Why Doesn't My Car Have CarPlay? A Short History

If you're asking why doesn't my car have CarPlay, you're not alone. The short answer: CarPlay and Android Auto only started reaching production cars in 2014 and 2015, and they spread slowly. A lot of cars built around then shipped without them, or got them only on certain trims or after a later software update.

Let's walk through how it happened, so you can figure out where your car fits and what to do about it.

A quick timeline of how CarPlay and Android Auto arrived

Before CarPlay, phone features in cars were limited. One history of the technology points to earlier efforts such as BMW's iPod Out in 2010 and Honda's Siri Eyes Free in 2013 as steps along the way.

CarPlay's first production appearance is generally credited to the Ferrari FF at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, according to one automotive history site. Mainstream carmakers followed more slowly. Hyundai announced in April 2014 that CarPlay would come to the 2015 Sonata, but the feature didn't actually reach owners until early 2016.

Android Auto had its own slow start. Google unveiled it in June 2014, and Hyundai, Audi, General Motors and Honda had joined Google earlier that year in the Open Automotive Alliance. Hyundai's 2015 Sonata became the first car to offer Android Auto from the factory, per AutoGuide in May 2015. Aftermarket head units had it a couple of months earlier.

Why so many 2014-2019 cars missed out

Car development takes years. A radio designed in 2012 can't count on a feature announced in 2014. So you end up with cars that look modern, have a nice touchscreen, and still don't do CarPlay.

Even when a carmaker did commit, rollout was uneven. The Sonata is a good example: owners of the 2015 and 2016 models were told CarPlay would arrive through an update, and one report said they'd need to buy an SD card with the software. Android Auto's update for the same car was free. Bottom line: whether a car has CarPlay can depend on model year, trim, radio option, and even software version, not just the badge on the trunk.

How to check what your car has

Look at the home screen and settings menu for a CarPlay or Android Auto icon.
Check your owner's manual or the original window sticker for the radio name.
Ask a dealer's service department to confirm with your VIN. Don't rely on forum posts alone, since trims differ.

The factory screen is fine. It's the software that's missing.

Here's the part many owners don't realize: if your car has a decent factory screen and radio controls, you may not need a new head unit. GCH's smartphone integration kits are made to connect an Android or Apple phone to your OEM screen and use the factory radio controls. Per the product listings, they are plug and play and aim for an OEM-like experience.

Example: 2014-2019 Chevrolet

The CarPlay Android Auto Smartphone Integration Kit for 2014-2019 Chevrolet Vehicles lists fitment for 2014-2019 Impala, 2014-2019 Silverado, 2014-2019 Suburban and 2016 Malibu. The listing says the vehicle must have an IO5/IO6 8-inch radio and that it is not for vehicles equipped with a rear seat entertainment system (RSE). Always check those details before ordering.

Smartphone integration module for a factory Chevrolet 8-inch radio

Example: 2014-2019 Toyota

Toyota owners have the CarPlay Android Auto OEM Smartphone Integration Kit for 2014-2019 Toyota Vehicles. It comes in two versions, so confirm which part number matches your radio before you buy.

OEM smartphone integration kit for a factory Toyota touchscreen

Not sure your car is covered? Contact GCH with your year, make, model and radio details and they can confirm fitment.

Why the story keeps changing

Carmakers aren't all moving the same direction. Some are now planning to drop CarPlay in future models, which we covered in GM Dropping CarPlay and Android Auto: What to Do. That's one more reason an add-on kit can make sense for the car you already own.

FAQ

Did every 2015 car get CarPlay?

No. Early adopters were few, and some of those, like the Sonata, only got it through a later update.

Can I add CarPlay without replacing my radio?

For supported vehicles, yes. The kits above connect to the factory screen and controls instead of replacing them. Check the fitment notes on each listing.

Is Android Auto included too?

The listing titles say CarPlay and Android Auto, so both Apple and Android phones are covered.

Ready to add it?

Browse the kits above or reach out to GCH with your vehicle details and we'll help you confirm the right one.