If you’re in the market for the best Wireless Apple CarPlay adapter it can be difficult to know which one to choose. Prices and features are all over the map, but it’s important to know what you’re after. The good thing is that the technology that drives the wireless functionally is all very similar, so there’s no need to buy the most expensive one unless you’re looking for basic features like improved sound quality or compatibility with specific car models.
With that being said, there are some features that will make the best Apple CarPlay wireless adapter even better. In this article, we’ll discuss those features as well as show you three unbeatable options for the top Apple CarPlay Wireless adapters of 2022.
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1 – CarlinKit 3.0 Wireless CarPlay Adapter – USB
Pros:
- Price
- Ease of use
- 1 year warranty
- Updates to device online
Cons:
- Instructions are not great
Overview of CarlinKit
This wireless carplay adapter is very popular with many positive reviews on Amazon. Here are some of the highlights on the features:
Simple
Wireless CarPlay is made simple with this CarlinKit 3.0 product! Converting wired CarPlay to wireless CarPlay is extremely simple. Connects to your iPhone seamlessly every time you get in the car, making it much easier than having to plug the phone in.
Works with most versions of iPhone
You must have a factory Carplay pre-installed in the vehicle in order for the device to work. It is also compatible with iPhones 5-13 Pro Max. This also works with the majority of aftermarket Kenwood, Alpine, and Pioneer decks.) Essentially if your car can support CarPlay with a wired connection it will be able to support the wireless connection with this adapter.
Automatically Connects
Enjoy automatic and wireless CarPlay connection without the need for a USB cable. Check out this simple method for making your existing CarPlay system wireless. Wireless CarPlay makes it simple to listen to music, get directions, or use Siri while driving! The CarlinKit brand is well-known for being the most widely used car radio adapter brand, and it is extremely compatible with the majority of vehicles. You can be confident that your vehicle will have everything it requires to enjoy streaming music.
Wifi and Bluetooth
CarlinKit’s adapter is equipped with WiFi and Bluetooth hardware. It connects to the Bluetooth network and sends the WiFi credentials to the phone before disconnecting from the Bluetooth network. From then on, it relies solely on WiFi. The Carlinkit is a plug-and-play solution that automatically connects even when the phone is in either pocket.
1-year Warranty
CarlinKit’s Lifetime Technical Support includes a one-year worldwide warranty as well as free updates. CarlinKit’s technical support will also answer your questions and assist you in configuring or updating your product.
2 – OTTOCAST
Pros:
- Price
- Ease of use
- Nice Design
- Good wireless connectivity
Cons:
- Short Cable
- Random Crashes with older phones
- Delay in Bluetooth response
Overview of OttoCast
This wireless carplay adapter has a sleek design and the following key features:
Quick Connect
Wireless OTTOCAST U2-AIR The latest official version in 2022 is the Apple CarPlay Adapter, which can quickly convert wired CarPlay to wireless CarPlay, with the fastest full startup speed reaching 18 seconds (tested on Mercedes GLE350). Exquisite and compact design that will fit almost anywhere. Equipped with a USB Type A to C and Type C to C two-type data cable, which has recently become available for newer models.
AutoStart
When the car engine starts after the initial installation, U2-Air will automatically start and quickly connect to your iPhone. Even if your phone is in your pocket or backpack, the built-in 5Ghz WIFI module allows U2-Air to quickly identify it. Voice control, steering wheel control, touch screen control, and knob operation are also supported by U2-AIR. SIRI can help you drive by listening to music, navigating, and reading text messages.
Plug and Play
All drivers will benefit from the plug-and-play design. The high-end configuration makes the audio virtually lag-free and can be given as a gift to your girlfriend, boyfriend, or even your parents; this is the best car gadget. Furthermore, it can switch between night and day mode by turning on the headlights, greatly improving the driver’s sense of experience. Allow U2-AIR to replace complicated data cables and costly car systems, and use technology to make life easier.
Works with most iPhones
This CarPlay Wireless Adapter is only compatible with vehicles equipped with factory wired CarPlay, model years 2016-2022. Compatible with iPhones running iOS 6 and later. Most models are compatible as long as this requirement is met. Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, Jeep, Kia, Lincoln, Ford, Porsche, Chevrolet, Land Rover, Lexus, and other vehicles are compatible with the U2-AIR Wireless CarPlay Dongle. BMW, 2016 Buick LaCrosse, 2019 Honda CRV, and 2019 ACURA RDX are explicitly not compatible. Essentially if your car can support CarPlay with a wired connection it will be able to support the wireless connection with this adapter.
3 – Loadkey
Pros:
- Price
- Ease of use
- Easy to pair
- Online firmware updates
Cons:
- Newer Product does not have a long track record
Overview of LoadKey
This wireless carplay adapter is nicely priced and loaded with these features:
Fast Speeds
The newly upgraded wireless CarPlay Dongle, which was released in July 2021, has a faster connection and response speed than other older devices. The customer reviews on this product are generally positive, it also does include a one year warranty.
Works with most iPhones
The Loadkey Wireless adapter is only compatible with factory wired CarPlay vehicles manufactured after 2015. The phone must be an iPhone running iOS10 or later. You can buy it without hesitation if your car and phone meet the above requirements and the car model is on our compatibility list. Essentially if your car can support CarPlay with a wired connection it will be able to support the wireless connection with this adapter.
