Does the JVC KW M560BT have wireless CarPlay?

ByJael Lawler

CarPlay is an Apple standard that enables a car’s infotainment system to function as a display and controller for an iPhone. It allows users to access certain iPhone apps, make calls, send messages, listen to music, get directions, and more through the vehicle’s touchscreen interface.

While earlier versions of CarPlay required connecting an iPhone via USB cable, Apple has supported wireless implementations since iOS 9 in 2015. This allows CarPlay to connect over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi without any wires. Wireless CarPlay offers a more seamless and convenient experience since drivers don’t have to plug and unplug their iPhones each time they enter or exit the vehicle.

What is CarPlay?

CarPlay is Apple’s in-car platform that connects iOS devices to a vehicle’s infotainment system. It allows iPhone users to access certain apps, features, and functions of their iPhone through the vehicle’s dashboard display. CarPlay effectively mirrors the iPhone onto the car’s touchscreen, enabling drivers to make calls, send messages, listen to music, get directions, and more while staying focused on the road.

Essentially, CarPlay brings the familiar iPhone interface into a vehicle’s infotainment system. With CarPlay integration, drivers can use Siri voice commands to control core iPhone apps hands-free. CarPlay streamlines iOS device use while driving. Key apps optimized for CarPlay include Phone, Music, Apple Maps, Messages, Podcasts, Audiobooks, and select third-party audio, messaging and voice apps. CarPlay aims to minimize distractions so drivers can focus on the road.

According to Apple, CarPlay turns your vehicle’s built-in display into an extension of your iPhone. It provides a smarter, safer way to use your iPhone while driving. CarPlay support first launched in 2014 and has expanded across many major auto brands.

How CarPlay Works

CarPlay allows you to access certain iPhone apps and features through your vehicle’s infotainment system screen. There are two main ways that CarPlay can connect to your vehicle:

  • Wirelessly through Bluetooth – CarPlay can connect wirelessly to your vehicle if both your iPhone and vehicle support wireless CarPlay. This allows your iPhone to connect to your vehicle’s infotainment system without any cables.
  • Via USB cable – Connecting your iPhone to your vehicle’s USB port with a Lightning cable will enable CarPlay. This wired connection is required if either your iPhone or vehicle doesn’t support wireless CarPlay.

Once connected either wirelessly or through USB, CarPlay displays a specially designed interface on your vehicle’s infotainment screen. From there, you can access key apps like Maps, Music, Podcasts, Audiobooks, Messages, and select third-party apps. CarPlay essentially mirrors certain apps from your iPhone onto your car’s built-in display.

CarPlay relies on both Bluetooth and USB connections to enable full functionality. Bluetooth is used for wireless CarPlay connectivity as well as certain app functions like phone calls and Siri. The USB connection enables data transfer for Touch ID and apps. Both connection methods allow you to control CarPlay using your vehicle’s infotainment system controls like touchscreen, knobs, steering wheel buttons, etc.

Benefits of Wireless CarPlay

Wireless CarPlay offers some key benefits over traditional wired CarPlay connections. The most notable benefit is convenience – with wireless CarPlay, there is no need to plug your phone in physically to access CarPlay features. This eliminates the need for cables and adapters, allowing you to simply leave your phone in your pocket or bag (1, 2).

Keeping your phone stashed away can also help reduce distractions while driving. Some users note it’s beneficial to leave the phone out of sight and out of mind, allowing them to focus on the road and navigation displayed directly on the car’s center screen (3). Overall, the cable-free experience makes using CarPlay faster and more seamless.

Sources:

(1) https://cplay2air.com/blogs/blog/the-future-of-in-car-entertainment-a-look-at-wireless-carplay

(2) https://cplay2air.com/blogs/blog/wireless-carplay-how-it-works-and-its-benefits

(3) https://www.reddit.com/r/CarPlay/comments/pqv944/phone_in_pocket_while_using_navigation/

Supported Wireless CarPlay Vehicles

Many new vehicles now offer wireless CarPlay capability, allowing you to connect your iPhone to your vehicle’s infotainment system without plugging in a cable. Here are some of the most popular models that support wireless CarPlay as of 2023:

Acura: Integra, MDX, RDX

Alfa Romeo: Tonale

Audi: A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, E-Tron, E-Tron GT, Q4 e-tron, Q5, Q7, Q8, R8, RS6 Avant, S3, S4, S5 Sportback, S6, S7, S8

BMW: 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series, 8 Series, i3, i4, i7, iX, X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, Z4

Ford: Bronco, Bronco Sport, E-Transit, F-150, Mach-E, Mustang

Genesis: G70, G80, G90, GV60, GV70, GV80

Honda: Civic, CR-V, HR-V, Odyssey, Passport, Pilot

Hyundai: Elantra, Ioniq 5, Palisade, Santa Cruz, Santa Fe, Sonata, Tucson

Jaguar: F-Pace, I-Pace

Kia: Carnival, EV6, K5, Niro EV, Seltos, Sorento, Sportage, Stinger

Lexus: ES, IS, LS, LX, NX, RX, UX

About the JVC KW-M560BT

The JVC KW-M560BT is a digital multimedia receiver created by Japanese consumer electronics company JVC. This system is designed to be installed in cars and boats, serving as the stereo and entertainment center. It has a 6.8″ full color LCD touchscreen display and it packs a lot of useful features that make it a versatile car audio upgrade.

