Apple CarPlay seamlessly integrates your iPhone with your car’s infotainment system, offering a familiar, distraction-free interface. With a plethora of compatible third-party apps, CarPlay extends the functionality of your iPhone to your car, enhancing your driving experience. Here are some of the best CarPlay apps available to elevate your time on the road.
Navigation and Traffic
Waze
Waze Navigation App
Waze is a leading navigation app leveraging crowdsourced data for real-time traffic updates, cheapest gas prices, and alerts on accidents and road incidents. Access it via CarPlay to find the fastest routes and even listen to music or podcasts within the app. A solid alternative to Apple Maps or Google Maps, Waze also simplifies sharing your drive with friends and family.
TomTom Go Navigation
TomTom Go Navigation App
TomTom Go Navigation offers a robust, ad-free navigation experience. Customize maps to your needs, save offline maps for areas with limited connectivity, and benefit from weekly updates that provide intelligent routing around traffic, construction, and other obstacles. Features like lane guidance, speed alerts, and saved destinations make navigation seamless and efficient. You can even navigate to locations from geotagged photos and share your ETA.
Music and Audio
TuneIn
TuneIn Radio App
TuneIn Radio provides access to over 120,000 radio stations worldwide, streaming live audio in various formats, including sports, news, and music. A premium subscription unlocks additional perks like ad-free music stations and live play-by-play sports coverage.
iHeartRadio
iHeartRadio App
iHeartRadio allows you to discover AM and FM radio stations globally, listen to podcasts, and stay updated on sports scores. The app creates personalized stations based on your listening habits. Premium subscriptions offer features like saving and replaying songs, unlimited playlists, and unlimited skips. Integration with Siri and Snapchat further enhances the user experience.
Dash Radio
Dash Radio App
Dash Radio offers a unique, ad-free digital broadcasting experience with over 75 original stations curated by DJs, personalities, and experts. Enjoy 24/7 live streaming music without algorithmic recommendations, focusing on human-curated content.
Spotify
Spotify Music App
Spotify, a popular music streaming service, boasts a massive library of tracks and playlists. Access your library, browse music, and listen to curated radio stations seamlessly through CarPlay. Spotify Premium offers ad-free listening and on-demand playback.
Pandora
Pandora Music App
Pandora simplifies music streaming with its personalized radio stations that evolve based on your listening preferences. Launch the app, select a station, and let Pandora curate your driving soundtrack. Pandora Plus and Premium offer ad-free listening, offline downloads, and higher-quality audio.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
Overcast
Overcast Podcast Player
Overcast is a feature-rich podcast player offering smart speed and voice boost for enhanced listening. Search, browse, and download podcasts for offline playback. Push notifications ensure you never miss new episodes. A premium subscription removes ads.
Audible
Audible Audiobooks App
Audible, owned by Amazon, provides a vast library of audiobooks. Prime members get access to Audible Channels with exclusive original series. Navigate by chapter, download for offline listening, and even create clips of your favorite passages.
Audiobooks.com
Audiobooks.com App
Audiobooks.com allows you to download or stream audiobooks directly to your iPhone. Explore a large library, including over 8,000 free titles. A monthly subscription grants access to a wide selection of premium audiobooks. Recent updates include a podcast feature.
Free Audiobooks
Free Audiobooks App
Free Audiobooks offers a collection of public domain classics, romances, mysteries, and more. Enjoy free content, including professionally narrated titles, and stream or download directly to your phone.
iOS
News and Radio
NPR One
NPR One App
NPR One provides access to shows and podcasts from NPR and local public radio stations. Catch up on missed news and personalize your listening experience. The app learns your preferences and delivers relevant stories.
iOS
SiriusXM
SiriusXM App CarPlay
SiriusXM, a leading satellite radio provider, offers extensive content through its CarPlay-compatible app. Enjoy your subscription on the go, even without a direct satellite signal, using your internet connection. Intuitive menus make browsing and finding your favorite broadcasts easy.
Sports
MLB At Bat
MLB At Bat App
For baseball enthusiasts, MLB.com At Bat offers comprehensive coverage, including stats, news, schedules, and live game radio broadcasts. While video is not accessible while driving, the radio feature keeps you updated on the game.
Other Useful Apps
Libby
Libby App for CarPlay
Libby connects to your local public library, allowing you to borrow and listen to audiobooks directly through CarPlay. Maximize your library card and enjoy a vast selection of free audiobooks for your commute.
VOX
VOX Music Player App
VOX is an excellent alternative to streaming services if you prefer to manage your own music library. Play FLAC files and other formats through your car’s audio system, promoting safe, distraction-free driving.
These apps offer a variety of ways to enhance your driving experience with CarPlay, from navigation and entertainment to staying informed and connected. Choose the apps that best suit your needs and enjoy a seamless and enriching journey.
