4 explanation why I choose CarPlay over Android Auto

To start with, let’s make one thing clear — I’ve nothing in opposition to Android or Android Auto. Whereas my each day machine is an iPhone 16 Pro, I’ve owned a number of Android telephones through the years, and I would really like extra excuses to make use of Android when driving. I wish to see the complete scope of what trendy smartphone tech presents, particularly relating to integrating with EVs.

In case you compelled me to select an in-car platform, although, I would most likely go along with CarPlay. There are a couple of explanation why, a few of which boil all the way down to pure desire. I am even anticipating to have my opinion swayed in some unspecified time in the future, whether or not by extra time with Android Auto, or future upgrades. Perhaps Apple will really launch its next-generation CarPlay in some unspecified time in the future, however I am not holding my breath on that one.

1 CarPlay appears to be extra secure

Your mileage might range

Whereas Android Auto is hardly a catastrophic mess, CarPlay is extra dependable general. It has an unfair benefit, in fact — there are far fewer iPhones available on the market than there are Android gadgets, and all of them come from a single firm, so it is inherently simpler to troubleshoot. A fancy technical state of affairs is a part of the worth Android customers pay for having extra app, machine, and interface selections.

Usually, I would facet with product freedom, however reliability is totally important if you’re driving. At finest, nobody desires to should fiddle with their telephone earlier than beginning their work commute. In excessive eventualities, a bug might get somebody misplaced, or trigger a distraction on the worst attainable time. Contemplate an expertise from Apple’s personal historical past — the unique model of Apple Maps led some drivers into the Australian desert.

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2 Wider automobile compatibility

In lots of international locations, anyway

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Merely put, it is extra seemingly that any automobile you purchase, hire, or lease will help CarPlay, whether or not previous or new. It should not be a shock — whereas Android is an open-source platform utilized by a wide range of telephone makers, iPhones are extra well-liked within the US and Canada, in addition to Germany, Japan, and the UK. It simply is smart for native automakers to focus their growth Apple’s method, and even Korean automakers cannot fake that the majority People have a Samsung telephone. Compounding all the things, Apple bought a head begin, since CarPlay launched in late 2014 — a number of months forward of Android Auto. You possibly can doubtlessly purchase a decade-old junker that is CarPlay-ready.

Android Auto is more and more commonplace and infrequently obtainable side-by-side with CarPlay, so this is not essentially an enormous benefit anymore. However for automobile buying or journey, it is most likely safer to have an iPhone in your pocket.

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3 Seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem

The cliché is true

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To Google’s credit score, Android Auto is more and more well-designed and well-integrated with the remainder of Android. I am slightly jealous, the truth is — I (and plenty of different iPhone homeowners) would like it if CarPlay was tied into Google Maps and Google Calendar as an alternative of Apple’s personal apps. However the CarPlay expertise tends to be smoother, and can even pop up iOS Calendar occasions and HomeKit controls routinely in its multi-app dashboard. As I strategy my dwelling, I can set off my storage door opener with out having to arrange a routine or speak to a voice assistant, since a button seems onscreen every time I am inside vary.

We might see Google leapfrog Apple every time it will get round to integrating Gemini into Android Auto — think about having the ability to inform your automobile “placed on my favourite music whereas I drive to work, however I have to go to a charging station first.” It appears unlikely that Apple Intelligence will deal with something like that till Siri will get a rumored overhaul in 2026.

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4 A narrower, extra polished expertise

Much less is extra

It sounds counterintuitive, however I really take pleasure in the truth that fewer apps run in CarPlay than Android Auto. After I’m about to drive someplace, I do not desire a lengthy checklist of apps to type by means of — I desire a handful of optimized ones. I care even much less about Android making it simpler to power video apps like Netflix to work. As good as that is perhaps whereas sitting at a charging station, or ready to select up my son from college, I would moderately nobody in my automobile (myself included) be tempted to look at Smiling Pals or Downton Abbey whereas they’re flying down the freeway.

CarPlay additionally feels extra visually slick than Android Auto. This can be a minor and extremely subjective level, however with CarPlay, I do not really feel like I am lacking out on the polish firms like Rivian and Tesla pour into their all-in-one working methods. Android Auto is extra utilitarian — one thing I respect, however does really feel slightly underwhelming at occasions.

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