doing residential break fix, visiting 3-5 clients a day. With over 1100 clients in my contacts that type of integration is invaluable.
Click to expand...
Had the CarPlay installed today.
Waze, on my Iphone5, does not even display on my Infotainment system :(:(.
The Service Advisor at Mazda is saying that I need to use a Genuine Apple cable (which I will have to buy) as opposed to a third party.
The IOS is as current as it is going to be.
Is it b.s.?
 
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Cable? What type? Most of those comments are BS intended to deflect problems away from what they have done. Is waze your default maps program?
 
Markverhyden said:
Cable? What type? Most of those comments are BS intended to deflect problems away from what they have done. Is waze your default maps program?
Click to expand...
He is referring to the Thunderbolt cable that runs between the USB input in the car and the IPhone5.
The USB input is specifically for a CarPlay.
where is that setting @Markverhyden?
Cannot find it using method 'A' or 'B'

A. On the Iphone > settings > Maps > ? - Do not see that there.
I tried this
Sorry, do not see it.

B.
Step 2 When in Apple Maps tap on the ‘Car’ icon to tell the app to start routing.

Step 3 Now on your screen you will see three tabs. One of them should be for ‘Apps’, tap on it. < do not see the Apps tab/icon here either..
 
Markverhyden said:
I've personally never tried doing this but it looks like the Nazi's in Cupertino don't want anyone changing default apps. It's looking more like my next phone might not be an iPhone.

https://www.lifewire.com/choose-default-apps-on-iphone-4044162
Click to expand...
Can we go back a couple of steps, please?
According to CarPlay, both the Google Maps and Waze are compatible.
Iphone5 is listed on the compatibility page.
Mazda itself updated my hardware and software at a cost of about $450 CDN.
So to me, it seems like the stars in the heavens are lined up.
The Mazda service advisor was saying that a genuine Apple cable is required for the type of communication that goes back and forth between the IPhone and the car's hardware and software.
I know very, very little about CarPlay itself, a little more about IPhone and am not familiar with the programming of the Infotainment system.
Why do you think that the problem might be related to the default MAPS app ....
especially since everything is supposed to be compatible?
 
allanc said:
He is referring to the Thunderbolt cable that runs between the USB input in the car and the IPhone5.
Click to expand...
It's not Thunderbolt. It's USB with a Lightning connector. I'd go ahead and buy a genuine Apple cable before you do anything else.
 
carmen617 said:
It looks like you need IOS 12 to run different apps on CarPlay. https://9to5mac.com/2018/09/24/how-to-use-waze-on-carplay/

Not an iPhone user, but the only iPhone 5 that can be in IOS 12 appears to be the 5s, is that the model you have?
Click to expand...
Thank you for the link.
No, I use the IPhone5.
I found a site earlier today that listed the IPhone5 (as well as the IPhone5s) as being compatible with CarPlay.
It was not referring to specific software such as Waze or GoodleMaps.

CarPlay does work with my car/Iphone5 including Apple Maps.
I see from this that Google Maps also requires IOS 12.
Unfortunately, IMHO, Waze is #1, Google Maps #2 and Apple Maps a distant third.
 
allanc said:
Can we go back a couple of steps, please?
According to CarPlay, both the Google Maps and Waze are compatible.
Iphone5 is listed on the compatibility page.
Mazda itself updated my hardware and software at a cost of about $450 CDN.
So to me, it seems like the stars in the heavens are lined up.
The Mazda service advisor was saying that a genuine Apple cable is required for the type of communication that goes back and forth between the IPhone and the car's hardware and software.
I know very, very little about CarPlay itself, a little more about IPhone and am not familiar with the programming of the Infotainment system.
Why do you think that the problem might be related to the default MAPS app ....
especially since everything is supposed to be compatible?
Click to expand...

I was referring to changing the default Map app. Yes, according to the documentation you should be able to use Waze with iOS 12.
 
What carrier are you with? There seems to be some good deals on iPhone 6s floating around if you wanted to upgrade to an inexpensive iPhone that would be compatable with iOS 12

I have the feature in an after market head unit and don’t use it that much. I probably should use it as it’s there to use.
 
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