Although its infotainment options are unchanged for 2018, the A4 is still one of the better-equipped cars in its class. The Technology package from the previous year, which came with a larger 8.3-inch infotainment screen, navigation, and the Virtual Cockpit gauge display, is now known as the Navigation and Telematics package. The infotainment system in the A4 is easy to understand and use thanks to its clear graphics and well-organized menus. In order to reduce distractions, an optional Virtual Cockpit instrument-panel display puts a wealth of useful data right in the driver’s line of sight. A rotary knob in the center console operates the 7.0-inch center screen, which is part of the A4’s standard configuration. There are many standard features, including Bluetooth, two USB outlets, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. A more potent Bang & Olufsen audio system with 19 speakers and 755 watts of output is also featured in various option packages, along with navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and in-car Wi-Fi.
In This Article...
Is Apple CarPlay available on the 2018 Audi?
On new 2018 Audi Q5 SUVs, smartphone integration technologies such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be available as standard features for the first time. Apple CarPlay is compatible with iOS systems and Android systems running Lollipop or newer.
Which A4 does not have Apple CarPlay?
What model Audis Support Apple CarPlay?
- 2017 – 2020 Audi A3.
- 2017 – 2021 Audi A4.
- 2017 – 2021 Audi A5.
- 2017 – 2021 Audi A6.
- 2017 – 2021 Audi A7.
- 2017 – 2021 Audi A8.
- 2019 through 2021 Audi e-tron.
- 2017 – 2021 Audi Q3.
The Audi A4 comes with Apple CarPlay as standard.
The A4’s interior has a high-tech vibe that is virtually unmatched at this price point thanks to Audi’s Virtual Cockpit display. Although Volkswagen is already releasing a similar technology on two crossovers, this only somewhat lessens the appeal of the option on our long-term Audi. With only a few minor deviations, our 2017 A4 2.0T all-wheel-drive receives a high grade overall in terms of technology.
The 12.3-inch, completely digital Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster display is well-done. Other manufacturers have cool digital instrument clusters, but if you want your new car to impress you, the Audi system is a good option because of the way it blends a functional design with a sleek interface. On the A4, the technology is available on the top-tier Prestige trim, and I value the variety of display choices. I may minimize the speedometer and tachometer when I’m gazing at a map on the 8.3-inch infotainment screen by stretching audio information (and the record cover thumbnail image) across the instrument cluster’s screen.
Alternately, I may make the most of Audi’s usage of Google Earth photos by reducing the tach and speedo. On a crowded journey home, I’ll occasionally use the steering wheel control to zoom out nearly to the system’s maximum, filling the display with an image of our planet and stars around it, while watching the imagery of city streets and buildings transform into mountains and ocean. Of course, this isn’t a useful application of the technology, but if I had wanted a useful automobile, I would have “bought” a more affordable and roomier Volkswagen Passat. The more than 20 inches of combined screen space in the Virtual Cockpit can be used to display navigation instructions and audio information, but what really makes it a cool luxury in my opinion is that “look-at-how-insignificant-you-are” planet view with Google Earth satellite data. Audi currently offers a six-month trial period after which a Connect Prime package, which also includes traffic data from Inrix XD and many other features like a curfew alert and remote locking and unlocking, becomes available. Currently, the plan costs $199 for six months and $499 for 18 months; if I didn’t use Apple CarPlay so frequently, I might think about paying those costs.
The A4 comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features, which I still find to be very useful. With Apple CarPlay, I can connect my phone to the vehicle via one of the two USB ports, confirm that I’m okay with the connection, and then access a few fun features displayed on the 8.3-inch infotainment screen. The voice-command text messaging system functions effectively, and Spotify, Audible, and other audio services have clear displays. Even though Audi’s internal navigation system is manageable, for me, there’s nothing better than instantly receiving directions to a location even when I’m unfamiliar with the address. I’m good as long as I know the name of the cafe, shop, or hotel, as well as the location’s city. My phone and the car’s voice-recognition technology typically grasp what I want with just one vocal command delivered via a lengthy press of a button on the steering wheel, and we’re off.
