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Pioneer finally brings CarPlay equipment to mass market, Spotify app update adds CarPlay support

The CarPlay situation has been murky. Since being announced in the spring, most manufacturers have been quiet on when CarPlay equipment will actually be available to purchase. Pioneer is the first company to deliver on its promise, adding CarPlay as an update to its aftermarket dashboard panels (unless you count Ferrari’s integration into its high-end Ferrari California T).

Existing Pioneer device owners may not need to purchase any extras, as the CarPlay update is free for supported devices. Aforementioned units include the AVIC-8000NEX, AVIC-7000NEX, AVIC-6000NEX, AVIC-5000NEX and the AVH-4000NEX with prices ranging from $700 to $1400.

Like all CarPlay support, users simply plug in their iPhone (it requires Lightning port) and an iOS-esque user interface appears on the car’s screen, which is actually sent from the phone. Theoretically, this means that future updates to iOS will enhance the CarPlay features of your car for free.

French Blog Mac4Ever got a test run at the Paris Auto Show

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kD-Xu1N01DQ

At the same time as Pioneer’s announcement, Spotify has released its update for CarPlay in the App Store as promised on Apple’s site since CarPlay was first unveiled. As it stands, Apple must partner with specific developers to add CarPlay integration to apps. Currently, CarPlay is integrated with Apple’s Podcasts app, Beats Music, iHeartRadio, MLB AT Bat 2014, notify, Stitcher and CBS Radio (added most recently).

 

[tweet https://twitter.com/PioneerUSA/status/517758592330780672]

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Comments

  1. 89p13 - 9 years ago

    I have an Alpine unit that is listed on the Alpine site as being CarPlay compatible – I hope they roll this feature out quickly. It would be great to be able to use the power of the phone easily in my car.

    • hexagenia (@hexagenia) - 9 years ago

      Where is the list for Alpine’s CarPlay compatibility? I have been looking for it for a while and haven’t been able to find it.

      • 89p13 - 9 years ago

        Alpine had been very quiet about it – you have to look at the individual units on the Alpine site to find units that are compatible.

  2. Chase Hainey (@haincha) - 9 years ago

    Anyone have a download mirror for the 5000nex model? Getting 15-30 Kb/s download is awful.

  3. Cherry Barry - 9 years ago

    I did the update today on my AVH-X8600BT, working great.

  4. jimgramze - 9 years ago

    My 2013 Prius will already receive audio through bluetooth for music and phone calls. I’ve been considering upgrading from iOS in the cupholder to iOS in a dashmount. Forr the life of me I’m not seeing how CarPlay is an improvement over just having the phone mounted on the dash. I think that would make a great comparison article.

Author

Avatar for Benjamin Mayo Benjamin Mayo

Benjamin develops iOS apps professionally and covers Apple news and rumors for 9to5Mac. Listen to Benjamin, every week, on the Happy Hour podcast. Check out his personal blog. Message Benjamin over email or Twitter.