Quick Connect
1. Turn on your phone’s Bluetooth and WiFi (Make sure your phone is not connected to any other device). 2. Insert the USB adapter cable into the car’s USB port. The product begins to pair at this point, and the indicator light flashes red. 3. Open the iPhone’s Bluetooth list, select the corresponding Bluetooth name, and connect. The product indicator flashes green after the connection is successful, and the CarPlay system interface appears on the car screen.
Safety is key
We take driver safety very seriously, so we kept Siri and the car’s original controls, such as the steering wheel, knob, and touch screen controls. It also includes a day-night mode switch to protect the driver’s vision while driving at night.
Auto Reconnect
It can establish an automatic connection in less than 30 seconds. The idea is to connect the iPhone’s Bluetooth so that the product can automatically identify the most recently connected iPhone via Bluetooth. It is expected that all native Apple CarPlay system functions will be available immediately after the car audio is turned on. It’s worth noting that you no longer have to take your phone out of your pocket or bag and insert the cable repeatedly!
Simple Setup
Connect the device and mobile phone via Bluetooth, transfer data via mobile phone WIFI, obtain the car output CarPlay protocol and use the original ecological CarPlay system on the car screen. After starting the car, the device will automatically connect to the iPhone.
Built-in 5ghz chip
Loadkey Wireless adapter has a built-in 5Ghz chip with faster processing speed and is upgrade compatible with 5Ghz WIFI rate, making the device respond faster and reducing audio and video playback delay to some extent. This excellent design, which is plug and play, eliminates the need to purchase expensive decoders or a new Car Stereo.
What is Apple Carplay?
CarPlay is a smarter and safer way to use your iPhone in the car, allowing you to concentrate on the road ahead. When you connect your iPhone to CarPlay, you can get turn-by-turn directions, make calls, send and receive messages, listen to music, and do a variety of other things.
The CarPlay Dashboard in iOS 13 and later provides a more simplified view of the road ahead. The dashboard allows you to keep track of Maps, audio controls, and Siri Suggestions, which give you quick access to things like your Calendar events. You can even use the dashboard to control HomeKit accessories such as door openers.
Check to see if your country or region supports CarPlay and if your vehicle supports CarPlay. If you’re not sure whether your vehicle supports CarPlay, contact the manufacturer.
How do you set up Apple CarPlay
Start your car, then check that Siri is turned on.
Connect your iPhone to your car by doing the following:
Plug your iPhone into the USB port in your car if your car supports CarPlay via a USB cable. A CarPlay or a smartphone icon may be displayed next to the USB port. Use only an Apple Lightning to USB cable.
Plug your iPhone into the USB port in your car if your car supports CarPlay both wirelessly and via a USB cable. On your next drive, an alert on your iPhone will offer to connect you wirelessly.
Press and hold the voice command button on your steering wheel if your vehicle only supports wireless CarPlay. Check to see if your stereo is in wireless or Bluetooth mode. Then, on your iPhone, navigate to Settings > General > CarPlay and choose your vehicle. For more information, consult your owner’s manual.
How to use Siri to control your CarPlay
Depending on your vehicle, you can use Siri to control CarPlay in one of two ways:
- Hold down the voice command button on the steering wheel. Then, ask Siri a question or instruct her to do something.
- On your touchscreen, press and hold the CarPlay Dashboard or CarPlay Home button. Then, ask Siri a question or instruct her to do something.
Siri also makes suggestions for what you should do next in CarPlay, such as driving to your next meeting. Siri Suggestions and CarPlay work together to keep your favorite apps close at hand.
If you have HomeKit-enabled accessories, such as a garage door opener, you can use Siri suggestions on the CarPlay Dashboard, or simply ask Siri to do things like “Open the garage door” when you get close to your house.
How to Setup Siri to Announce Messages
Siri can now announce incoming messages in your car with iOS 15. When this feature is enabled, Siri will play a tone before announcing the sender’s name and reading the message. If a message is lengthy, Siri will announce the sender’s name and only say that they sent you a message. You can have Siri read the entire message to you.
To enable Announce Messages on your iPhone, follow these steps:
- Launch the Settings app, then select Notifications.
- Announce Notifications should be selected.
- Turn on Announce Messages after you’ve selected CarPlay. You can also change the start time of announcements from this page.
- To control which messages Siri reads, tap Back. Tap Messages, then choose between Time Sensitive and Direct Messages and All Notifications.
To enable Announce Messages on your car’s display, follow these steps:
- In CarPlay, go to the Settings app and then Announce Messages.
- Enable Announce Messages.
- Choose Announce Options to specify whether or not messages will be read aloud at the start of your drive.
Final Thoughts
If you have an older car that has the wired Apple CarPlay system then getting a wireless Carplay Adapter is a no-brainer. This device allows you to connect your phone to your car without the hassle of cables. Configure it once and enjoy a hands-free experience. You are able to accomplish this with one of the wireless adapters that we talked about earlier.
Which Wireless adapter are you considering? Please let me know in the comments below! To those with wireless apple carplay already in their cars, what were the pros and cons of using apple carplay wireless?
Thank you for reading and good luck on your next Apple CarPlay adventure!
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