Adding CarPlay to a 2018

Have only had my 2018 for a couple days and already in love with it. My one and truly only one gripe about the electronics and interior functions is the lack of Apple CarPlay. The 2020s and later included at least a USB interface to CarPlay if not wireless.

To the best of my knowledge, the wireless requires built in router hardware, but the USB spec for CarPlay did not require special hardware. So I’m surprised Toyota hasn’t issued a software update to include it.

Either way, my read from searches in the forum and elsewhere is that it is NOT possible to ADD Apple CarPlay support, like through a dongle or a software hack (that would surely void my warranty anyway). Just by replacing the JBL head unit.

Before I suck it up and move on (replacing the head unit won’t be doable anytime soon), I just thought I’d post and make sure I didn’t miss something in my searches.

Any hope?

 

You didn’t miss anything. Gotta replace the head unit if you want CarPlay.

 

Just curious. What is it with this current obsession with Apple CarPlay? What does it offer that the already existing navigation, music, wireless phone, and apps don't? I'm not a fan of Apple (used to work for them - Regional Manager, European MPX Program), so that certainly isn't an attraction.

 

The basic functionality you listed works the same. I think the advantage comes in the form of an updated and more intuitive UI. You can also use some of the apps from your phone that are compatible with CarPlay (Waze/Apple/Google maps).
As an Android user, I do prefer the Android Auto interface over the stock interface.

 

A lot of the Lexus folks are using this toyotacarplayandroidauto.html

 

It's not an obsession, but it's a huge convenience factor. ALL of my music comes through my iTunes/Apple Music library. It makes it a great deal easier to access and play without fumbling with a phone. Which, as it happens, is illegal to do in a lot of places including California where I live. Don't get me started on the absurdity -- as if fumbling about with radio channels and control knobs is any less of a risk than clicking an icon on a phone. But it is what it is, and the integration makes things safer and easier.

Some people care about the maps integration. I think it's useful -- I prefer using navigation apps from my phone when they're available, but want the map projected on a car dashboard sized screen. But I hate the new standard car companies are moving to in 2022+ models where they remove all navigation functionality from the car and expect people to use only phone-based navigation via CarPlay or Android Auto. It's fine for most people. But for those who go off the grid or into areas with poor cell signals, you can easily lose all navigation abilities. Hard drive-based, built-in navigation maps are still incredibly useful.

 

The downside is that if you don't update them they can become useless. My daily is a 2012 Tiguan with Navigation that hasn't been updated since it came from the factory. Can't tell you how many times I've been on roads that the car doesn't think exists lol.

 

It’s VERY convenient….and something that I added via aftermarket head unit. There is a way to add to stock radios but it is cost prohibitive (I think it’s $600 plus dollars). The stock radios are crap in my not so humble opinion. I lived with it but once I replaced it the improvement was very noticeable. I would get a new head unit and call it a day. Well worth the upgrade. Be warned that after you replace the head unit you will want to add an amp, subwoofer and new speakers…..

 

True but it’s better than no map at all which is what you get when your cell loses signal. I’ve also found mountain and off grid locations rarely have significant road changes. But yes you do have to keep them updated.

 

At some point I will. But I just unloaded $20k for a down payment, so I’m going to put off a head unit until I’ve saved up for a while.

 

For off-road you can use apps like Gaia, Onx, and others to download area maps. Having CarPlay is is an extension of your phone with several useful apps as well as alerts, message and email previews with the ability to reply using voice.

 

I know Google Maps offers an Offline mode for those times you are out of cell reach or want to limit maps data usage. You just have to download the area ahead of time. I haven't used the other map apps, I'm not sure how it compares.

https://support.google.com/maps/answer/6291838?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform=iOS

 

I use Gaia when off road/off grid. The offline maps are great, and it works with CarPlay. I think OnX is supposed to be releasing an update with CarPlay compatibility soon, but haven’t seen anything on that lately.

 

I use a tiny flash drive plugged into the USB port. The stock Entune radio allows you to scroll through the music selection (songs, folders, etc) and select a particular song just fine. I generally don't mess with the stereo while driving.

As for off-road maps, I rarely go deeply off-road enough to justify it. If anything, I'll just use my tablet and pre-downloaded maps, referring to that on occasion when needed. However, have only done so once.

 

This is what I typically do. Works really well.

 

Indeed it does, but it's downloadable region size has frequently been too small for my use.

 

I like the Car Play over standard in most cases. One is that someone can text me a dropped pin in maps and I can click it and it automatically pops up on my screen. No need to manually input addresses.

 

Reading the posts above, looks like the kit used by some lexus owners is probably the best option. But at $649, just too expensive for me. Toyota may always be a little behind on technology, but I like them because they are dependable and they run forever...

Carplay kit copied from post above: toyotacarplayandroidauto.html

 

Anyone install one of these?

https://www.dasaita.com/products/da...1280-720-dsp-ahd-radio?variant=40872001372316

One of my buddies installed it in his 4Runner and it works really well!