Things to know before downloading apps for Apple CarPlay
- You cannot play games or stream Netflix or YouTube videos on CarPlay.
- You don’t need to install anything extra to use the CarPlay apps. If an app supports CarPlay, it will appear in the app list on your car’s system display when connected to iPhone.
- You can use Siri to access built-in features like the clock, reminders, and more, read notifications aloud, and respond to incoming alerts.
- CarPlay will now support fueling and driving apps thanks to iOS 16. So you can find cheaper gas prices or check the cost of tolls.
Apple’s CarPlay enhances your driving experience by giving you easy access to all your essential apps. It helps you navigate, reply to messages, and listen to music or podcasts on the go with default iOS apps or third-party options. I have compiled a complete list of Apple CarPlay apps for iPhone.
Also, I have categorized the list to help you choose the best Apple CarPlay apps.
The best navigation apps for CarPlay
The navigation apps in CarPlay will help you get to your destination in no time. So you don’t have to constantly check maps on iPhone. Let’s explore!
1. Apple Maps is the default iOS app
Over time, Apple Maps has evolved and added additional features to improve the driving experience. As such, this is the ideal GPS navigation app for getting directions if you live in an area where Apple gives you access to all Maps features. When you click on the “Destinations”link, Maps will recommend places based on your current location or previous message and emails.
In addition, you can easily find gas stations, restaurants and other places using the search function. Alternatively, to use Siri for navigation, press the microphone button on the steering wheel or the microphone icon on the system screen. With the recent update, you can add many stops to your driving route. Also check the balance of transport cards in Apple Wallet and replenish them according to fares.
Price: Free
2. Google Maps is the best third-party mapping app.
Get real-time GPS navigation, traffic and public transport information during your daily commute and trips to unfamiliar places. In addition, Google Maps helps you explore your surroundings and find places of interest. No matter where you are in the world, this is the best offline mapping app with hundreds of millions of businesses and places including grocery stores, pharmacies and other important places.
In addition, you can avoid traffic jams using Google Maps ETA and real-time traffic data. With the live view feature, you can view the route you need to take using the arrows and instructions in your car’s system. In addition, the automatic rerouting feature shows routes based on current traffic conditions, accidents and closed routes.
Price: Free
3. Waze Navigation & Live Traffic – Find Parking Easily
Waze is one of the best navigation apps for Apple CarPlay that keeps you up to date on everything that’s happening on the road. It alerts you to traffic, accidents, construction, police, speed cameras and more. This way you can avoid speeding tickets.
In addition, it will offer you alternative routes to avoid traffic and will tell you the estimated time of arrival in different voices. In addition, you can find the cheapest gas station and parking on your way. You can even listen to music and podcasts right from the app.
Price: Free
4. TomTom Go – privacy-focused and ad-free
Here is an app with online navigation, downloadable offline maps, real time traffic updates and real time speed camera alerts. It is available in 150 countries and is constantly updated so you can always find the best route and save time, even offline. He recently added new shortcuts to the CarPlay dashboard screen.
In addition, you can search for directions, scenic spots, tourist attractions, and more, so it’s a good travel app. One exciting aspect is the Moving Lane Guidance feature, which lets you know which lane is yours for junctions and exits. Also, using the messaging service of your choice, you can share your estimated arrival time with others.
Price: Free (subscription starts at $4.99)
The best music apps compatible with CarPlay
How about a long drive with your favorite playlist? The perfect combination! Find out about the best music apps to play in your car system.
5. Apple Music – Default
Apple Music is one of the best Apple CarPlay music streaming apps if you have a subscription. In addition, you can tune into your favorite radio stations. I liked the quick access tabs at the top of the CarPlay user interface, which make it easy to navigate the app. In addition, Siri can play music for you on demand.
If you are a subscriber, you can access your entire Apple Music library and play everything you have purchased from iTunes. To browse your library and playlists, open the app and search for music using the car controls. Plus, you can now enjoy 3D music and lossless audio with Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos.
Price: Free (voice plan starts at $4.99)
6. Spotify is the best alternative music player
If you love music, you must have Spotify to keep you entertained while you’re on the go. This music streaming app puts together custom playlists based on your preferences so you always have something to listen to. You can also create your own playlist and share it with others.
