Android Auto vs. Apple CarPlay: Which One is Right for You?
August 7, 2023
6 min read
Technology has reached every corner of our daily lives, including the cars we drive. Modern vehicles now come equipped with touchscreen displays, and you can connect your smartphone to enjoy some of the same apps and functions you use on your phone.
As car technology advances, many manufacturers are also working on integrating two major competing systems, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Both are designed to make driving easier and safer by extending your phone's apps and functionality into your car's dashboard. In this article, we'll compare the two interfaces to see which one comes out on top.
What Is Android Auto?
Google's Android Auto is a unique mobile application that brings the features of an Android device, including smartphones, directly onto a vehicle's compatible in-dash multimedia unit. Once an Android device is connected to the head unit via a USB cable, the user gets direct access to Android Auto's features which can be controlled via touch, voice commands, or steering wheel buttons.
Some of the main features of this service are real-time traffic updates using Google Maps, the option to stream music and podcasts, and the ability to send and receive text messages by speaking.
The main goal of Android Auto is to allow the driver to focus more on the road and less on their mobile device. Integrating popular mobile features directly into the car's system provides a seamless driving experience while reducing the potential for distraction.
Android Auto, built with an intuitive interface, prominent buttons, and responsive voice functions, is intended to enhance the ease of using phone apps while on the move. Just utter 'Ok, Google' to engage with Google Assistant, which is equipped to recognize a diverse set of voice directives.
What Is Apple CarPlay?
Apple CarPlay is an advanced software platform by Apple that allows you to use your iPhone in a simpler, safer way while you're driving. By connecting your iPhone to your car's digital interface, CarPlay enables you to access and use a wide range of iOS apps directly from your vehicle's infotainment system.
The key features of Apple CarPlay include the ability to make phone calls, send and accept messages, listen to music or podcasts, and use Apple Maps for navigation, all while staying focused on the road. With the help of Siri, Apple's voice assistant, you can execute these tasks hands-free, further enhancing safety while driving.
Apple CarPlay's user interface is designed to resemble the iPhone's screen, with large, easy-to-read icons that drivers can tap to access features. This makes the transition from using your phone to using your car's infotainment system smoother and more intuitive.
CarPlay also supports third-party apps that you might download on your iPhone, such as Spotify, Audible, WhatsApp, and Google Maps. This means you can customize your in-car experience to suit your needs and preferences. It's important to note that CarPlay's availability is subject to the make and model of your car, as it requires a compatible infotainment system.
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay Face Off
Integrating mobile technology with driving experience has rapidly evolved, and these two systems, built by Google and Apple, respectively, have led the pack. But which system offers a superior experience for drivers and passengers? Let's break down the details in a head-to-head comparison.
1. User Interface (UI)
Android Auto's UI is based on Google's card-based design language, Material Design, providing a familiar interface for Android users. These cards display information relevant to driving, like navigation directions and music controls.
In contrast, Apple CarPlay mimics the look of the iOS home screen, displaying app icons in a grid format for easy access, which iOS users will find intuitive. Both interfaces aim to provide a seamless transition from phone to car infotainment system.
2. Device Compatibility
Android Auto works with smartphones running Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) and higher. This broad compatibility covers various devices from various manufacturers, allowing more users to take advantage of this technology.
On the other hand, Apple CarPlay is compatible with iPhones running on iOS 7.1 or later, limiting its use to iPhone users but providing a consistent experience across all supported devices.
3. Car Compatibility
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay both feature broad compatibility with a wide array of vehicle models from different manufacturers, making them highly accessible to a vast range of drivers.
However, checking with the car manufacturer or dealer is always important to ensure specific model compatibility. While some older models may not support these systems, many new cars come with either or both systems pre-installed.
4. Voice Assistants
Android Auto utilizes Google Assistant, known for its superior ability to process natural language and handle complex commands, ensuring a hands-free experience. Apple CarPlay, on the other hand, uses Siri, which offers deep integration with iOS and other Apple services, providing a seamless user experience for iPhone users.
Both assistants allow drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road as much as possible.
5. Navigation Apps
Android Auto supports Google Maps and Waze, offering real-time navigation, traffic updates, and community-based alerts. Apple CarPlay primarily uses Apple Maps, which has improved significantly over the years and offers features like Flyover mode and indoor maps. Apple CarPlay has recently started supporting third-party navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze.
6. Messaging
Both platforms offer voice-to-text and read-out-loud functionality for messages, promoting safer driving by reducing distractions. Android Auto supports a range of messaging apps, including WhatsApp, and can even handle RCS (Rich Communication Services) messages. Apple CarPlay integrates seamlessly with iMessage and also supports other popular messaging apps like WhatsApp.
7. Music and Media
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay both support various media apps, allowing you to enjoy your favorite music, podcasts, and audiobooks on the go.
Android Auto supports a wider range of apps, including Google Play Music, Amazon Music, and Spotify. Apple CarPlay integrates well with Apple's own media services like Apple Music and Apple Podcasts but also supports third-party apps like Spotify and Audible.
8. Customizability
Apple CarPlay allows users to rearrange app icons, providing a personalized user experience. Android Auto does not currently offer this feature, but it does provide intelligent suggestions based on usage patterns, such as recommending your favorite navigation or music app when you start your car.
9. Wireless Connectivity
Originally, both systems required a wired connection to the vehicle. Wireless connectivity is available for select vehicles and devices, providing an even more seamless and convenient user experience.
10. App Development
Apple maintains strict control over app development for CarPlay, resulting in fewer third-party apps but ensuring high-quality applications that adhere to their design and safety standards.
Android Auto, in contrast, supports a broader range of third-party apps due to Google's more open approach to app development, giving users a wider variety of applications to choose from.
Stay Connected on the Move
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay have revolutionized how we interact with technology while driving. They offer a safer, more intuitive way to use our favorite roadside apps. While they share many similarities in functionality, their differences lie in their design philosophies, range of supported apps, and integration with their respective ecosystems.
Ultimately, the choice between Android Auto and Apple CarPlay comes down to personal preference and smartphone type. Regardless of your choice, both platforms offer a significant upgrade from traditional car infotainment systems, making driving a more connected and enjoyable experience.
As these platforms continue to evolve, we can look forward to even more innovative features that enhance our driving experience while prioritizing safety.
