Upgrading your car’s infotainment system with an Apple CarPlay head unit is one of the smartest investments you can make for your daily drive. It seamlessly integrates your iPhone with your vehicle, putting your favorite apps like Maps, Messages, and Music right on a convenient touchscreen. This allows for safer, more intuitive control while keeping your focus on the road ahead.
With so many options available, from budget-friendly models to feature-packed units from top brands, finding the right one can be a challenge. This roundup simplifies your search by highlighting ten of the best Apple CarPlay head units, detailing their unique features and benefits to help you find the perfect match for your car and your needs.
Our Recommended Apple CarPlay Head Units
- PLZ 7″ Wireless Double Din Car Stereo Apple Carplay Radio Screen
- PLZ 10.1″ Wireless Single Din Car Radio Stereo with Apple Carplay
- Pioneer DMH-W2770NEX 6.8″ Capacitive Touchscreen, Double Din
- LSLYA Single Din Car Stereo with Apple Carplay Android Auto
- Alpine iLX-W650 7″ Double DIN Touchscreen Digital Multimedia Receiver
- Kenwood DMX9707S 6.95″ Resistive Touchscreen Digital Multimedia Receiver
- Sony XAV-AX6000 7-Inch Multimedia Receiver with Wireless Apple CarPlay
- BOSS Audio Systems Elite BE10ACP Car Stereo – Detachable 10.1″ Touch Screen
- Pioneer DMH-1770NEX Double-DIN Digital Multimedia Receiver
- Pioneer DMH-WT7600NEX 10.1″ Floating Display Digital Multimedia Receiver
PLZ 7″ Wireless Double Din Car Stereo Apple Carplay Radio Screen
This PLZ double din unit offers a fantastic combination of convenience and audio performance. It supports both wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, connecting automatically as soon as you start your car. This allows for immediate access to navigation, music, and voice assistants without ever taking out your phone.
For audiophiles, the built-in DSP and 10-band equalizer provide precise control over your sound, while the 240W output and dual subwoofer pre-outs ensure you can build a powerful system with breathtaking bass. The inclusion of an independent Bluetooth 5.3 module with an extra antenna guarantees a stable, high-quality connection for calls and audio streaming.
PLZ 10.1″ Wireless Single Din Car Radio Stereo with Apple Carplay
If you want a large screen but have a single din opening, this PLZ model is an excellent solution. Its expansive 10.1-inch IPS touchscreen offers vivid HD visuals and can be adjusted for comfortable viewing. It fits most single and double din dash openings, providing a modern, large-screen upgrade for a wide range of vehicles.
Like its smaller counterpart, it features both wired and wireless CarPlay and Android Auto for maximum flexibility. The audio quality is also a highlight, with a built-in DSP system and a 10-band EQ that lets you fine-tune the sound to your exact preferences, supported by a 240W peak power output for a dynamic listening experience.
Pioneer DMH-W2770NEX 6.8″ Capacitive Touchscreen, Double Din
Pioneer is a trusted name in car audio, and the DMH-W2770NEX lives up to that reputation. It features a responsive 6.8-inch capacitive touchscreen and supports both wireless and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This gives you safe and easy access to your smartphone’s key functions directly from the head unit’s display.
Beyond standard smartphone integration, this receiver adds the capability for Amazon Alexa through the Vozsis and Weblink apps. The short chassis design also makes it easier to install in a wider variety of vehicles, while built-in Bluetooth keeps you connected for calls and wireless audio streaming.
LSLYA Single Din Car Stereo with Apple Carplay Android Auto
This LSLYA unit is a feature-rich and affordable option for upgrading a single din dashboard. It comes with a 6.9-inch IPS touchscreen and supports wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to connect your phone for navigation, music, and voice commands through your car’s speakers.
A significant benefit is the included support for a backup camera, which automatically displays the rear view when you shift into reverse. The mirror link function is another useful feature, enabling you to project your phone’s screen directly onto the head unit for watching videos or using apps not natively supported by CarPlay.
Alpine iLX-W650 7″ Double DIN Touchscreen Digital Multimedia Receiver
The Alpine iLX-W650 is known for its sleek design and user-friendly interface. It boasts a 7-inch anti-glare capacitive touchscreen that remains easy to see even in bright sunlight. As a digital media receiver, it focuses on modern sources like smartphone integration and Bluetooth, forgoing a CD player for a more compact design.
This model supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, providing seamless access to your apps. The hands-free voice control allows you to operate these features safely while driving, making it a solid and reliable choice for a clean, modern upgrade.
Kenwood DMX9707S 6.95″ Resistive Touchscreen Digital Multimedia Receiver
Kenwood’s DMX9707S is a versatile receiver that offers a high level of connectivity. It features a 6.95-inch resistive touchscreen and is compatible with both wireless and wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. This flexibility means you can choose the connection method that works best for you.
This renewed model provides access to Kenwood’s quality and features. It includes a digital multimedia player with an AM/FM tuner, ensuring you have multiple options for entertainment on the road, all through a reputable brand known for its audio performance.
Sony XAV-AX6000 7-Inch Multimedia Receiver with Wireless Apple CarPlay
Sony brings its display expertise to the car with the XAV-AX6000. It features a bezel-less 7-inch capacitive touchscreen with an anti-glare coating, resulting in a modern look and excellent visibility. It supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, eliminating the need for a cable every time you get in the car.
The receiver has a compact rear chassis, which can simplify the installation process in many vehicles. It also comes with a built-in rear camera input, making it simple to add a backup camera for increased safety and convenience when parking.