Some key features of the JVC KW-M560BT include:

  • Built-in Bluetooth for hands-free calling and wireless audio streaming
  • Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility via USB or wirelessly
  • HD Radio digital tuner with multicast and iTunes tagging
  • Pandora control from the touchscreen
  • SiriusXM ready with pause and replay functions
  • Dual rear camera inputs
  • 13-band equalizer and sound optimization options

With its mix of entertainment options, customization features, and smart device integration, the JVC KW-M560BT aims to be an attractive upgrade for car audio enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike.

Wireless CarPlay Capability

The JVC KW-M560BT does not support wireless CarPlay functionality. This multimedia receiver only has wired CarPlay connectivity through its USB port. Wireless CarPlay allows you to connect your iPhone to your car’s infotainment system without any cables, providing added convenience and a cleaner look. However, the JVC KW-M560BT does not have built-in wireless CarPlay support according to JVC’s official product page (https://www.us.jvc.com/car/multimedia/kw_m560bt/) and its listed specifications.

While the KW-M560BT offers wired CarPlay and Android Auto integration, Bluetooth calling and audio streaming, it lacks wireless smartphone mirroring. JVC has other models like the KW-M865BW (https://www.us.jvc.com/car/multimedia/kw_m865bw/) that do come equipped with wireless CarPlay functionality through a Wi-Fi connection, but this is not currently available on the KW-M560BT. For JVC receivers with wireless CarPlay, it has to be clearly stated as a feature by the manufacturer.

In summary, the JVC KW-M560BT does not support wireless CarPlay despite having wired CarPlay. Users who want a wireless CarPlay experience in their vehicle would need to look at other JVC models or consider aftermarket CarPlay adapter options.

Setup for Wireless CarPlay

The JVC KW-M560BT head unit supports both wired and wireless Apple CarPlay connection. Here are the steps to set up wireless CarPlay:

First, make sure your iPhone is updated to iOS 13.4 or later which enables wireless CarPlay. Then, pair your iPhone with the JVC head unit via Bluetooth. This allows the head unit to automatically recognize and connect to your iPhone wirelessly when you enter the vehicle. You only need to pair the first time, after that it will connect automatically (JVC, 2022).

Next, enable CarPlay on your iPhone. Go to Settings > General > CarPlay and select your JVC head unit. Finally, plug in a wired USB connection from your iPhone to the JVC head unit the first time to enable wireless communication. The head unit will now recognize your iPhone and launch CarPlay wirelessly going forward (BestBuy, 2019).

Once set up, your iPhone will automatically connect wirelessly to CarPlay when entering your vehicle in range. You can now access CarPlay features like Maps, Music, Messages and more completely wirelessly using the JVC touchscreen and controls.

Alternatives with Wireless CarPlay

If you’re looking for a car stereo with wireless CarPlay capability and the JVC KW-M560BT doesn’t have this feature, there are some other options to consider:

The Pioneer AVH-W4500NEX is one popular pick and widely considered one of the best CarPlay stereos. It has a 7-inch touchscreen display, built-in Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming, and supports both wired and wireless CarPlay connections. The wireless CarPlay works smoothly and makes it easy to access your iPhone’s apps, maps, music and more without plugging in.

Another alternative is the Kenwood DMX907S. This has a 6.8-inch touchscreen and comes equipped with wireless CarPlay. It also has built-in Bluetooth, dual camera inputs, SiriusXM capability, and support for FLAC audio files. The interface and sound quality get good reviews from users.

The Alpine iLX-407 is also highly rated and provides wireless CarPlay support. It has a 9-inch floating touch display that can be angled and adjusted for optimal viewing. This stereo has HD Radio tuning, five channel preamp outputs, and customizable RGB button illumination.

These all provide wireless CarPlay connectivity so you can easily access your iPhone’s features in your car. Checking out reviews and specs to compare these stereos to the JVC model can help determine the best option to suit your needs and budget.

Conclusion

The JVC KW-M560BT is an aftermarket car stereo that does not natively support wireless CarPlay. While it is compatible with wired CarPlay, an additional wireless CarPlay adapter would be required to enable wireless functionality. Key takeaways:

  • CarPlay allows you to access iPhone apps and features through your vehicle’s infotainment system.
  • Wireless CarPlay works without connecting your phone via USB, offering convenience and cleaner integration.
  • The KW-M560BT only has wired CarPlay built-in, lacking native wireless support.
  • To add wireless CarPlay to the KW-M560BT, a separate wireless CarPlay adapter is needed, such as the Carlinkit adapter.
  • Alternative head units like the Sony XAV-AX8000 have wireless CarPlay included without needing an adapter.

In summary, the JVC KW-M560BT requires a wireless adapter accessory to enable wireless CarPlay functionality. Check compatibility before purchase if wireless CarPlay is a priority.

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