Does Android Automotive support CarPlay?
What is Android Automotive?
Android Automotive is a built-in infotainment operating system designed specifically for cars. It was developed by Google as a full-featured infotainment platform that integrates deeply with a vehicle’s systems.
Unlike Android Auto which projects apps from your phone onto the vehicle’s display, Android Automotive is natively installed on the car’s hardware and optimized for in-vehicle use. Key features of Android Automotive include:https://source.android.com/docs/automotive/start/what_automotive
- Customizable home screen, navigation, and vehicle controls
- Native Google apps and services like Assistant, Maps, and Play Store
- Ability to install third-party apps directly on the infotainment system
- Deep integration with the vehicle’s sensors, controls, and components
In summary, Android Automotive provides an embedded, always-on infotainment experience tailored for the car environment.
What is CarPlay?
CarPlay is Apple’s in-vehicle infotainment system that allows iPhone integration with a vehicle’s built-in display, controls, and speakers. It provides a seamless experience that allows users to access key iPhone apps and features through the car’s own interface.
With CarPlay, iPhone users can easily make calls, send messages, listen to music and podcasts, get directions optimized for driving, and use various compatible apps all through the vehicle’s touchscreen, knobs, buttons, and steering wheel controls. It connects wirelessly through Bluetooth or via USB cable.
CarPlay effectively brings key iOS functionality into the car in a smarter, safer way compared to looking down and interacting with the iPhone itself while driving. Since launching in 2014, CarPlay has become available from most major automotive brands across a wide range of models. (1)
Differences Between the Two Systems
The key difference between Android Automotive and CarPlay is that one is built directly into the vehicle’s infotainment system, while the other must be connected externally. Specifically:
- Android Automotive is an embedded operating system that comes pre-installed in the car’s infotainment system, allowing tight integration between software and hardware. CarPlay runs on top of the car’s operating system and must be connected via USB cable to integrate iPhone features.
- Android Automotive runs on Google’s Android OS and connects natively to Google services and apps. CarPlay runs on iOS and connects natively to Apple services and apps.
- Android Automotive ties the driver primarily to Google’s ecosystem. CarPlay ties the driver primarily to Apple’s ecosystem.
In essence, Android Automotive is Google’s automotive platform while CarPlay brings Apple’s platform into the car’s cabin. The two take fundamentally different approaches in deeply integrating a mobile OS ecosystem into the vehicle.
Current Car Support for the Systems
When it comes to major car brands, both Android Automotive and CarPlay have seen widespread adoption, though CarPlay currently has the edge in terms of total vehicles supported.
CarPlay is currently available across a wide range of brands including Audi, BMW, Ford, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Toyota, Volkswagen, Volvo, and more. According to Apple, over 98% of new cars sold in the US support CarPlay.
Android Automotive has also seen adoption from major automakers, but is currently in fewer vehicle models. Brands that support Android Automotive include Polestar, Volvo, GM, and Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance members. However, Android Automotive’s availability is quickly expanding. Google expects Android Automotive to be available in millions of cars by 2023.
In summary, while CarPlay currently supports more vehicle models overall, Android Automotive adoption is rapidly increasing across major automotive brands.
User Experience Comparison
Android Automotive and CarPlay offer different user experiences and interface designs. According to Lifewire, CarPlay’s interface tends to be cleaner and more intuitive for iPhone users since it mirrors the iOS design. Android Automotive has more customization options but can feel more cluttered. Both systems allow voice control and touch interactions.
A key difference is that Android Automotive integrates with Google Maps for navigation by default, while CarPlay uses Apple Maps. Many reviewers believe Google Maps offers a superior navigation experience compared to Apple Maps (Android Police). However, CarPlay may appeal more to iPhone loyalists who prefer Apple’s ecosystem.
In terms of strengths, CarPlay’s simple and streamlined interface makes it easy for iPhone users to adapt. Android Automotive gives more flexibility in app choices and customization. Weaknesses of CarPlay include its closed ecosystem and reliance on Apple Maps. For Android Automotive, the interface can feel overwhelming and less intuitive.
Overall, both platforms aim to minimize driver distraction by optimizing for voice control. But Android Automotive offers more options for power users willing to learn its features, while CarPlay prioritizes simplicity and integration with other Apple devices.
App and Integration Support
When it comes to app availability and phone integration, there are some key differences between Android Automotive and CarPlay:
Android Automotive has native support for Google apps like Maps, Assistant, and YouTube Music. It also allows third-party apps to be installed directly to the vehicle’s infotainment system, with popular options including Spotify, Amazon Music, Audible, and more. Android Automotive is deeply integrated with Android phones, allowing features like wireless Android Auto projection and native messaging apps.1
CarPlay has native support for Apple apps like Maps, Siri, Apple Music, Podcasts, and more. Third-party apps can also be accessed through the CarPlay interface when an iPhone is connected. Popular supported apps include Spotify, Pandora, Audible, and various messaging apps. However, apps cannot be natively installed to the vehicle’s infotainment system like with Android Automotive. CarPlay only works with iPhones, providing tight integration for iOS users.2
In summary, Android Automotive provides greater flexibility for app installation and integration with Android phones, while CarPlay focuses on deep iPhone integration and iOS-tailored apps accessed through the vehicle’s infotainment system.
