Upgrading an older car with modern technology doesn’t have to mean a complicated and expensive stereo replacement. Apple CarPlay brings the intuitive interface of your iPhone to your dashboard, providing seamless access to navigation, music, and communication. For those with vehicles that predate this smart technology, a range of innovative solutions are now available.
Whether you prefer a simple plug-in adapter to make your existing system wireless or a full-featured new head unit with a large touchscreen, there is an option to fit your needs and budget. This roundup explores the best products to add Apple CarPlay functionality to your older car model, enhancing both convenience and safety on every journey.
The Best Apple CarPlay Upgrades for Your Vehicle
- Wireless CarPlay Adapter for iPhone, Convert Wired to Wireless
- Portable Wireless Carplay Car Stereo, 7″ HD Touchscreen for Car
- Jemluse Wireless CarPlay Adapter for Apple iPhone
- HAUXIY Wireless Apple Carplay Screen for Car 4K Dash Cam
- BOSS Audio Systems Elite BE10ACP-C Car Stereo
- ATOTO A5L 7inch Android Double DIN Car Stereo
- KENWOOD DMX709S eXcelon 6.95-Inch Capacitive Touch Screen
- JENSEN J1CA10FL 10.1-inch Certified Apple CarPlay
- BOSS Audio Systems BCPA10 Single DIN Car Stereo
- Pioneer DMH-WT7600NEX 10.1″ Mechless Receiver
Wireless CarPlay Adapter for iPhone
This compact adapter is a simple and effective solution for converting a factory-wired CarPlay system to a wireless one. It uses the latest 5.8 GHz WiFi and Bluetooth 5.3 technology for a fast and stable connection, with auto-connect features that activate within seconds of starting your car. The no-cable design eliminates the common issues of cable breakage and disconnection on bumpy roads.
Built for durability, the adapter features metal edges for improved heat dissipation and has been tested for over 10,000 insertions to ensure a secure fit in your car’s USB port. Its mini size is perfect for narrow slots, and it includes both USB-A and Type-C extension cables to accommodate various vehicle setups, making it a practical and long-lasting upgrade.
Portable Wireless Carplay Car Stereo
For a solution that requires no installation, this 7-inch portable touchscreen is an excellent choice. It adds both Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to any vehicle with a 12V power outlet, making it ideal for older cars, RVs, and trucks. The unit comes with an adjustable self-adhesive dashboard mount, allowing you to position it perfectly without modifying your car’s console.
Beyond smartphone projection, this device functions as a complete media center with real-time GPS navigation and includes a 180-degree adjustable backup camera to assist with parking. Voice control via Siri or Google Assistant helps you manage calls, messages, and music safely while keeping your focus on the road ahead.
Jemluse Wireless CarPlay Adapter
The Jemluse adapter focuses on providing a seamless and reliable wireless CarPlay experience. Its advanced 8-core processor and 5.8 GHz WiFi are engineered for a fast transmission rate, significantly reducing lag when using navigation or media apps. The adapter is designed for multi-user functionality, allowing different drivers to connect their iPhones with ease.
Constructed with a premium aluminum alloy, this dongle is built to last, with enhanced heat dissipation to maintain excellent performance even during long drives. Its robust design has undergone rigorous testing to withstand temperature variations and physical stress, ensuring a dependable connection every time you get in the car.
HAUXIY Wireless Apple Carplay Screen
This 9-inch portable car stereo combines a large CarPlay display with a 4K dash cam, offering a dual-purpose upgrade for your vehicle. It provides wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing for easy access to your phone’s apps through voice commands or the responsive touchscreen. The inclusion of a front and rear camera makes it a comprehensive safety device.
The front 4K camera records your driving journey in high definition, while the 1080p waterproof backup camera aids with parking and features night vision. With support for multiple audio outputs including BT audio, FM radio, and AUX, this unit serves as an all-in-one entertainment and safety system for any car.
BOSS Audio Systems Elite BE10ACP-C Car Stereo
This high-end head unit features a large, detachable 10.1-inch touchscreen that brings a modern look to your car’s dashboard. It supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, giving you full control over your iPhone’s key functions through the capacitive touchscreen or voice activation with Siri. You can easily manage phone calls, messages, music, and popular navigation apps.
Designed as a single DIN unit with double DIN brackets, it offers flexible installation options for a wide range of vehicle models. The system also includes Bluetooth connectivity and support for a backup camera, making it a feature-rich replacement for an outdated factory radio.
ATOTO A5L 7inch Android Double DIN Car Stereo
The ATOTO A5L is a powerful double DIN car stereo that runs on the Android operating system, offering extensive customization beyond standard CarPlay and Android Auto. With 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage, you can download thousands of apps from the Google Play Store, including navigation and entertainment tools not typically available through smartphone projection.
It provides three reliable methods to connect to the internet: Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth tethering, and USB tethering. This unit also supports over-the-air (OTA) upgrades, ensuring your system stays current with the latest features and security updates for years to come.
KENWOOD DMX709S eXcelon Car Stereo
Kenwood is a trusted name in car audio, and the DMX709S model delivers a premium experience with its 6.95-inch capacitive touchscreen. The display offers high contrast, a crystal-clear image, and highly responsive touch operation. This receiver is designed to provide a safer way to use your iPhone in the car with full Apple CarPlay integration.
You can get directions from Apple Maps, make calls, send and receive messages, and listen to music from your favorite streaming services. The unit also includes Android Auto, AM/FM HD Radio, and a 13-band equalizer for superior sound quality, making it a comprehensive audio and connectivity solution.
