Justin Mancini
Justin is a sales consultant at the Fremont Ford store in Sheridan, Wyoming.
Apple CarPlay
CarPlay is a new software that enables part integration of Apple iPhones with vehicles. Over the last year and into 2018, CarPlay is becoming more popular within new vehicles now available in over 200 models. The idea behind CarPlay is that takes the tasks you’d most likely use your smartphone for and put them right on the vehicle’s built-in screen. It’s almost like having your phone/apps built into your car. It doesn’t copy all of your apps but the most important or likely ones such as the phone itself, messaging and maps. It will also allow access to music loaded on your phone and Pandora radio.
This makes it easier to access those applications without having to pick up your phone whilst driving. Audio dials and buttons built into the vehicle will work with CarPlay. It is customizable to a certain extent with compatible apps. Some of those available at the moment are listed below;
Compatible Apps
Standard iPhone Apps
- Phone
- Music
- Messages
- Maps
- Audiobooks
- Podcasts
Other Apps
- iHeart Radio
- At Bat
- Spotify
- Stitcher
- CBS Radio
- Overcast
- Audiobooks.com
- Audible
- Pandora
- Slacker Radio
- VOX
- NPR One
- Clammr
- Downcast
- Radio Disney
- Amazon Music
- Google Play Music
Phone
You can use SIRI voice commands or touch the screen in your vehicle to bring up the phone app. Dialing number is easy by simply asking Siri to “dial 555-555-5555”. Well maybe not that particular number, but you get the idea. A numbered keypad is available if you have a strong Scottish accent and SIRI doesn’t want to cooperate, you can manually type the number. You can also access your phone book straight from the vehicle screen. What is really nice is that the icons and the text are very big so its pretty easy to read and navigate.
Messages
Messaging is easy (unless Siri doesn’t understand your accent) but for most people, you can touch the message app, Siri will ask you who you want to message (make sure you say it as it’s in your phone book, for example, say “mom” if that’s how its store in your phone. Siri will then ask you what you want to say, recite your message and she will read it back. If its correct she will then ask if you are ready to send it. At this point, you can tell her no or yes.
If a text message is received whilst you are driving, a pop up will appear on the vehicle screen with the name of the sender. You can then tap that pop up and Siri will read the message, then ask if you’d like to reply. Unread messages will appear with a red dot in the corner just as it would on your phone.
Maps
Using the Maps app on your phone means you may not need a navigation system already integrated into the vehicle. Apple Maps can bring up guidance and through CarPlay can also predict destinations based on addresses from text messages, emails, contact and calendar appointments. It also has the ability to search for nearest gas stations, shops and places to eat.
Which iPhone do I need?
iPhone 5’s or newer are compatible with Apple CarPlay.
Don’t have an iPhone?
If your smartphone is Android-based, don’t worry, AndroidAuto is the equivalent vehicle software and is also available on select newer vehicles. Let us know if you’d like us to cover some AndoidAuto features?
Vehicles available from Fremont Motors with CarPlay
Fiat
Buick
Chevrolet
- 2016 – 2017 Camaro
- 2016 – 2017 Colorado
- 2016 – 2017 Corvette
- 2016 – 2017 Cruze
- 2016 – 2017 Impala
- 2016 – 2017 Malibu
- 2016 – 2017 Silverado
- 2016 – 2017 Silverado HD
- 2016 – 2017 Spark
- 2016 – 2017 Suburban
- 2016 – 2017 Tahoe
- 2017 Sonic
- 2017 Trax
Chrysler
Dodge
- 2017 – 2018 Challenger
- 2017 – 2018 Charger
- 2018 Durango
Ford
- 2017 C-MAX
- 2017 Edge
- 2017 Escape
- 2017 Expedition
- 2017 Explorer
- 2017 F-150
- 2017 Fiesta
- 2017 Flex
- 2017 Focus
- 2017 Fusion
- 2017 Taurus
- 2017 Transit
- 2017 Mustang
- 2017 Super Duty
GMC
Jeep
- 2017 – 2018 Compass
- 2018 Grand Cherokee
Linoln
- 2017 MKC
- 2017 MKX
- 2017 MKZ
- 2017 Navigator
- 2017 Continental
RAM
Volkswagen
- 2016 – 2017 Beetle
- 2016 – 2017 CC
- 2016 – 2017 Golf
- 2016 – 2017 Golf R
- 2016 – 2017 GTI
- 2016 – 2017 Jetta
- 2016 – 2017 Passat
- 2016 – 2017 Tiguan
- 2017 Atlas
With some vehicles, it may depend on trim level as to whther CarPlay is included, so feel free check with a salesperson or online if you aren’t sure, or you can send us a message here.
For more information, check out https://www.apple.com/ios/carplay or contact one of the dealerships and go check it out for yourself!
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