What is Android Auto – and What Does It Do in Your Car? 

Android Auto Interface

If you’re an iPhone owner and enjoy making the most of your device’s many apps, you’ll likely already know about Apple CarPlay.

But what if you’re an Android owner? What is Android Auto in a car, and how can it benefit drivers? Read on to find out…

What is Android Auto?

Being able to safely use your phone’s various features, from maps to music, whilst driving is no longer just a future tech goal. 

Android Auto software allows you to mirror your Android phone screen onto your car’s infotainment system via a Bluetooth connection or USB cable. You can therefore use your phone’s various apps without illegally picking up the device itself.

With Android Auto, you can manipulate your car’s control dial, steering wheel buttons, or touch screen (depending on your model of car) in order to access the features you know and love on your Android phone.

How to work Android Auto in a car

You’ll need both an Android Auto-compatible car and a smartphone with at least version 6.0 Android software to work Android Auto. Any compatible phone with an operating system of Android 11.0 and above should connect wirelessly to your car, otherwise you’ll need a USB cable.

Android Auto is easy to set up in a compatible car – just plug your phone in and follow the onscreen instructions. Be aware that, whilst most cars are compatible with the system, some older models may not be, so it’s worth checking the specifications of your vehicle if Android Auto is a make-or-break feature for you.

Looking to upgrade your car?

If you want to upgrade your car to a new model with features like Android Auto, it’s important to also take a look at a car finance checker. Discover how My Car Credit can help you to finance your new wheels by emailing us at enquiries@mycarcredit.co.uk.

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Which Cars Support Apple CarPlay?

Apple CarPlay system in an Audi

Apple CarPlay is advertised as a kind of co-pilot. If you’re technologically savvy, you likely already know that you can use your Apple iPhone to gain access to your car.

Yep, your iPhone allows you (and pre-approved friends and/or family) to unlock and start your vehicle in much the same way as you would with standard car keys. Apple CarPlay is similarly designed to make life a little easier and – most importantly – safer.

So, which cars support CarPlay? Read on to learn more…

What is Apple CarPlay?

With Apple CarPlay, you can make and return calls, receive and send messages via dictation, listen to music and get directions via the CarPlay dashboard. Essentially, it allows you to safely access your apps even whilst driving. That’s provided you have Apple CarPlay installed in your car, and a phone model that’s an iPhone 5 or later.

If your car doesn’t have CarPlay pre-installed, then you can buy and install it via a system from retailers including Kenwood, Sony and JVC – but only on certain cars that will support it.

Which cars support CarPlay?

It’s worth noting that the list of cars that support CarPlay is constantly evolving as new models are launched. Currently, there are over 600 models to choose from, including those from some of the biggest motoring names like BMW, Audi, Aston Martin, Ford, Ferrari, Jaguar, Mini, Volkswagen and more.

The full list of vehicle models that support CarPlay – either at the present time or in the near future – can be found on Apple’s website. Typically, Apple CarPlay is only available on newer models.

The oldest model on which Apple CarPlay is available is the Kia Soul (2014 – 2021 models). Otherwise, vehicular makes and models available from 2015 onwards that support CarPlay include the Hyundai Genesis Sedan, Azera, and Sonata; the Kia Optima, Optima Hybrid, Sedona, and Soul EV; the LDV G10; and the G10 model from the car company Maxus. You won’t find a car that dates from before 2014 which can support Apple CarPlay, according to Apple’s own website.

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  • You rarely apply for credit
  • You are employed or self-employed

Good

  • You are on the electoral role
  • You are a home owner or long standing tenant
  • You have a stable employment history
  • You have current credit arrangements with occasional missed payments
  • You have no CCJs

Fair

  • You are or have recently been on the electoral role
  • You may have recently changed address
  • You may have occasional missed payments
  • You may have an old CCJ
  • You may have regularly applied for credit

Poor

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  • You may not be traceable on the voters roll
  • You may have exceeded credit card limits
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  • Your credit cards are over their limits
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  • You may have been refused credit elsewhere
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£

X monthly repayments of
£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 12.4%, annual interest rate (fixed) 12.36%, 47 monthly payments of £196.44 followed by 1 payment of £206.44 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,939.12, total amount payable is £9,439.12.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.
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Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

Email
or call 01246 458 810