Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in your Vehicle

What's All the Buzz About?

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both Smartphone Integration programs made to connect your phone to your car for a more simplistic and safe driving experience. Both offer navigation, voice control, communication, music and app integration for a near hands free experience. When you plug your smartphone in via USB to a compatible Pioneer system, your phone screen locks up so that access is yielded only from the In-Dash Screen. Your phone's important activity such as phone calls, text messages and alarms are shown on the screen and read aloud. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are a must for smartphone users on the go.

Sounds Perfect! How do I Get it?

The first step to hooking up your vehicle with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto is ensuring your Smartphone is up to speed. In order to use Apple CarPlay you will need the latest version of iOS on an iPhone 5 or newer. Android Auto users will need an Android smartphone running on Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or newer. 

Once you've established that your smartphone will be compatible, you'll need to decide which In-Dash Pioneer system will be best for your needs. Pioneer makes three models that are compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (AVIC-8100NEX, AVIC-7100NEX & AVH-4100NEX) and two models that work only with Apple CarPlay (AVIC-5100NEX & AVIC-6100NEX). We stock all five models at our stores and have professional installers on site to ensure your system is flawless. Compare the Pioneer models below, or choose a product to purchase from our online store now!

Which is Better: Apple CarPlay or Android Auto?

If your a strict Android or Apple lover, then there is little chance that either the Android Auto or Apple CarPlay platform will change your mind because they are very similar in terms of capability. If you are on the verge of getting a new phone and are unsure if you will choose Android or Apple, or your vehicle is driven by both an Android and Apple user, you would be best to invest in a Pioneer model which supports both platforms (AVIC-8100NEX, AVIC-7100NEX & AVH-4100NEX). 

If you are open to switching phones, it's time to compare platforms and decide which functionalities are most important to you.

NAVIGATION

Apple CarPlay's mapping system currently includes 3D maps of metropolitan areas and real street views for a more virtual experience. Android Auto currently runs on 2D maps and has integrated the Waze App which updates the maps with real time traffic information, allowing you to avoid congested areas.  

VOICE CONTROL

Both systems allow voice control for hands free access. On either platform you could give commands such as "Directions home" and directions would automatically populate for you. Apple uses it's beloved Siri for voice command, while Android Auto uses it's similar Google Voice. Some reputable tech review websites have claimed that Android Auto's voice control system is not only faster, but more accurate as well. 

COMMUNICATION

Similar to voice control in terms of use, communication can also be funneled through the platforms. When a smartphone device is connected via USB to the Pioneer model, the smartphone screen is locked and communication is relayed through Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. If you are listening to music and receive a phone call, your music will pause while your phone rings. You can answer the call through the speaker phone function on both devices for a hands-free experience. Text messages are read aloud, allowing you to voice your response back, which Apple CarPlay or Android Auto then turns into text for you.

MUSIC APPS

Apple CarPlay: AppRadio, AppRadioLIVE, Aupeo! Personal Radio, CarMediaPlayer, MIXTRAX, Pandora, Stezza, StreamS HIFI Radio, gMusic 2, iHeartAuto. Android Auto: 7digital, AppRadio, AppRadioLIVE, Aupeo! Personal Radio, CarMediaPlayer, MIXTRAX, Pandora, iHeartAuto

OTHER APPS

Apple CarPlay: Beej!, Calendar, CarBrowser, CummuteWX, DashCommand, EC Touch, Escort Live, Extra Mile, INRIX Traffic, Maps, MotionX GOS Drive, MyPV, Navmii GPS USA, Parkopedia Parking for AppRadio, Photos, Saving Fuel, TPMS, Top Headlines, Waze, iGo Primo North America. Android Auto: Calendar, CarKeyboard, Contacts, DashCommand, Extra Mile, Glympse, Maps, Maxthon for Pioneer, Navmii GPS USA, Photos, Voice Directory, Waze

Ready to Take the Plunge?

Click on the model number you're interested in to find out more information and purchase online now, or come into any of our locations and an expert will assist you. 

Pioneer Models: AVIC-8100NEX, AVIC-7100NEX, AVH-4100NEX, AVIC-5100NEX, AVIC-6100NEX