BOSS Audio Systems Elite BE10ACP Car Stereo – Detachable 10.1″ Touch Screen
For a truly large screen in a single din form factor, the BOSS Audio Elite BE10ACP stands out. Its massive 10.1-inch IPS touchscreen provides a bright and intuitive interface for controlling Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A key security feature is the detachable display, allowing you to take the screen with you when you leave your vehicle.
This head unit seamlessly integrates your smartphone for hands-free calls, messaging, and navigation using apps like Waze and Google Maps. Bluetooth connectivity also enables wireless music streaming from popular services, upgrading your car’s audio system with modern functionality.
Pioneer DMH-1770NEX Double-DIN Digital Multimedia Receiver
The Pioneer DMH-1770NEX is a reliable and accessible entry into the Pioneer NEX lineup. It features a 6.8-inch capacitive touchscreen and supports wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This provides a safe way to use your smartphone’s essential functions through the receiver’s display.
Built-in Bluetooth keeps you connected for hands-free calls and wireless audio streaming. The receiver is also capable of supporting a rearview camera, a valuable feature that can be added to make parking and reversing safer and easier.
Pioneer DMH-WT7600NEX 10.1″ Floating Display Digital Multimedia Receiver
For a premium and modern aesthetic, the Pioneer DMH-WT7600NEX offers a unique 10.1-inch floating display. This design allows the screen to be adjusted for optimal viewing angle and gives your dashboard a cutting-edge look. It supports both wireless and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for maximum convenience.
As a flagship model, it includes high-quality audio processing and extensive connectivity options. The floating design not only looks impressive but can also be a practical solution for dashboards where a traditional double din unit may not fit perfectly, offering a custom-looking installation.
What to Look For in the Best Apple CarPlay Head Units for Easy Integration
So, you’re thinking about upgrading your car’s stereo to one with Apple CarPlay. It’s a game-changer for sure, putting your favorite apps right on the dashboard screen. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the right one? I’ve been through this process myself, and there are a few key things I always check before buying.
First, you need to figure out the type of display you want. The two main styles are floating and in-dash. A floating screen sits on top of your dashboard, which often means a larger, more modern-looking display that’s easier to see. An in-dash unit fits flush into your car’s console, giving it a more factory, built-in appearance. Your choice here really depends on your car’s layout and your personal style preference.
Next, let’s talk about connectivity. This is a huge one for a smooth experience. There are two kinds of Apple CarPlay: Wired and Wireless. Wired CarPlay is reliable and charges your phone, but you have to plug it in every time. Wireless CarPlay is super convenient—you just get in the car and it connects automatically. The trade-off is that it can use a bit more of your phone’s battery, and some units might have a slight audio delay. If you go wireless, make sure the head unit also has a USB port or Qi wireless charging to keep your phone powered up.
Sound quality is another major factor. Don’t just look at the flashy screen; pay attention to the built-in preamp outputs. If you have or plan to add external amplifiers, you’ll want a unit with at least three sets of preamp outputs (front, rear, and subwoofer) and a higher voltage (4V or more is great) for a cleaner signal. Also, check the built-in amplifier’s power. A higher RMS wattage per channel (like 20W or more) will sound much better and louder than a standard 10W-15W unit.
Finally, think about physical compatibility. You need to know your car’s stereo size—is it a single-DIN or double-DIN slot? Most modern touchscreen units are double-DIN. You’ll also likely need a special installation kit and a wiring harness to connect the new stereo to your car’s existing system without cutting wires. It might sound complicated, but these kits make the installation process much, much easier and are well worth the small extra cost. Getting a unit that fits your car properly is the first step to a seamless integration.
FAQ
Can I add Apple CarPlay to any car?
In almost every case, yes, you can. As long as there is an aftermarket head unit that fits your car’s dashboard (either single-DIN or double-DIN size), you can install Apple CarPlay. You’ll need the new stereo itself, plus a compatible installation kit for your specific car model and a wiring harness. Some very modern cars with deeply integrated infotainment systems can be trickier, but for the vast majority of vehicles, it’s a straightforward upgrade.
What is the difference between wired and wireless Apple CarPlay?
Wired CarPlay requires you to plug your iPhone into the head unit using a Lightning cable. It’s a solid, reliable connection that also charges your phone. Wireless CarPlay connects to your iPhone over a Wi-Fi signal, so you can just get in the car and it starts working without ever taking your phone out of your pocket. The convenience of wireless is fantastic, but it can drain your phone’s battery faster, which is why some head units offer built-in wireless charging pads.
Do I lose any factory features when I install a new head unit?
This depends on your car and the head unit you choose. With a standard replacement, you might lose access to factory settings that were controlled through the old screen. However, many higher-end head units come with interfaces or modules that are designed to retain these features. For example, you can often get an adapter to keep your steering wheel audio controls, a separate module to show your factory backup camera, or even interface with more advanced vehicle settings. Always check the product details for “retains factory” features.
Is the installation difficult? Can I do it myself?
If you’re comfortable with basic tools and can follow a wiring diagram, a DIY installation is definitely possible. The key is using a vehicle-specific wiring harness. This harness plugs into your car’s factory connector, and you then connect the wires from your new head unit to the matching wires on the harness. This way, you don’t have to cut any of your car’s original wires. If you’re not confident with wiring, it’s always best to have a professional handle the installation to ensure everything works correctly and safely.
Why is the screen resolution important?
The screen resolution determines how sharp and clear the icons, maps, and text appear. A low-resolution screen can look pixelated and be harder to read at a glance. For a screen you’ll be using while driving, clarity is crucial for safety and ease of use. When you’re looking at the best Apple CarPlay head units for easy integration, a higher-resolution screen, such as 720p or higher, will provide a much more pleasant and modern user experience, making it feel more like using your phone or a tablet.