Find out Which Mobile Connectivity is Right for you on Your Drive

Differences Between Apple CarPlay vs Android Auto 

While smartphones allow us to have access to some of the most useful apps for drivers, paying attention to your phone instead of the road is incredibly dangerous. That’s why with programs such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plenty of newer vehicles allow drivers to connect their devices to the car’s interface for ease of use. But what exactly are the differences between Apple CarPlay vs Android Auto? 

How can I Connect my Smartphone to my Vehicle? 

When connected to Apple CarPlay, the interface on the vehicle’s infotainment system will be very similar to that on an iPhone. This allows drivers to easily access their favorite apps on their car’s dashboard. However, not all apps that you have installed on your phone will be able to be accessed while connected. When using the messaging app, Apple’s Siri can read messages out loud to you, and you can respond through voice recognition. Siri can also be used for apps such as navigation with Apple’s Maps app, directing you where to go. Users of the iPhone can also still interact with their iPhone while it is connected to the vehicle. 

Read more: Is in-dash car navigation worth it? 

While the user interface of Android Auto won’t look the same as the interface of the phone, Android Auto places buttons to popular apps such as phone calls, navigation and music at the bottom of the screen for quick and easy access. Like Apple CarPlay, not all third-party apps will be able to be used when connected to the vehicle; however, message and communication apps such as Skype are compatible with Android Auto. While iPhone users can connect to Apple Maps in their vehicles, Android Auto users are reserved to using Google Maps. Drivers also cannot interact with their smartphones as they are connected via Android Auto, likely for safety reasons of keeping drivers’ eyes on the road ahead. 

If you would like to learn more about the differences between Apple CarPlay vs Android Auto, be sure to contact a staff member at Miller’s CrossPointe Motor Cars. You can also try out either of these features with your smartphone on any of the compatible vehicles in our pre-owned inventory.