Apple CarPlay vs Android Auto: Which One is Better?

In today’s modern cars, the dashboard is no longer just about the speedometer and fuel gauge. It is about connectivity and user experience. Now, the entire car is controlled from the infotainment display. All functions, from music to AC and car settings, are managed via the display. However, the battle of the dashboard is Apple CarPlay vs Android Auto. 

In this blog, we walk you through the comparison, preferences, and which one is actually better than the other.

Apple CarPlay vs Android Auto: Head-to-Head Comparison

Here is a quick head-to-head comparison for a better understanding of which one is actually better.

User Interface & Ease of Use

When you’re doing 70 mph on a motorway, you don’t want to be fumbling through complex menus. The best interface is the one you barely have to look at.

Apple CarPlay 

It feels like a natural extension of your iPhone. It uses a familiar grid of large, square icons that are easy to hit even on a bumpy road. 

The “Dashboard” view is particularly slick, showing your map, current music track, and next calendar appointment all on one screen. It’s polished, predictable, and rarely crashes.

Android Auto

It has been upgraded recently with its new “Coolwalk” design. Unlike Apple’s fixed layout, Android Auto uses a flexible split-screen system. It adapts beautifully to different screen shapes, especially the ultra-wide screens found in modern Hyundais and BMWs.

You can have your map large on the left and your Spotify playlist on the right without constantly switching apps.

Navigation: Apple Maps vs Google Maps vs Waze

In the UK, where roadworks and “smart motorway” closures are a daily headache, your sat-nav software is your lifeline.

Google Maps via Android Auto

Google is still the champion when it comes to navigation and traffic data. Because it pulls data from millions of Android phones moving around the UK and provides accurate information instantly.

 It will spot a jam on the M25 before you even see the brake lights. Also, the integration is flawless, and you can easily search for “petrol station near me” or “parking in Liverpool” while driving.

Apple Maps via CarPlay

It has massively improved in recent years.  In major UK cities like London, Manchester, and Edinburgh, the 3D landmarks and lane guidance are visually superior to Google’s. Also, the instructions are more human compared to Google, which sounds robotic.

Waze

Waze works on both systems, but we find it slightly more responsive on Android Auto. It’s fantastic for crowdsourced alerts on potholes, police speed traps, and debris on the road.

Voice Assistants: Siri vs Google Assistant

Here comes the voice assistant, which is the safest way to control your car. But which assistant better understands the British accent?

Siri (CarPlay)

It is excellent for the basics and simple commands, like ‘call Mum’, ‘play music’, or ‘send a WhatsApp message to John’. However, Siri can struggle if you go off-script. If you ask a complex question, Siri will often say, “I can’t show you that while you’re driving.”

Google Assistant (Android Auto)

It is much smarter at understanding context. You can ask, “Is Mr Cod still open near me?” and it will give you the answer. You can then follow up with “Navigate me there,” and it understands you’re talking about the same shop. It handles natural, conversational language far better than Siri.

App Ecosystem: What Can You Actually Use?

Both systems are “walled gardens” meaning Apple and Google only allow safe, driver-friendly apps on the screen. You won’t be watching Netflix or playing Candy Crush while driving.

However, the UK essentials are covered on both:

• Music & Audio: Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, and Tidal work identically well on both.
• Radio & Podcasts: The BBC Sounds app is fantastic on both platforms, letting you catch up on The Archers or listen to live radio with a better interface than most car DAB radios. Audible is also fully supported for audiobook lovers.
• Messaging: WhatsApp is the big one. Both systems read your messages out loud and let you dictate replies. Apple CarPlay feels slightly smoother here, especially with the way it groups notifications.
• Parking & EV Charging: Apps like Zap-Map, essential for UK EV drivers, and RingGo are appearing on both platforms, though Android Auto often gets these updates slightly faster.

Connectivity & Stability

Forget features for a minute. The single most frustrating thing is when your system disconnects. The connectivity battle boils down to two factors: wired vs. wireless. 

1. Wired Connection

If reliability is your top priority, the cable is king. When you plug your phone in via USB:

• Audio quality is better.
• It charges your phone while you drive.
• It rarely crashes. For long journeys up and down the country, we always recommend plugging in. It’s bulletproof.

2. Wireless Connectivity

Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto are brilliant for short hops. Your phone stays in your pocket, and the map appears on the dash like magic.

• Apple CarPlay is generally the leader here. Because iPhones have standardised hardware, wireless CarPlay tends to connect faster and drop out less frequently.
• Android Auto has improved massively, but because there are so many different Android phones, like Samsung, Pixel, and OnePlus, some users still report occasional connection glitches or battery drain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Apple CarPlay on an Android phone?

No. Apple CarPlay is exclusive to iPhones (iOS). Likewise, Android Auto only works with Android phones. The software is baked into the phone’s operating system, so there is no app you can download to “force” it to work on the other device.

Which cars in the UK support CarPlay/Android Auto?

Almost all of them. Since roughly 2017/2018, CarPlay and Android Auto have become standard on 90% of new cars sold in the UK, from the Ford Fiesta to the Mercedes C-Class.

However, entry-level trims on some older models might miss out, so always check the spec sheet or ask us before you buy.

Can I use both CarPlay and Android Auto in one car?

Yes. The car system doesn’t care which phone you use. If you have an iPhone and your partner has a Samsung, you can share the car easily. The system will simply launch the correct interface for whoever plugs in their phone at that moment.

Is Apple CarPlay free in the UK?

Yes. The car system doesn’t care which phone you use. If you have an iPhone and your partner has a Samsung, you can share the car easily. The system will simply launch the correct interface for whoever plugs in their phone at that moment.

Do I need internet for CarPlay/Android Auto? 

Yes, for the best experience. While the interface will load without a signal, car apps like Google Maps, Waze, Spotify, and Siri require a mobile data connection to work properly. If you are driving through a rural area, offline maps will work, but you won’t get live traffic updates or voice search.

The Final Verdict: Apple CarPlay vs Android Auto – Which One is Better? 

The truth is, the best system is the one that matches the phone already in your pocket. If you value customisation, smart notifications, and the world’s best traffic data, Android Auto is a powerhouse. If you value simplicity, fluidity, and an interface that just works every single time, Apple CarPlay takes the crown.