More and more cars include CarPlay , and as drivers, we have a huge advantage: we can use iPhone apps directly on the car's screen. But not all CarPlay apps are worth it. Some just take up space, while others are just annoying while we're driving.
At SmartLinkAuto, we've compiled the best CarPlay apps based on our experience and what drivers actually use. No more lists of 40 apps that no one installs. Here, we'll find useful, reliable CarPlay apps compatible with most current vehicles. And if you're looking for which apps to install first, keep reading because we'll be leaving with our phones ready to connect to the car.
What is CarPlay and how does it work?
Apple CarPlay is a feature that allows us to use some iPhone apps directly on the car's screen. You don't even need to look at your phone: you can view maps, listen to music, send messages, or make calls using only voice commands or the dashboard screen.
Not all apps are compatible. That's why it's important to know which CarPlay apps work and which don't, especially if you don't want to waste time installing things that don't even appear.
To use CarPlay we need:
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A compatible car (most cars from 2016 onwards already have one)
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An iPhone (iOS 12 or later)
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A USB cable or wireless connection (if your car allows it)
Once connected, the system displays an interface similar to that of the iPhone, but simplified to avoid distractions while driving.
Types of apps we can use in CarPlay
While CarPlay apps aren't endless, the ones available cover the basics well: music, maps, calls, and some very interesting extras. Below, we explain the most practical categories and which apps are worth having.
Navigation apps compatible with CarPlay
GPS is one of the most used features in CarPlay. These are the best options:
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Apple Maps : It comes by default and has improved a lot. Perfect if you only use iOS.
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Google Maps : Reliable, accurate, and with advanced features like real-time traffic and alternative routes.
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Waze : Ideal for avoiding traffic jams. Your community reports speed cameras, accidents, and obstacles.
If we use the car every day, having at least two CarPlay-compatible navigation apps is essential. In our case, we always have Waze and Google Maps active, just in case one fails.
Music and audio apps
This is where CarPlay apps shine. We can turn the car into a nightclub, a mobile podcast, or a personalized radio station.
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Spotify : If you have a premium account, it's unbeatable. Thousands of playlists and voice control.
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Apple Music : Works great with Siri, although its CarPlay interface could be improved.
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Amazon Music : a good alternative if you already pay for Amazon Prime.
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Tidal : very high sound quality, ideal if we use good audio equipment.
These CarPlay apps are perfect if we take long trips or drive for work. We use Spotify daily , and on long trips, we add a podcast or audiobook.
Podcast, radio, and audiobook apps
If we prefer to learn something or disconnect from the music, there are CarPlay apps for that too:
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Audible : Quality audiobooks, well-organized and easy to use from your car screen.
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iVoox : Very popular in Spain. Podcasts, radio shows, and audios of all kinds.
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TuneIn Radio : stations from all over the world, ideal if you like live radio.
How to install and use apps on CarPlay?
Installing apps on CarPlay isn't like installing regular apps on your iPhone. There's no "CarPlay App Store." What you need to do is:
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Download the apps you want to use on your iPhone (e.g., Spotify, Waze, WhatsApp, etc.)
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Connect your iPhone to your car via USB or Bluetooth (if your car supports wireless CarPlay)
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Configure CarPlay from: Settings > General > CarPlay > Select your car
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Organize apps from your mobile (you can drag and hide apps that you don't use)
Compatible apps will automatically appear on your car's screen. If an installed app doesn't appear, it's because it's not compatible with CarPlay.
Our selection of apps for CarPlay (and why)
We're not going to waste your time here. These are the CarPlay apps we use daily or on long trips, and which we highly recommend:
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Waze : essential if you live in a city. Speed cameras, traffic jams, and real-time alerts.
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Spotify : without a doubt the one we use the most. Music, podcasts, personalized playlists...
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Google Maps : When Waze fails or we need another route.
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WhatsApp : Read messages aloud and reply by dictating. Very useful if they call us, too.
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iVoox : for listening to radio programs, audiobooks, and podcasts without complications.
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TuneIn Radio : the typical app we use on the road when we get tired of our music.
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Audible : If you're into audiobooks, this is the best. Perfect for long trips.
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ABRP (A Better Route Planner) : If we have an electric car, it helps us plan the route with chargers.
All of these apps have been tested on CarPlay and work without any glitches or issues. Some require a premium account for advanced features, but most have a fully functional free version.
Is it worth using video apps on CarPlay?
Officially, CarPlay doesn't allow video apps like YouTube or Netflix. It's a safety restriction (logically, they don't want us driving while watching videos).
But there are ways to bypass this:
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Some adapters or dongles allow you to use modified Android Auto or versions of CarPlay with unofficial apps.
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Mirroring apps also exist, but they require technical knowledge or a jailbreak.
⚠️ Warning: Using video in CarPlay can lead to fines, voiding the warranty, or even accidents. We only recommend using it if you're a passenger , in a camper , or using the car as a screen while stopped.
Final recommendations and tips to get the most out of CarPlay
Before we finish, here are some helpful tips to help you get the most out of your CarPlay apps :
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Let's not install 20 apps we won't use. The fewer we have on our screens, the faster we'll access what matters.
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Let's use voice commands with Siri. It's safer than tapping on the screen.
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Let's adjust the car screen to our liking. We can rearrange the order of the apps from the iPhone.
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Let's test new apps before using them on the go. Some may be unintuitive.
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Let's update your iPhone and apps. Sometimes a CarPlay bug can be fixed with a simple update.
Which CarPlay apps do you recommend?
We hope this list has been helpful. Now we'd like to hear your feedback:
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What is your favorite CarPlay app ?
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Have you tried any that didn't work as you expected?
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Would you like to see a list of only free CarPlay apps ?
Leave us your comment and, if this content has helped you, check out the rest of the blog posts or visit our online store , where we have CarPlay-compatible accessories and much more.