Plus, there are customizable playlists to suit every mood and thousands of podcasts to keep up with your interests. Many of them are original, not available on any other platform. What I love the most is live talk shows between creators, artists and athletes.
Price: Free (Premium starts at $3.99)
7. Pandora – Get a customized listening experience
Pandora positions itself as the world’s most efficient music discovery platform. You can listen to your favorite music or podcasts for free in your car and access exclusive SiriusXM talk shows. In addition, the new speech mode allows you to use simple voice commands to search, play, pause, skip, adjust the volume and rate songs.
With six different Pandora modes, you can have a new way to personalize your radio. In addition, you can create stations using your favorite music, artists or genres. Search or view suggested stations based on your activities and download them.
Price: Free (In-app purchases start at $3.99)
8. Amazon Music – Top Quality Streaming
The Amazon Music app is one of the best Apple CarPlay apps for high-quality offline music streaming. It offers 100 million songs to play and 10 million podcast episodes to play. In addition, you can listen to an unlimited number of music artists and albums.
You can play music in CarPlay if you have offline ringtones stored on your iPhone. The user interface of the app is simple and offers basic and advanced game settings. If you have an Amazon Prime subscription, you can enjoy all your music ad-free and browse the largest catalog of the best ad-free podcasts.
Price: Free (In-app purchases start at $10.99)
The best news and entertainment apps for CarPlay
Your favorite live show, podcast or sport is on and you’re on the go. Sad, right? These CarPlay news and entertainment apps keep you informed while you drive.
9. Apple Podcasts – Default
Want to listen to podcasts while driving? If you have an Apple Podcast subscription, save your favorite episodes to your library and access them via CarPlay. In addition, Siri can play podcasts with voice commands such as “Play iGeeksBlog Podcast”and “Go ahead one minute.”
It has a simple user interface and basic controls. In addition, you can quickly and easily discover new programs with expert help and personalized recommendations according to your preferences.
Price: Free
10. NPR One is the best news app
If you want to get regular news on the go, NPR One is perfect for Apple CarPlay apps. It offers access to hundreds of local public radio stations in the US. These radio stations provide a wide range of podcasts and the latest news from sports, weather, politics, science, business, culture and more, both locally and globally.
In addition, you can enjoy your favorite daily talk program as well as view and read stories by topic. The app’s user interface is user friendly so you can navigate it easily on your car’s dashboard. So get the latest from National Public Radio by activating push notifications for breaking news.
Price: Free
11. Audible – Listen to your favorite stories
Reading has never been easier with audiobooks. Get audio to take your mind off your travels as you head to your destination. In addition to many bestsellers and non-fiction books from around the world, it also offers original books for your listening pleasure.
In addition, you can also enjoy podcasts. When you subscribe, you get one monthly credit to get any book you want that will stay in your library forever. In addition, you can sort stories using the filters in the library. Add this to your arsenal of CarPlay apps and expand your horizons.
Price: Free (In-app purchases start at $7.99)
12. Overcast – Best Podcast App
Are you a podcast lover? Then here is the must-have app from the complete list of Apple CarPlay apps in 2023. Overcast has everything you need without extra features or fuss. A simple, intuitive user interface makes it easy to listen to what you want, whenever you want.
Other features of this leading podcast app include Smart Speed, which saves time by not distorting or sounding unnatural, and Voice Boost, which makes every episode the same volume with a broadcast-quality remastering engine.
Price: Free ($9.99 Premium)
The best radio apps to use with CarPlay
Who doesn’t remember the good old days of radio? You can still tune into radio stations through apps. Choose your preferred one.
13. TuneIn Radio – Best Radio App
Check out this radio app for the world’s largest library of live, original and on-demand audio recordings. Enjoy everything from the latest news and live sports to exclusive music and podcasts from around the world. I use this MLB Postseason app that offers live streaming of every World Series game.
No need to worry about picking the next thing to listen to as it boasts a range of stations curated by famous influencers, DJs and iconic personalities. A premium subscription will give you even more exclusive content such as the English Premier League, NHL and ad-free entertainment.
