Does the boss bv800acp have wireless CarPlay?

Apple CarPlay is a way to integrate your iPhone with your car’s infotainment system. It allows you to access apps, make calls, send messages, listen to music and get directions all through your car’s center screen.

Originally, CarPlay required connecting your iPhone to your car’s infotainment system via a Lightning cable. However, wireless CarPlay is now available which allows you to connect your iPhone to your car wirelessly over Bluetooth or WiFi.

Wireless CarPlay allows for a seamless integration without having to plug in. It makes using CarPlay more convenient since you don’t have to connect any cables. Overall, wireless CarPlay takes the integration between your iPhone and your car’s infotainment system to the next level through the freedom of wireless connectivity.

What is the Boss BV800ACP?

The Boss BV800ACP is an aftermarket car stereo receiver manufactured by Boss Audio Systems. It is designed to replace the factory stereo in compatible vehicles and add modern tech features like a touchscreen interface, Bluetooth connectivity, and smartphone integration.

Some key features of the BV800ACP include:

6.75 inch capacitive touchscreen display

Supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Built-in Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming
AM/FM radio tuner with RDS

Front, rear, and subwoofer preamp outputs
USB ports for charging and media playback
Customizable RGB button illumination

The BV800ACP is designed to be a full-featured multimedia receiver to enhance the entertainment capabilities of compatible vehicles. With smartphone integration, Bluetooth streaming, and a large touchscreen interface, it aims to add modern technology and conveniences without compromising on sound quality from built-in amplifiers and preamp outputs.

Does the BV800ACP Have Wireless CarPlay?

Unfortunately, no, the Boss BV800ACP does not have wireless CarPlay capability. The BV800ACP is limited to wired CarPlay only through a USB connection. While it has many great features like a large 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, Android Auto support, and more, wireless CarPlay is not one of them. Other aftermarket car stereo brands like Pioneer, Kenwood, and JVC offer wireless CarPlay, but it is not currently available on the Boss BV800ACP. With wired CarPlay, the BV800ACP still provides access to all the standard CarPlay features like navigation, calling, messaging, music, and more. However, a USB connection to an iPhone is required at all times for CarPlay to function. For those that want the convenience of wireless CarPlay to leave their phone in their pocket while driving, the BV800ACP unfortunately does not provide this capability out of the box.

Wired vs Wireless CarPlay

CarPlay can operate either through a wired connection using a USB cable or wirelessly over Bluetooth. Both wired and wireless CarPlay allow you to access core features like navigation, music playback, and hands-free calling. However, there are some key differences between the two methods:

Wired CarPlay Pros:

More stable connection since it doesn’t depend on Bluetooth, which can have intermittent drops
May have slightly better sound quality for music playback compared to Bluetooth audio streaming

Charges your phone while connected
Supported in all vehicles with CarPlay, since wired was the original method

Wired CarPlay Cons:

Being physically tethered to your phone can be inconvenient
Requires you to plug/unplug your phone each time you enter/exit the vehicle

Wireless CarPlay Pros:

Allows you to easily leave your phone in your pocket or bag when entering the car
More convenient since you don’t have to plug/unplug constantly
Cleaner look without a Lightning cable dangling in the cabin

Wireless CarPlay Cons:

Bluetooth connection could drop intermittently
Sound quality may be slightly worse than wired

Doesn’t charge your phone while connected
Only supported in newer vehicles, requires specific hardware

Overall, both wired and wireless CarPlay have their merits. Wireless offers more convenience but wired is more universal and has fewer connectivity issues. If stable connectivity is a priority, wired CarPlay may be the better choice.

Requirements for Wireless CarPlay

In order for a car stereo system to support Wireless CarPlay, there are specific hardware and software requirements that must be met.

On the hardware side, the car’s infotainment system must contain a wireless chipset capable of supporting 5GHz WiFi. Many newer car models come equipped with this hardware. However, for older vehicles, wireless CarPlay support would require installing an aftermarket stereo or adapter that contains the proper wireless chipset (more on this later).

In addition to WiFi hardware, the car’s operating system and software must be fully compatible with wireless CarPlay. This became more complicated in 2021 when Apple updated the requirements for wireless CarPlay to support the WPA3 WiFi security standard. As a result, some previously compatible systems lost wireless CarPlay functionality until updated by manufacturers.

On the phone side, wireless CarPlay requires an iPhone model 8 or later running at least iOS 13. iOS 16, the latest version, fully supports wireless CarPlay. So an up-to-date iPhone is recommended to take advantage of all features.

Finally, the car infotainment system and iPhone must be within close range, usually within about 30 feet, to maintain a stable wireless CarPlay connection. Performance can vary depending on WiFi signal strength and potential sources of interference.

