Apple CarPlay is either standard equipment on almost all of the new Audi cars in our showroom in the Los Angeles area or is an optional feature. The whole list is provided below, standard unless otherwise noted: 2017 – 2020 Audi A3. 2017 – 2021 Audi A4.
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Does the 2017 Audi A4 support Apple CarPlay?
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 the 2017 Audi A3 support Apple CarPlay?
All Audi A3s from model years 2017 to 2020 include Apple Carplay connectivity, allowing you to connect to your iPhone. When it is officially delivered, we predict that the new 2022 A3 will also include Carplay as standard equipment.
The first thing you should do if your A3 lacks Carplay is an MMI software update. If not, you might need to connect your iPhone by performing the above procedures in order to use the Apple Carplay system’s convenience and security.
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Does the 2017 Audi a5 support Apple CarPlay?
Over the past two years, Audi has quietly updated its lineup, with all new models including cutting-edge technology like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and the virtual cockpit. While vehicles like the Audi Q5, A3, and A4 are practical and enjoyable to drive, they are not intended to be quick or beautiful. Despite this, a classy interior isn’t everything. And the Audi A5 fills that role, sort of.
With the same luxurious interior we’ve come to expect from Audi in 2017, the new A5 appears to be a vehicle that can devour backroads and clock up the kilometers. Is it the complete set? To learn more, read our review of the new Audi A5.
Audi A5 Sportback review: Design
The Mercedes C Class, E Class, and even the BMW 5 Series are overshadowed by the new Audi A5 as the best-looking saloon available today. It stands out from the front with a sizable chrome grille and incisive lighting that set it apart from the competition.
The 2017 Audi A7 is Apple CarPlay compatible.
2017 saw the introduction of the Competition and RS 7 Performance trims, and the A7 received additional amenities as standard equipment, such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 14-speaker Bose surround-sound system.
How can I tell if the Audi I own has CarPlay?
Turn on your Audi, then put it in PARK. Press Bluetooth > Phone > Connect Mobile Device on your Audi’s touchscreen. Now the system will start looking for devices.
Can Audi MMI be upgraded to Apple CarPlay?
It is an onboard variation of Apple’s iOS software created specifically to improve connectivity between your iPhone and the in-car entertainment system.
Does Audi have Apple CarPlay?
Yes, it is the answer. You can control the primary applications on your iPhone or iPad via the control knob, your multifunction steering wheel, or voice command thanks to Audi MMI technology. As your new driving partner, Siri helps you complete tasks while keeping your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.
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 2017 Audi Q5 is Apple CarPlay compatible.
The Virtual Cockpit System is one of the first features you’ll notice when you enter the Q5’s cockpit. This is similar to what we’ve seen on the Audi A4 Avant, A5, smaller Audi A3, and much larger Audi Q7, and it’s equally remarkable here. The virtual cockpit system, which replaces the traditional analogue instruments with a massive 12.3-inch display, is one of the best infotainment systems now available, in part because it’s so simple to customize.
On the 1,440 x 540 pixel screen, you can do everything from choose tunes from a paired phone to add a new destination to the satnav to improve your route visibility. With a few steering wheel clicks, though, it will also prominently display speed and revs.
The virtual cockpit technology is not a standard feature on the Q5, and depending on whatever model you add it to, it costs roughly $1600. Nevertheless, it is well worth the money. In a nutshell, it’s one of the greatest systems available and a significant differentiator between the Q5 and its rivals.
The vehicle I was driving also had a heads-up display (HUD), which is only available with the Technology pack, which costs either 1,100 or 1,600 and is included in the 1,150 Vision pack. I still found this function to be very helpful even though it isn’t quite as amazing as the virtual cockpit system. I didn’t have to take my eyes off the road because the HUD projected route instructions and speed information onto my field of vision after being adjusted via buttons on the steering wheel.
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support
Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported by the Audi Q5, as you might anticipate. Although I was unable to test Android Auto, CarPlay performed as expected. It only required a few simple steps to activate the system after USB-connecting my iPhone 7 to the computer.
There is one point of contention here: the Audi Q5 lacks a touchscreen, exactly like its siblings, so you must use a dial and actual menu buttons to navigate a system that was built primarily for touch. However, once you figure out how to use it, you’ll quickly forget that there isn’t a touchscreen.
Although Apple CarPlay and Android Auto appear wonderful on the Q5’s navigation screen, there is no way to transfer them to the virtual cockpit system display, which is a little more frustrating.
There is one more restriction to make clear regarding Apple CarPlay. The functionality works flawlessly on my modern iPhone 7, but it won’t function on iPhone 4s or earlier models.
Satellite navigation
Along with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, the Audi Q5 also includes its own own software, which is generally very good. Although the automobile in Baja California lacked the most recent information or signal necessary to provide us with precise instructions, the maps and terrain were well-presented and simple to read.
It became apparent after poking the satnav for a while that it was essentially the same as what was offered in the A5 and A3. The satnav technology in those vehicles can rapidly and precisely generate concise routes and displays each step in excellent time.
General connectivity
It was easy to pair my phone with the car via Bluetooth, but Audi also offers other connectivity options. The Q5 features two USB ports so you can charge your gadgets or connect to Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, but if you’re willing to spend money, you can add a multitude of additional options.
The Audi Phone Box, which Audi offers as a one-stop shop in the Q5, pretty much handles everything you could possibly want in terms of connectivity. When you put your phone in there, the hands-free system on the Q5 will immediately connect to it, and it will also improve its signal using the antenna built into the vehicle. The Audi Phone Box can also wirelessly charge your phone if it is compatible, albeit this function is not yet accessible on Apple iPhones.
There are two USB charging ports, one auxiliary port, and one wired charging port on the Q5 for those who want to use physical media or wired charging. Additionally, there is room for two SDXC cards, and I was pleased to discover a CD player in the Q5.
Audi Connect
You can also subscribe to Audi Connect if you want to be as connected as possible. Audi Connect leverages the data connection of your phone to update you on everything from the weather to gasoline costs, much like MMI services from BMW and Mercedes. Additionally, you’ll be happy to know that it can connect to your Twitter account if you’re a frequent user of social media.
Again, I wasn’t able to test this out myself with the Q5 due to signal troubles, but I have used it in the UK before. Audi Connects is offered as a free, three-month trial on the Sport and higher-end Q5 models so you may evaluate its value before subscribing. It’s interesting to note that Audi offers a built-in SIM card with this mode, which covers all data costs.
Audio
The Bang & Olufsen sound system was an additional option for the Audi I was driving. The Bang & Olufsen system, which is a component of the 1,500 comfort and sound pack, has 19 speakers with a combined power rating of 755 watts, and overall, I’d say it’s worth the money. The system sounded professional throughout, providing a balanced sound even at extremely high volumes, whether it was playing the newest album by Justice or something more unpolished and unfinished.
Even so, I wouldn’t argue that its performance was on par with that of a Burmester system in a Mercedes S Class or a B&W setup in a Volvo XC90. Although the music was presented precisely and scientifically, it lacked the Mercedes system’s breathtaking scope, detail, or depth.
Despite this, this system offered a significant improvement over the traditional system, and it excelled in moody songs like Matt Lange’s “Lying to Myself.”