4 the explanation why I favor CarPlay over Android Auto

To start with, let’s make one thing clear — I’ve nothing in opposition to Android or Android Auto. Whereas my every day system is an iPhone 16 Pro, I’ve owned a number of Android telephones through the years, and I might really like extra excuses to make use of Android when driving. I need to see the complete scope of what trendy smartphone tech affords, particularly on the subject of integrating with EVs.

Should you compelled me to select an in-car platform, although, I might in all probability go along with CarPlay. There are just a few the explanation why, a few of which boil right down to pure choice. I am even anticipating to have my opinion swayed sooner or later, whether or not by extra time with Android Auto, or future upgrades. Perhaps Apple will really launch its next-generation CarPlay sooner or later, however I am not holding my breath on that one.

1 CarPlay appears to be extra steady

Your mileage might fluctuate

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 gadgets, and all of them come from a single firm, so it is inherently simpler to troubleshoot. A posh technical scenario is a part of the worth Android customers pay for having extra app, system, and interface decisions.

Usually, I might aspect with product freedom, however reliability is totally important while you’re driving. At finest, nobody desires to need to fiddle with their cellphone earlier than beginning their work commute. In excessive eventualities, a bug may get somebody misplaced, or trigger a distraction on the worst doable time. Think about 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 car compatibility

In lots of international locations, anyway

Kia

Merely put, it is extra doubtless that any car you purchase, lease, or lease will assist CarPlay, whether or not outdated or new.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 quite a lot of cellphone makers, iPhones are extra common 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 method, and even Korean automakers cannot faux that almost all Individuals have a Samsung cellphone. Compounding all the pieces, Apple acquired a head begin, since CarPlay launched in late 2014 — a number of months forward of Android Auto. You can doubtlessly 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 in all probability 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 characteristic, 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 a little bit jealous, the truth is — I (and plenty of different iPhone homeowners) would adore it if CarPlay was tied into Google Maps and Google Calendar as a substitute of Apple’s personal apps. However the CarPlay expertise tends to be smoother, and can even pop up iOS Calendar occasions and HomeKit controls robotically in its multi-app dashboard. As I strategy 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 each time I am inside vary.

We may see Google leapfrog Apple each time 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 you should 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 desire a lengthy listing of apps to type by — I desire 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 is perhaps whereas sitting at a charging station, or ready to select up my son from faculty, I might fairly nobody in my automobile (myself included) be tempted to observe Smiling Mates or Downton Abbey whereas they’re flying down the freeway.

CarPlay additionally feels extra visually slick than Android Auto. It is a minor and extremely subjective level, however with CarPlay, I do not really feel like I am lacking out on the polish corporations like Rivian and Tesla pour into their all-in-one working techniques. Android Auto is extra utilitarian — one thing I respect, however does really feel a little bit underwhelming at occasions.

Associated

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

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