JENSEN J1CA10FL Car Stereo
This Jensen model boasts a large 10.1-inch high-resolution touchscreen that is both adjustable and extremely responsive. It supports both wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, giving you flexibility in how you connect your smartphone. The included dash mount adapter allows for installation in either a single or double DIN opening, accommodating many older car models.
The intuitive interface lets you control your music, navigation, and communication apps by touch or voice command, helping you stay focused on driving. With front and rear camera inputs, Bluetooth, and USB playback, it is a versatile and modern upgrade for any vehicle.
BOSS Audio Systems BCPA10 Single DIN Car Stereo
This BOSS Audio system features a 10.1-inch touchscreen that floats and tilts, allowing you to adjust the viewing angle for minimal glare and optimal visibility. As a single DIN unit, it fits into a standard radio slot while providing a large, modern display. It offers both wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto for maximum convenience.
You can access all your favorite apps for messaging, maps, and music through simple voice controls or the responsive touchscreen. This design allows you to keep your hands on the wheel while staying connected, making it a safe and stylish addition to your car’s interior.
Pioneer DMH-WT7600NEX 10.1″ Mechless Receiver
The Pioneer DMH-WT7600NEX is a high-quality mechless receiver, meaning it has no CD/DVD player, allowing for a sleek, modern design focused on digital media. Its large 10.1-inch touchscreen display is the centerpiece, offering clear visuals for Apple CarPlay and other functions. As a leader in car audio technology, Pioneer ensures a responsive and reliable user experience.
This unit is designed to integrate seamlessly with your smartphone, providing full access to navigation, communication, and entertainment apps. It is an ideal choice for those seeking a premium, installed solution from a renowned manufacturer to modernize their driving experience.
What to Look For in Apple CarPlay Options for Older Car Models
I know how frustrating it can be to drive an older car that feels disconnected from my phone. Upgrading to Apple CarPlay is one of the best things I ever did for my daily commute, but choosing the right system for an older vehicle requires a bit of homework. You can’t just pick any head unit and expect a perfect fit. The first thing I always check is the physical size. Older cars often use single-DIN slots, which are the shorter, square units. Most modern touchscreen displays are double-DIN, so you’ll need to see if your car’s dashboard can accommodate that or if you need a special installation kit or a single-DIN unit with a pop-out or floating screen.
Next, I think about the features that matter most to me. Do I want a resistive touchscreen or a more responsive capacitive one like my smartphone? How important is having a physical volume knob? Trust me, it’s a small detail you’ll miss if it’s gone. I also look at the audio outputs to make sure they are compatible with my car’s existing speaker system. If I have a premium sound system from the factory, like a Bose or JBL setup, I need to ensure the new head unit can interface with it properly, which might require an extra adapter.
Connectivity is another big one. Most units have wired CarPlay, but if I want the convenience of wireless CarPlay, I need to specifically look for that feature, as it’s not yet universal. I also consider what other inputs I might need, like USB ports for charging or an auxiliary input for other devices. Finally, I never underestimate the importance of a good installation. Even the best head unit can be ruined by a sloppy install. I either budget for a professional installation or, if I’m feeling confident, I make sure to get all the necessary wiring harnesses and dash kits to make the DIY process as smooth as possible. Getting the right Apple CarPlay options for older car models is all about matching the technology to the unique constraints of an older vehicle.
FAQ
Can I add Apple CarPlay to any older car?
In almost all cases, yes, you can. The vast majority of older cars can be upgraded with an aftermarket head unit that supports Apple CarPlay. The process involves removing the factory radio and replacing it with a new compatible unit. The main challenge isn’t compatibility; it’s finding the right installation parts, like a wiring harness and a dashboard trim kit, to make the new stereo look like it belongs in your car. Some vehicles with deeply integrated climate or other vehicle controls in the stereo can be trickier, but solutions usually exist.
What is the difference between wired and wireless Apple CarPlay?
Wired CarPlay requires you to plug your iPhone into the head unit with a Lightning cable. It’s reliable and also charges your phone. Wireless CarPlay connects to your head unit via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi automatically when you get in the car, so you never have to take your phone out of your pocket. The convenience is fantastic, but it can use more of your phone’s battery, and the connection can occasionally be less stable than a wired one. Wireless CarPlay units are also typically more expensive.
Will I lose any factory features by installing a new stereo?
This is a common concern. With a proper installation using the correct wiring harnesses and interfaces, you should not lose important features. For example, you can retain your steering wheel audio controls by adding a separate adapter module. If your car has a factory backup camera, you can usually integrate it into your new CarPlay display, often with an improved picture. It’s crucial to research the specific adapters for your car’s make and model before you buy.
Is it difficult to install a CarPlay unit myself?
The difficulty varies greatly by vehicle. For some cars, it’s a relatively straightforward swap that I feel comfortable doing on a weekend. For others, it can involve dismantling large sections of the dashboard and dealing with complex wiring. If you have experience with basic car electronics and are patient, a DIY install is possible with the right guides and parts. If you’re unsure, investing in a professional installation is money well spent to ensure everything works correctly and looks clean.
Do all CarPlay units also support Android Auto?
Most modern aftermarket head units do support both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It’s become a standard pairing. However, it’s not a universal rule, so it’s a key specification I always double-check before purchasing, especially if other drivers who use Android phones will also be using the car. This is one of the great benefits of upgrading an older car; you get a future-proof system that works with the major mobile platforms.