I’ll talk more about the driving experience and the sophisticated array of active safety features available in the A4 in upcoming posts.
Does Apple CarPlay exist in 2018 vehicles?
Apple CarPlay is a feature that is available in at least a few models from the majority of major automakers, and in some cases, practically all of their models. These manufacturers include Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, GMC, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volkswagen, and others.
How can I tell if the Audi I own has CarPlay?
Most vehicles made in 2014 or after feature Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. You can check the user manual or conduct a Google search using the year, make, and model of your car to find out if it has Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. If your car doesn’t have a wireless dock, you can alternatively use the primary USB connector to connect your phone and view the menu. If your vehicle is equipped with it, an app will appear on the screen and request your permission from your phone. Although these apps are incredibly user-friendly, if you need help, Google (and YouTube!) are always available.
When you connect in your phone, some automobile systems (like Hyundai’s) instantly open Apple CarPlay or Android Auto; however, other systems require you to activate them through the infotainment system (BMW, for example). The technologies are there in your car if CarPlay or Android Auto are listed on the Monroney window sticker, although you might need to look for them.
The Pioneer AVH-3300NEX ($529.97 on Amazon) is a nice system to look into if you’re upgrading your current car but only have one installation slot.
When did Audi introduce Apple CarPlay?
In its brand-new vehicles, which will go on sale in Europe next year and in the United States in early 2016, Audi will start providing the Apple CarPlay technology.
Can Audi MMI be upgraded to Apple CarPlay?
By doing the following, you can link Apple CarPlay to the Audi MMI system: After making sure that Bluetooth is turned on for your iPhone, select “Phone” from the MMI’s main menu. Select “Connect mobile device” from the menu. Once it displayed on the screen, select your device and permit pairing with your Audi.
The 2016 Audi A4 is Apple CarPlay compatible.
The IMI-1000 is a retrofit kit for the Audi A4 (B9 chassis) manufactured in 2016 and later that provides CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The 7.0-inch and 8.8-inch high definition central displays and MIB1 in-car MMI system come standard on the Audi A4 (B9 chassis). The MIB1 factory-installed system, including the steering wheel controls, MMI rotary controls, and related buttons, as well as the Audi speaker system and the Central Information Display, are all fully compatible with the IMI-1000 retrofit kit.
By pressing a button, you can switch between the regular MMI system and CarPlay/Android Auto. When you pair your smartphone with the vehicle using a USB cable or wireless Bluetooth connection, CarPlay/Android Auto is activated. The IMI-1000 turns on CarPlay or Android Auto after connecting (dependent upon the operating system of your phone, iOS or Android). The CarPlay or Android Auto user interface will then appear on the Central Information Display (CID), unleashing their full potential!
Has the 2018 Audi A5 CarPlay?
An infotainment interface that responds quickly and is simple to use is made possible by intuitive software and durable hardware. The only aspect we don’t like about this system is that it lacks touchscreen functionality, which makes it a little more difficult to use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which were both created with touch-based interactions in mind. All A5 models from Audi come equipped with a plethora of infotainment capabilities as standard, including USB connectivity, power outlets, and Bluetooth phone and audio streaming. The A5’s floating infotainment display, which is either 7.0 inches (standard) or 8.3 inches (optional), is equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Both navigation and a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system are options. Both of the USB connections on the A5 are found in the console between the front seats. They both produced 1.8 amps, which should be plenty for most devices. The MMI system from Audi is generally easy to use, and getting used to the rotary knob controller is a quick and pleasant procedure. The hardware and software of the MMI system are compatible and quick, earning a Good rating in our testing with an average response time of under 0.6 seconds.
The 2018 Audi S5 is Apple CarPlay compatible.
