Advice
What is Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink?
We explain the most common systems for linking your smartphone to your car.
Words by: Rachael Hogg
Last updated on 24 October 2018 | 0 min read
If you’ve been looking at buying a car in the past few years, it’s likely that it'll feature Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, or MirrorLink compatibility. So, what are they then?
Essentially, they're systems that let you mirror the content of your smartphone on your car's interior screen, making it as simple as possible to take handsfree calls, stream music or use navigation apps. While most people change their phones every couple of years, they are likely to hold on to a car for much longer. Cars also take much longer to develop than smartphones, so by the time a car comes out, the infotainment system well could be outdated. So, if you want a familiar interface on your car’s infotainment screen, and your car has the compatibility, you may prefer to stick with what you know. And that's where these come in. Some manufacturers offer Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, or MirrorLink as standard, while others make th available as an optional extra, and these days it's unusual for at least one of them not to be available.
Essentially, they're systems that let you mirror the content of your smartphone on your car's interior screen, making it as simple as possible to take handsfree calls, stream music or use navigation apps. While most people change their phones every couple of years, they are likely to hold on to a car for much longer. Cars also take much longer to develop than smartphones, so by the time a car comes out, the infotainment system well could be outdated. So, if you want a familiar interface on your car’s infotainment screen, and your car has the compatibility, you may prefer to stick with what you know. And that's where these come in. Some manufacturers offer Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, or MirrorLink as standard, while others make th available as an optional extra, and these days it's unusual for at least one of them not to be available.
What is Apple CarPlay and how does it work?
If you have an iPhone 5 or later, and your car features Apple CarPlay, then you’re good to go. After plugging in your phone via the USB port (CarPlay may be available via Bluetooth or WiFi in the future), you’ll be able to access several functions through the familiar Apple interface on your car’s infotainment screen.
CarPlay gives access to Apple Maps, phone functions, messages, and music, as well as other apps including Podcasts, Audiobooks, and apps developed by car manufacturers. More recently, Apple has opened it up to third party app developers, so you can also access navigation apps like Waze and Google Maps, content apps like Spotify and Overcast, and messaging services like WhatsApp. It can be controlled via Siri (press and hold the voice control button on the steering wheel), via a touch-screen, or by using the various knobs, dials and buttons in the car. The manufacturer will have ensured that the car's controls work with the software.
CarPlay gives access to Apple Maps, phone functions, messages, and music, as well as other apps including Podcasts, Audiobooks, and apps developed by car manufacturers. More recently, Apple has opened it up to third party app developers, so you can also access navigation apps like Waze and Google Maps, content apps like Spotify and Overcast, and messaging services like WhatsApp. It can be controlled via Siri (press and hold the voice control button on the steering wheel), via a touch-screen, or by using the various knobs, dials and buttons in the car. The manufacturer will have ensured that the car's controls work with the software.
What is Android Auto and how does it work?
Broadly speaking, the basic features of Android Auto are similar to Apple CarPlay, but it’s Google’s solution to bring your smartphone features into your car.
To get started, you’ll need the Android Auto app, and then just plug your phone into your car’s USB. Like CarPlay, Android Auto can also be controlled via the touch-screen, voice control, or car’s controls. Android Auto can support a range of different messaging systems, including WhatsApp, Skype, and Google Hangouts. Overall, there is access to more third party apps through Android Auto, with the most popular likely to be Google Maps.
To get started, you’ll need the Android Auto app, and then just plug your phone into your car’s USB. Like CarPlay, Android Auto can also be controlled via the touch-screen, voice control, or car’s controls. Android Auto can support a range of different messaging systems, including WhatsApp, Skype, and Google Hangouts. Overall, there is access to more third party apps through Android Auto, with the most popular likely to be Google Maps.
What is MirrorLink and how does it work?
MirrorLink is the other option when it comes to smartphone compatibility with your car, although it tends not to be as common as the other two.
The Car Connectivity Consortium, which is made of various automotive and electronic manufacturers, jointly developed MirrorLink. It works like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and works on a range of Android and Symbian smartphones, including Sony, HTC, Samsung and LG. As well as being able to use many popular apps including Spotify, Twitter and Facebook via MirrorLink, as well as the usual maps and phone connectivity, drivers can use a MirrorLink-compatible app to monitor driving data, so you can have a back-seat driver with you at all times.
The Car Connectivity Consortium, which is made of various automotive and electronic manufacturers, jointly developed MirrorLink. It works like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and works on a range of Android and Symbian smartphones, including Sony, HTC, Samsung and LG. As well as being able to use many popular apps including Spotify, Twitter and Facebook via MirrorLink, as well as the usual maps and phone connectivity, drivers can use a MirrorLink-compatible app to monitor driving data, so you can have a back-seat driver with you at all times.