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Drive into the Future with Our Favorite Apple CarPlay Head Units
Bring your dash into the 21st century with our picks for the best portable and in-dash Apple CarPlay head units.
Navigating the streets in the 21st century calls for more than just a reliable set of wheels. Today, many drivers desire an in-car experience that seamlessly integrates with their digital lives. At the epicenter of this evolution is the head unit which, in many modern vehicles, is anchored by Apple CarPlay. By marrying the sophisticated simplicity of Apple's user interface with the nuances of your vehicle, Apple CarPlay head units provide a premier infotainment experience.
In this article, we cut through the noise to bring you the top aftermarket Apple CarPlay head units available today, including portable and in-dash units. Whether you're ready to upgrade your ride or simply explore the possibilities, our selection of the best Apple CarPlay head units will help you decide which unit is the best for your vehicle based on your needs and the vehicle's existing components.
Things to Consider When Buying an Apple CarPlay Head Unit
There are a ton of things to take into account when shopping for an Apple CarPlay head unit for your vehicle. Here are some of the most important factors.
Compatibility and Installation
The first leg on this journey is ensuring the head unit is compatible with your car's make and model. Not all cars are created equal, and neither are head units. You'll want to map out your specific needs, whether it's an on-dash system that's easy to mount and unmount or an in-dash unit that requires a bit more technical knowledge and elbow grease. Consult with a professional installer if you're opting for an in-dash system to ensure a smooth ride during the installation process.
Screen Size and Resolution
Think of your CarPlay display as the windshield to your digital driving experience—you want the display to be clear, bright, and easy to read at a glance. Aim for a screen size that suits your dashboard without obscuring your view of the road. Remember, bigger isn't always better. When it comes to resolution, seek out a unit that's crisp and clear, making your maps and messages easy to discern in any lighting condition.
Features
You want to make sure your head unit is equipped with all the essentials—plus all the extra, add-on features you desire. Decide what features are important to you, whether it's integrated navigation, touchscreen controls, voice command functionality, backup camera support, or additional support for other devices (such as Android Auto).
This isn't just about being able to dial up your favorite playlist or podcast while driving; a head unit with Apple CarPlay should be a hub for all your infotainment needs, including GPS, mobile communication, and more. Note that some head units may offer far more features than you'll ever use; spend wisely.
Long-term Compatibility
When shopping for a new aftermarket Apple CarPlay head unit, we recommend getting the latest model available and avoiding older or refurbished models. Apple is continuously adding new features to CarPlay and many of these companies are slow to update firmware for these CarPlay units—if they update them at all to support the new features. So to ensure you'll have the newest CarPlay features, get the most recent model.
Here are some of our favorite Apple CarPlay head units.
Gannon Burgett loves cameras, cars, and coffee: a perfect combination for his Hearst Autos work. His byline has appeared in USA Today, Gizmodo, TechCrunch, Digital Trends, the Detroit Free Press, and more.
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