With recent redesigns and launches like the BMW 4 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Lexus RC, luxury coupes (true two-door coupes, not sedans posing as coupes) are seeing something of a renaissance. It’s now Audi’s turn, thanks to the updated 2018 A5 and S5 coupes. They display new engines, improved styling both inside and out, and a plethora of new technological features. The A5 and S5 are the A4/S4 sedan’s coupe cousins, and they include much of the same improvements as the 2017 A4 makeover.
The coupe’s profile hasn’t changed much, but the details have been sharper and more dimensional from front to back. With a larger, flatter grille, a lower hood line, and a lower stance, the car appears more aggressive. The headlights and taillights have also been updated, and the front lights now have Audi’s distinctive LED daytime running lamps in addition to the standard xenon headlights. Standard LED taillights serve their purpose in the back, while full LED headlights (low/high beams) are optional.
Interior
Two of the most noticeable improvements to the interior’s usefulness are the electronic gear selector and floating dashboard-mounted media screen, which take the place of the former coupe’s mechanical, pull-back gear selector and integrated dashboard screen, respectively. In other Audi vehicles we’ve reviewed, the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with adjustable Virtual Cockpit is stunning; the large display features high-quality visuals ranging from conventional analog gauges to a full-width navigation display.
The S5 comes equipped with unusual sport seats that have contrast stitching and a massaging function, as well as an unusual flat-bottomed steering wheel with three spokes. A panoramic sunroof, ambient LED lighting, and interior aluminum trim are standard on all A5 and S5 coupes. Additionally, they include Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and an optional 19-speaker, 755-watt Bang & Olufsen radio is also available.
Under the Hood
In 2017, two new engines will result in higher power. The A5’s lone engine, a 252-hp turbocharged four-cylinder, is mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. While the A5 has all-wheel drive as standard, depending on the transmission selected, it can use one of two distinct systems. While the automatic A5 employs a more conventional Quattro system with a standard torque distribution of 40:60 front to back, the manual A5 drives the wheels with a new Quattro Ultra system capable of driving the front wheels alone to save gasoline. According to Audi, there are no current fuel economy estimations.
A new turbocharged six-cylinder engine with 21 more horsepower than its previous supercharged equivalent is housed inside the S5. Fans of manual transmissions will be dismayed to learn that the S5 only comes with a conventional torque converter eight-speed automatic transmission; there is no row-your-own alternative. An optional performance package and sport differential, which distributes torque between the rear wheels to improve handling, improve the S5’s driving capabilities.
The A5 can reach 60 mph in 5.6 seconds with an automatic transmission and 5.7 seconds with a manual transmission, according to Audi, while the more potent S5 can reach that speed in 4.4 seconds. That is a half-second faster than the automatic for the A5 and six tenths faster for the manual. According to Audi, the S5 is a half-second faster than the previous S5.
Additionally, the new suspension comes in an equal number of variants, if you thought the gearbox and all-wheel-drive options were complex. Alternatively, you can choose the “comfort adaptive damping suspension,” which lowers the ride height by 10 mm and uses adaptive, adjustable firmness dampers that are adjustable in the Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, and Individual drive modes. The sport suspension on A5 coupes has a ride height that is 23 mm lower, as well as unique anti-roll bars, dampers, and springs. The normal S5 suspension is replaced by a sport adaptive damping system, which is an option.
Safety
Audi Pre Sense City, which can detect a collision (between a vehicle and a pedestrian) below 52 mph, is one of the standard safety features. Available features include lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind spot monitoring. Audi claims that the traffic jam assist feature of the adaptive cruise control helps maintain a predetermined distance in traffic from 0 to 25 mph by stopping, accelerating, and offering steering direction to lessen driver fatigue.
Can my automobile have Apple CarPlay installed?
Every significant automaker in the world, including Audi, Bentley, BMW, Jaguar, Lexus, Maserati, and Porsche, supports Apple CarPlay. Or they have already decided to include the application in upcoming auto models. In actuality, the app already supports more than 600 car models.
A smart and secure method of using your iPhone while driving is CarPlay. It allows you to phone, send messages, and look for turn-by-turn directions. Any car can have Apple CarPlay added to it.