The Question of Cross-Compatibility
One of the most common questions regarding Android Automotive and CarPlay is whether the two systems can work together or if CarPlay can run on Android Automotive. At this time, the two systems are not cross-compatible. CarPlay requires an iOS device connected via USB to function, while Android Automotive is built directly into the vehicle’s infotainment system and does not require an Android phone to operate.
There are some significant technical challenges that make cross-compatibility very difficult between Android Automotive and CarPlay. CarPlay relies on tight integration with iOS, Apple’s operating system for iPhones and iPads. It displays a customized interface on the vehicle’s infotainment screen that mirrors the connected iOS device. Android Automotive on the other hand is its own operating system built into the car, running on Automotive Grade Linux and optimized for the driving environment.
For CarPlay to run on Android Automotive, Apple would have to develop a version of CarPlay specifically designed and optimized for Android Automotive OS. This would require significant engineering resources and close collaboration between Google and Apple. Apple has not shown much interest in bringing CarPlay to competing platforms.
Similarly, for Android Automotive to support iOS connections, Google would have to find a way to integrate core iOS services and apps into Android Automotive. This presents security, compatibility, and performance challenges. Neither company has indicated plans for official cross-compatibility.
While not impossible, allowing CarPlay to run on Android Automotive or vice versa would require major technical workarounds. Given the companies’ different philosophies and the challenges involved, cross-compatibility does not appear to be a priority for Google or Apple at this time.
Google and Apple’s Strategies
Google and Apple have competing visions when it comes to connected car systems like Android Automotive and CarPlay. Here are some of the key strategic differences between the two tech giants:
Google’s goal with Android Automotive is to integrate their services deeply into the vehicle’s infotainment system and provide a full-featured operating system. As noted in this analysis from The Turn Signal Blog, Google wants to power core in-car features beyond just entertainment. This includes instrument cluster displays, driver assistance systems, and vehicle data/telematics.
In contrast, Apple’s CarPlay aims to mirror the iPhone experience in a vehicle’s infotainment display. As outlined in this comparison from Lifewire, CarPlay is not a full operating system but rather a platform to project iOS apps and services into the car’s interface. Apple’s focus is on continuity with the iPhone rather than vehicle integration.
This leads to divergent strategies. Google wants deeper embedment in vehicle systems, viewing the car as another platform for its services. Apple wants to extend iOS accessibility, leveraging its phone dominance and sticky ecosystem. Both have vast resources to push their competing visions forward as connected cars become more sophisticated and prevalent.
The Future of Connected Cars
Many analysts predict that Android Automotive and CarPlay adoption will continue to grow rapidly in the coming years. According to research from Counterpoint, the global connected car market is poised to reach 352 million units by 2025, with many new vehicles offering Android Automotive, CarPlay, or both as standard infotainment systems [1]. As more car manufacturers integrate these platforms into their vehicles, consumer familiarity and demand for smartphone connectivity will likely increase.
In terms of convergence, while Google and Apple have not announced plans for Android Automotive and CarPlay integration at this time, some possibilities exist for greater interoperability down the road. For example, Apple Music is already available as a standalone app on Android Automotive. More apps and services could potentially crossover in the future, allowing users to access a wider range of content and functionality across both platforms. However, it seems unlikely that Android Automotive would adopt full CarPlay integration or vice versa due to being competitive systems [2]. Nonetheless, the connected car space remains rapidly evolving, so increased convergence should not be ruled out as a future direction.
Bottom Line – Can You Use Android Automotive and CarPlay in the Same Vehicle?
The short answer is no. Android Automotive and CarPlay are competing connected car platforms developed by Google and Apple respectively. They take different approaches and are not designed to work together in the same vehicle.
Android Automotive is a full Android-based infotainment system that is deeply integrated into the vehicle’s electronics. CarPlay runs iOS apps and is designed as an extension of the iPhone experience in the car. Both replace the automaker’s built-in infotainment system.
Since Android Automotive and CarPlay each require their own proprietary hardware and connections to vehicle controls, you cannot have both in the same car. Automakers must choose one platform or the other for each vehicle model.
There are currently no new cars that support both Android Automotive and CarPlay. It is a mutually exclusive choice. If you want to be able to use both systems, you would need two different vehicles equipped with each one.
For now, Google and Apple are pursuing separate strategies aimed at dominating connected cars. This leaves consumers with an either/or decision between Android or iOS for their in-vehicle experience. The two systems are unlikely to become interoperable any time soon.