Aftermarket Options for Wireless CarPlay

For those who want to add Wireless CarPlay capability to their existing vehicle, there are a few quality aftermarket adapter options available. Companies like Carlinkit, Carsifi, and Motorola offer adapters that can enable wireless CarPlay in your car by connecting to your vehicle’s wired CarPlay or USB port.

The Carlinkit Wireless CarPlay Adapter is one of the most popular and well-reviewed options. It’s designed to be low profile and seamlessly integrate into your vehicle’s dash or console area. Once connected to your wired CarPlay port, it creates a wireless connection to your phone so you can access CarPlay without any cables.

Other options like the Carsifi Wireless CarPlay Adapter offer similar functionality and wireless freedom. Most adapters support both wireless CarPlay and wireless Android Auto. They allow you to charge your phone wirelessly at the same time as using wireless CarPlay. Most adapters are easy to install as well, with simple plug-and-play connections.

There are some downsides to aftermarket wireless CarPlay adapters according to reviews on Reddit. Some users report occasional lag or connection issues compared to built-in wireless CarPlay. But for most everyday use, the adapters provide an affordable way to go wireless if your car didn’t come with it.

Alternatives to the BV800ACP

There are several aftermarket car stereo models that support wireless CarPlay as an alternative to the Boss BV800ACP:

Pioneer’s DMH-WC5700NEX offers wireless CarPlay connectivity and a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen. It has built-in navigation, a backup camera input, HD Radio tuner, and Android Auto support (Amazon.com).

Alpine’s iLX-207 is another option with a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen, mech-less design, wireless CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, HD Radio, SiriusXM compatibility, and more. It fits most vehicles but requires a separate interface to retain steering wheel controls (BestBuy.com).

Kenwood’s DMX907S offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along with a 6.8-inch display. It has built-in Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming from a smartphone (BestBuy.com).

Overall, Pioneer, Alpine, and Kenwood make some of the top-rated aftermarket stereos with wireless CarPlay connectivity as an alternative to the Boss BV800ACP.

FAQs

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about wireless CarPlay:

Does the Boss BV800ACP have built-in wireless CarPlay?

No, the Boss BV800ACP does not come with wireless CarPlay capabilities built-in. It only supports wired CarPlay connectivity through a USB cable (Carsifi).

What do I need to add wireless CarPlay to the BV800ACP?

To add wireless CarPlay to the Boss BV800ACP, you need to purchase an aftermarket wireless CarPlay adapter or module. Popular options include the Carsifi wireless adapter, Carlinkit wireless adapter, and Belkin CarPlay 2go adapter (Carsifi).

Does the BV800ACP support wireless Android Auto?

No, the Boss BV800ACP only supports wired Android Auto connectivity. To add wireless Android Auto, you would need an aftermarket wireless adapter just like with CarPlay.

What iOS version do I need for wireless CarPlay?

You need iOS 13 or later on your iPhone to use wireless CarPlay. Earlier iOS versions only support wired CarPlay connectivity.

How good is the wireless CarPlay connection?

Most aftermarket wireless CarPlay adapters use WiFi technology to connect wirelessly. The connection is generally very stable and reliable, with no major dropouts reported during testing.

The Future of Wireless CarPlay

Wireless CarPlay is expected to see increased adoption in the coming years. According to recent reports, the overall CarPlay market is forecasted to reach $56 billion by 2027, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate of 8.8% from 2022. As CarPlay becomes standard in new vehicles, wireless functionality is likely to follow.

Currently, 98% of new cars in the U.S. come equipped with wired CarPlay. However, as wireless charging and connectivity become more prevalent, consumers will likely expect wireless CarPlay as a standard feature. Automakers and aftermarket stereo manufacturers are already working to meet this demand.

Wireless CarPlay offers convenience and seamless integration for iPhone users. As more models add the capability and awareness increases, wireless CarPlay adoption is poised to grow steadily in the coming years.

Conclusion

In summary, the Boss BV800ACP is an aftermarket car stereo that does not come equipped with wireless CarPlay capabilities out of the box. CarPlay is Apple’s in-vehicle software that allows you to access certain apps and features on your iPhone through your car’s infotainment system. The standard version requires a wired connection, while wireless CarPlay allows you to connect without any cables.

While the BV800ACP only supports wired CarPlay connections, there are some aftermarket adapters available that can add wireless functionality. This requires tapping into the wired CarPlay interface and transmitting it wirelessly to your phone. However, this wireless upgrade may come with some limitations compared to native wireless CarPlay support.

If wireless CarPlay is a must-have for you, the BV800ACP may not be the best option. There are some car stereos available that have wireless CarPlay built-in without the need for adapters. You’ll want to explore those models and weigh the pros and cons if wireless connectivity is important to you.