Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are two of the latest in-car tech systems which are available in most new-ish cars, but the question that is on most people’s lips when they are considering an option of “sell my car” for a newer car that has either entertainment system is “which is best between the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto” we have done lots of research into this topic and here is what we found.
Apple CarPlay was first launched in 2014, at the Geneva Motor Show. It was a way of Apple expanding upon the entertainment products they already have. Previously, cars were only fitted with entertainment systems such as CD players and radios. In the 2010s it became much easier for smartphone users to play music from their phones or iPods to their car, by using the means of Bluetooth.
However, as smartphone users became more dependent on their phones for entertainment and communication, Apple knew they had to make software for cars that made it easy and safe for people to use the features of their iPhones whilst driving.
Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo, were the first car manufacturers to add the Apple CarPlay feature to their cars.
Apple CarPlay can be used by plugging a wire into your iPhone (Apple CarPlay can only be used by iPhones) which connects to your car, or in some cars it can be used wirelessly.
Once your iPhone has been connected, your entertainment screen in your car will turn into an Apple operating system, which mimics the operating system of the iPhone.
An example of how Apple CarPlay looks is a 2021 Audi A4 by British tech YouTuber, Tech in The Car.
The screen looks colorful and the display definitely mimics the display of an iPhone or an iPad, the operating system will be the same as the operating system of your iPhone as they work in unison. You can definitely see Apple has put a lot of effort into keeping Apple CarPlay in keeping with their signature style.
The Apps that can be used in Apple CarPlay are:
However, users do not have the freedom to add apps to Apple CarPlay, the system has control over which best car applications from your iPhone can be added to Apple CarPlay.
In 2021, it was reported that every big car manufacturer in the world uses Apple CarPlay in their cars. Please note that Apple CarPlay is a relatively new concept and it is normally available in cars that have been produced from 2018 to the present day.
Discover how much your car is worth! Get the instant offer by entering just two details about your car. You will be instantly matched with the right car buyer ready to pay cash for your car.
In 2021, the concept of an Apple Car Key was announced. This is where users will be able to unlock their car using an Apple App on their iPhones and they will also be able to send a virtual car key to others, to allow others access to their car, if they wish to do so.
BMW is the first car manufacturer to team up with Apple for the Apple Car Key, it will be interesting to see the success of this new technology produced by Apple and whether other car manufacturers are likely to add this new feature to their cars.
Android Auto was launched in 2015, a few months after the initial release of Apple CarPlay. As Apple CarPlay does not allow users of Android to use its features, of course, Android had to come up with a similar in-car entertainment application, to cater to their large audience.
Android Auto allows Android users to safely use the features of their Android phone whilst driving in their car.
Users of Android Auto have more freedom for the types of applications that can be used in Android Auto. It appears that Apple CarPlay is stricter with the types of apps that they allow in the Apple CarPlay interface.
The Apps that can be used on Android Auto are:
This makes Android Auto ideal for people who are looking to use lots of different types of apps in their cars, for those who are very tech-savvy.
Like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto has a wide number of car manufacturers that use Android Auto and in the present day, most brand new cars are equipped with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
However, if you are looking to purchase your next car and you are an Android owner, it is a good idea to enquire whether the car does support Android Auto, as initially, some car manufacturers used Apple CarPlay before they used Android Auto.
Like the Apple CarPlay, the Android Auto can be used by plugging a wire into the phone which connects to the car.
On Android Auto, the screen displays the apps on an LED screen in a car, in a similar format to the apps, you would see on an Android smartphone.
Here is an example of how the Android Auto entertainment system looks in a 2021 Audi A4, by Tech YouTuber, Tech in the Car.
As you can see, the apps are in a neat row and there are lots of different types of apps that can be used, like BBC iPlayer and BBC sounds. This is something that isn’t available in Apple CarPlay.
However, the design of the Android Auto looks slightly bland in comparison to Apple CarPlay’s design of their display.
Both in-car entertainment systems give their users a fun, safe entertainment experience whilst driving. Apple and Android, have both excellently created an easy-to-use car-safe entertainment system.
It is very easy to use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to communicate with others by using the connection of your smartphone in a safe way that does not distract the driver from driving.
Both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay offer a wide range of music apps, so users can use apps they already pay subscriptions for via Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.
Sat Nav features are included in Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Apple uses Apple Maps and Android uses Google Maps, both navigation systems work in a very similar format and notably, both applications are free to use.
As mentioned previously, Android Auto is more flexible with the types of apps that can be used on their in-car entertainment program. There is definitely more freedom with Android Auto in terms of the functionality of apps.
However, Apple CarPlay is more dynamic and user-friendly in some aspects, as the software mimics the iPhone exactly.
Apple CarPlay displays messages on the screen, whereas Android Auto does not. Instead, Android Auto reads the message out. Apple CarPlay also gives you reading out loud of the message, but you will get a notification on the screen first like you would on your phone.
Where you can find an in-depth explanation of how Apple CarPlay and Android Auto works
Oliver from Tech in the Car has provided us with an in-depth explanation video of how Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work and how you can make the most of the Android Auto or Apple CarPlay features in your car.
We hope you have enjoyed our article on Android Auto vs Apple CarPlay. It isn’t clear whether one is better than the other, it is all down to personal preference and what you are looking for in an in-car entertainment system. If you are looking to use a variation of apps in your car, then Android Auto is the better choice, but if you are looking for an entertainment system that works very similarly to your own iPhone (if you are an iPhone user) then Apple CarPlay is the better option for you.