Price: Free (subscription starts at $4.99)
14. iHeart Radio – radio, music and podcasts all in one
iHeart Radio is the one-stop solution for all your in-car audio entertainment. It offers thousands of live radio stations, podcasts and unlimited music playlists to suit your mood and activities. In addition, you can listen to sports radio stations and interact with top sports figures.
It contains many useful features such as “Favorites”and “Your Weekly Mixtape”, making it easy to find new sounds you like. You can even create personalized stations based on your favorite artists using a library of millions of songs from a variety of genres.
Price: Free (In-app purchases start at $5.99)
The best communication apps compatible with CarPlay
Stay connected with family, friends and others while driving. Thus, you will not miss any calls or messages.
15. Whatsapp is the best communication app
While CarPlay already gives you access to the iOS Messages app by default, it also supports WhatsApp so you can stay connected on the go. Send and receive text, voice messages, photos and videos over a network connection. You can create and share a WhatsApp call link from the Calls tab.
In addition, you can even make audio or video calls absolutely free. Plus, you can now undo “Delete for Me”in a few seconds. It’s one of the most popular ways to connect with others around the world, so it’s a must for your CarPlay experience.
Price: Free
16. Telegram – cloud messaging
Telegram is one of the famous messaging apps for Apple CarPlay. Just like WhatsApp, you can call, receive and reply to text messages with Siri without taking your eyes off the road. In addition, Telegram is more focused on the privacy and security of its users.
You can create a private chat. Plus, premium users can add up to three replies per message and reply to messages with thousands of unique emoji. Thus, this may be your preferred method of communication instead of messages or WhatsApp.
Price: Free (subscription starts at $4.99)
17. Zoom Cloud Meetings – Stay connected with your team
Stay up to date with this video conferencing app that has taken the world by storm. While incredibly useful for work and professional needs, it’s equally useful for meeting up with friends and family online. In addition, you can use individual chats and channels, make and receive calls, and save your ideas on the board.
It has a safe driving mode that will help you talk without taking your eyes off the road. In addition, you can use Siri Shortcuts to set up voice commands to start, join, and listen to a list of your upcoming appointments. In addition, it has SSO support and Okta integration.
Price: Free (subscription starts at $14.99)
Other Useful Applications to Consider
Unlike all apps in the main categories, some unique CarPlay apps will make your driving experience more convenient. Find the right one for you.
18. SpotHero is the best parking app
SpotHero is one of the best CarPlay apps in 2023 if you commute frequently and are looking for a parking space. Even though the app is only available in major US cities, it is still a reliable and widely used tool. In addition, you can reserve a parking space and pay using the app.
It works everywhere, including businesses, events, eateries, and parking lots. This way you can search for the nearest parking space by manually entering your location. In addition, the app helps you book your spot in advance and save your work profile for regular on-site parking.
Price: Free
19. PlugShare – for owners of electric vehicles
Use PlugShare with Apple CarPlay to view nearby charging stations. Therefore, it is a must-have CarPlay app for electric vehicle owners. For convenience, the app displays pictures of stations in addition to location information. In addition, you can view the places you have bookmarked and the trips you have planned on your car’s built-in display.
If your car is in charging mode, you can check the app to see how it works. Also, when traveling, PlugShare will let you choose the route with the most charging stations. In addition, you can use the app to pay after the car is fully charged.
Price: Free (subscription starts at $0.99)
20. Dunkin’ – Order food for the road
Feeling hungry on the road? Place orders using the Dunkin’ app on your car’s dashboard. Thus, you can choose from several outlets and order through the app depending on your needs. The app will help you select the location of Dunkin’ Donuts with a simple swipe of the screen.
The menu is fully displayed on the screen of your car. The app also includes payment processing. And the user interface simplifies everything from booking to ordering takeaway. In addition to ordering food for delivery, you can also book a table for dinner.
Price: Free
So that’s all for today, friends!
We hope this roundup of some of the best CarPlay apps for your iPhone will enhance your driving experience and make your life more convenient. Let us know your favorites in the comments below.