4 explanation why I choose CarPlay over Android Auto

To start with, let’s make one thing clear — I’ve nothing towards Android or Android Auto. Whereas my each day gadget 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 need to see the total scope of what trendy smartphone tech gives, particularly in terms of 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. Possibly 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 steady

Your mileage could 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 units, 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 value Android customers pay for having extra app, gadget, and interface decisions.

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

Associated

I won’t buy a phone for AI, and you shouldn’t either

AI simply is not dependable or highly effective sufficient but to base a cellphone round it.

2 Wider automobile compatibility

In lots of international locations, anyway

Kia

Merely put, it is extra probably that any automobile you purchase, hire, or lease will assist CarPlay, whether or not outdated or new. It should not be a shock — whereas Android is an open-source platform utilized by a wide range of cellphone 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 improvement Apple’s manner, and even Korean automakers cannot fake that almost all People have a Samsung cellphone. Compounding every part, Apple bought a head begin, since CarPlay launched in late 2014 — a number of months forward of Android Auto. You possibly can probably purchase a decade-old junker that is CarPlay-ready.

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

Associated

Use this trick to save 7GB of storage on your iPhone

Assuming you are prepared to sacrifice Apple’s newest tentpole function, that’s.

3 Seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem

The cliché is true

Apple

To Google’s credit score, Android Auto is more and more well-designed and well-integrated with the remainder of Android. I am somewhat jealous, the truth is — I (and plenty of different iPhone house owners) would find it irresistible 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 method my residence, 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 at any time when I am inside vary.

We might see Google leapfrog Apple at any time when it will get round to integrating Gemini into Android Auto — think about with 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.

Associated

Here’s how I built a Matter smart home

Matter could make your good residence seamless — these are the issues it is advisable get began.

4 A narrower, extra polished expertise

Much less is extra

It sounds counterintuitive, however I really get pleasure from the truth that fewer apps run in CarPlay than Android Auto. Once I’m about to drive someplace, I do not need a lengthy listing of apps to type by — I need a handful of optimized ones. I care even much less about Android making it simpler to drive video apps like Netflix to work. As good as that may be whereas sitting at a charging station, or ready to select up my son from faculty, I would reasonably nobody in my automobile (myself included) be tempted to look at Smiling Mates 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 somewhat underwhelming at instances.

Associated

The Apple-UK encryption battle is a terrifying echo of San Bernardino

It is an extremely critical subject that might put lives on the road.