Discover how much your car is worth! Get the instant offer by entering just two details about your car. You will be instantly matched with the right car buyer ready to pay cash for your car.
Petrol and diesel cars use an internal combustion engine to burn fuel and generate power. EVs use electric power stored in batteries. But what about hybrids? How does a hybrid car work? How does it combine fuel and electric power to enhance its efficiency? If you’re looking for clear answers to all these questions, this […]
You’ve probably seen the BMW logo a hundred times, but do you know what does BMW stand for? BMW isn’t just another car brand, it’s built on decades of innovation. If you value the heritage behind what you drive, understanding its history adds a whole new level to the driving experience. In this blog, we’ll […]
Peugeot has garnered mixed reviews when it comes to reliability. This has often left UK buyers wondering: are Peugeots reliable for long-term use in the UK? The truth is, Peugeot has made major improvements in quality, technology, and customer satisfaction. However, there are still some Peugeot models you should avoid buying in the 2nd hand […]
Turbo vs supercharger is a classic debate among car enthusiasts who want more speed, better throttle response, and improved efficiency. Both upgrades push extra air into your engine for stronger combustion. But they achieve this in very different ways. Read on as we break down how turbochargers and superchargers work. Let us help you choose […]
Are you thinking of buying a Ford? But wondering, are Ford cars reliable enough for long-term use? You’re not alone here. It’s a common concern among UK car buyers. For some drivers, Ford is synonymous with long-lasting performance. Others report issues with certain models. So, what’s the real story? In this blog, we’ll answer the […]
Finding a dependable vehicle isn’t always easy, especially with so many options on the market. Whether you’re commuting or heading out on long drives, your car should be stress-free and consistent. That’s why we’ve handpicked the most reliable cars in the UK for 2025, so you can drive with confidence every day. From solid engineering […]
In recent years, Renault has moved up the reliability rankings and won back the confidence of UK motorists. However, there are still many who ask; are Renault cars reliable enough for long-term use in the UK? Which are the most reliable cars from Renault? And how long do they really last? If you’ve been wondering […]
If you just bought your first car, you may be struggling to find cheap car insurance. It’s really hard to find affordable car insurance for young drivers under £1000 in the UK. So, what can you do about it? Well, the good news is, there are several practical ways to keep car insurance costs for […]
Is your car running slower than usual? Does your engine misfire every time you press down the accelerator? These are some of the most common bad spark plug symptoms. If you ignore these signs, it may result in minor issues such as MAF sensor malfunction or major problems like a damaged catalytic converter down the […]
Faulty EGR valve symptoms are often easy to miss, but ignoring them can lead to serious engine problems. Not only that, a faulty EGR valve can also lead to MOT failure in the UK. Therefore, identifying the signs of a failing EGR valve early on can save you time and money on repairs. It’ll also […]
Not sure where is the catalytic converter is located on your car? You’re not alone. Many drivers don’t know what a catalytic converter looks like or where to find it. However, its location in the car’s anatomy does matter. Finding it helps with repairs, replacements, or vehicle theft prevention. This saves a lot of time […]
A faulty MAF sensor can cause all sorts of engine issues—from rough starts to poor fuel economy. This sensor plays a key role in maintaining the right air-fuel balance for your engine. But how do you know when the bad MAF sensor symptoms show up? For that you need to be able to recognise these […]
Are you wondering what is a junction? Well, in the UK, there are several different types of junctions. These include T-junctions, crossroads, roundabouts, and box junctions. On each junction, you have to follow specific rules to ensure safe and smooth traffic flow. This complete guide to UK road intersections will explain the various types of […]
There are no less than 500 different types of UK road signs. With so many symbols, colours, and shapes, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, understanding road signs and markings is essential for safe driving and passing your test. Missing or misinterpreting these signs can lead to accidents, fines, or failed driving tests. This guide breaks […]
Tackling ULEZ charge can be tricky, especially if you’re driving to one of the UK’s busiest airports. Even experienced drivers are not sure and wonder, “Is Heathrow in ULEZ?” Since it’s not just about paying a fee, it’s about avoiding fines and staying road-legal. This blog will clear up every uncertainty you have about Heathrow […]
Many drivers overlook tyre tread until it’s too late—risking poor grip and costly penalties. Uneven or worn tyres aren’t just illegal; they can be dangerous. This guide on how to check tyre tread walks you through safe, DIY checks that anyone can do. Know how long your car tyre last and when to replace them. […]
Yellow lines on road can be confusing, leaving you uncertain where to park. And that’s not even it. If you happen to misinterpret the meaning and park out of your spot, it can lead to hefty fines. Many drivers unknowingly do so and risk getting their car towed. Not following yellow line rules can also […]
Caravan towing completely transforms your vehicle’s handling even if you have one of the best cars for towing caravans. Therefore the speed limit for car towing caravan isn’t just a legal formality; it’s a critical safety measure. Caravan towing speed limits are strictly enforced all across the UK. Every year, thousands of UK drivers receive […]
Are you wondering how much will electric car tax be in 2025? Well, from April 1, 2025, all-electric vehicles (EVs) will be subject to Vehicle Excise Duty (VED). This will end the years of tax-free benefits for EV owners. However, there is a lot of confusion around the new road tax calculations. Don’t worry! This […]
Selling a car can be frustrating if you’re not getting the price you expected. Buyers often negotiate hard, and even small issues can lower your car’s value. A poorly presented car with minor scratches, dull paint, or an untidy interior can make buyers walk away. With car detailing and smart preparation, you can boost your […]