Apple CarPlay has become so popular that many people expect it in their new vehicles. The only exceptions might be high-tech brands like Tesla or Rivian. CarPlay makes driving more convenient by letting you use your favorite music, charging, and navigation apps without dealing with the often clunky interfaces from automakers. In the future, CarPlay might even replace traditional car gauges and buttons.
Setting Up Apple CarPlay 
After setting up your iPhone for CarPlay, the next step is to ensure that compatible apps are installed. Fortunately, you don’t have to do much besides customizing your experience for maximum convenience while driving.
Default App Appearance
By default, any apps that are compatible with CarPlay will automatically appear on your car’s dashboard if they are installed on your iPhone. Although there’s no complete list of supported apps, here’s a sample of some well-known ones available on the App Store, excluding Apple’s built-in apps:
– Amazon Music
– Audible
– Bandcamp
– Calm
– ChargePoint
– Downcast
– Google Maps
– iHeartRadio
– Line
– NPR One
– Overcast
– PlugShare
– SpotHero
– Spotify
– Stitcher
– Tidal
– TuneIn Radio
– VLC
– Waze
– WhatsApp
– YouTube Music
Automakers also have their own apps, which may only show up when CarPlay is active and used with their specific brand.
Managing Apple CarPlay Apps
Managing your CarPlay apps is crucial for a smooth experience. You might not want certain apps on your homescreen, and when you do want them, they might not appear in the desired order. Nobody wants to swipe through multiple pages just to launch Spotify or Google Maps. Conversely, too many icons can clutter the interface.
Adding, Removing, and Rearranging Apps
To add, remove, or rearrange apps, follow these steps:
1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone and tap General.
2. Tap CarPlay.
3. Select your car, then tap Customize.
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You’ll see two sections in the Customize menu: Include and More Apps. To remove an app from your CarPlay homescreen, tap the red minus icon next to it. To add an app, tap the green plus icon. Drag and drop the triple-line icons in the Include section to rearrange the order of apps. Only the first eight or so apps (depending on your car’s display) will appear on your homescreen’s first page, so choose wisely.
Automatic Updates and Ideal Layout
Any changes you make in Settings will automatically take effect the next time you connect your iPhone to your car. You may need to experiment a bit to find the ideal layout, but make sure to do this while your car is parked.
Customizing Your Apple CarPlay Experience
Customizing CarPlay is essential to make the most out of it. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
Personalize Your Home Screen: You can arrange your most-used apps on the first page of your CarPlay homescreen. This ensures that you can quickly access them without having to swipe through multiple screens. Place apps like Google Maps, Spotify, and your preferred messaging app on the first page for easy access.
Declutter Your Interface: If you find that there are too many apps cluttering your homescreen, remove the ones you don’t use frequently. This will make it easier to find and use the apps you rely on most while driving.
Use Siri for Hands-Free Control: Remember, you can use Siri to control CarPlay without taking your hands off the wheel. Activate Siri by pressing and holding the voice command button on your steering wheel. You can ask Siri to play music, get directions, send messages, and more. This helps you stay focused on driving while still using your favorite apps.
Conclusion
Apple CarPlay significantly enhances the driving experience by providing seamless access to essential apps. Setting it up and customizing it to your preferences can make your time on the road more enjoyable and convenient. Whether you’re using CarPlay to listen to music, navigate, or stay connected, personalizing the interface ensures you get the most out of this powerful tool. By following the steps outlined above, you can create a CarPlay experience that is tailored to your needs, making every drive more pleasant and efficient.
