How Does Apple CarPlay Work?

CarPlay is a piece of software that connects your iPhone to your vehicles infotainment screen. It allows you to use certain apps through the infotainment screen such as music, phone, maps, podcasts, calendar and more. According to Apple, “CarPlay is a smarter and safer way to use your iPhone in the car, allowing you to stay focused on the road. When you connect your iPhone to CarPlay, you can get turn-by-turn directions, make calls, send and receive messages, listen to music, and more.” CarPlay creates a seamless connection between your phone and vehicle.

How to Set Up Apple CarPlay

Setting up CarPlay is quite simple! Most new cars come equipped with the technology (some can even connect via bluetooth!). Here is a list of vehicles with Apple CarPlay capabilities.

If your car supports CarPlay with a USB cable, plug your iPhone into the USB port in your car.

if your car supports CarPlay both wirelessly and with a USB cable, plug your iPhone into the USB port in your car. An alert on your iPhone will offer to connect you wirelessly on your next drives.

If your car supports only wireless CarPlay, press and hold the voice command button on your steering wheel. Make sure that your stereo is in wireless or Bluetooth mode. Then on your iPhone, go to Settings > Wi-Fi, and make sure that Wi-Fi is also turned on. Tap the CarPlay network, and check that Auto-Join is turned on. Then, go to Settings > General > CarPlay, and select your car. Check your car manual for more information.

Once plugged in or connected via bluetooth, your infotainment screen will be taken over by CarPlay and just like that you’re ready to go!

information from https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT205634