How to Add Apple CarPlay to Your Old Car (3 Methods)

Apple CarPlay has become the most wanted feature in car infotainment. Navigation that updates in real time, Siri hands-free control, Messages and phone calls through the car speakers, and dozens of compatible apps — all controlled from the car's screen using familiar iPhone interface conventions. If your car predates CarPlay or does not have it as standard, you are not stuck. Three distinct methods can add CarPlay to almost any car, and the right choice depends on your budget, the car's existing system, and how permanently you want to upgrade.

Method 1: Wireless CarPlay Adapter (Easiest)

If your car has a factory touchscreen with wired CarPlay already built in, a wireless CarPlay adapter is the simplest upgrade you can make. These small USB dongles plug into the car's existing CarPlay USB port and add wireless functionality — your iPhone connects automatically over Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when you get in the car, with no cable required.

How it works

The adapter presents itself to the car's system as a wired iPhone. It connects wirelessly to your iPhone and relays the CarPlay signal through the USB port, making the car's software believe a cable is connected. The car's touchscreen, audio system, and controls all work exactly as they do with a cable — you simply never need to plug in.

Pros

• No installation required — plug and play
• Full use of the car's original interface and controls
• Completely reversible — remove and sell if you change cars
• Lowest cost of the three methods (typically £30–£80)
• Suitable for leased vehicles

Cons

• Only works if the car already has wired CarPlay — not a solution for cars with no CarPlay support
• Some adapters introduce a short delay before CarPlay connects after starting the car
• Works only with iPhone; no benefit for Android users

Compatibility

Wireless adapters work with most factory wired CarPlay systems including those in BMW (2016+), Mercedes (2016+), Volkswagen Group vehicles with Discover Pro and higher, Honda, Toyota, Mazda, and many others. Check adapter compatibility lists for your specific model and software version.

Method 2: Aftermarket Android Head Unit (Most Versatile)

For cars with no factory touchscreen, or where the factory screen is too small or too dated to be worth retaining, an aftermarket Android head unit is the most complete solution. These units replace the factory head unit entirely, installing in the standard DIN or double-DIN slot. They run Android and support both Apple CarPlay (wired and wireless) and Android Auto simultaneously — your passengers on Android can use their phones while you use CarPlay.

What you get

Beyond CarPlay, an Android head unit adds:

• A large, modern touchscreen (typically 7"–12.3" depending on vehicle)
• Built-in GPS navigation with offline maps
• Bluetooth for calls and music streaming
• Rear camera input
• DSP equalisation for audio system improvement
• Access to the Google Play Store for additional apps

Pros

• Works in any car regardless of existing system
• Adds CarPlay plus a full smart infotainment upgrade
• Supports both CarPlay and Android Auto
• Compatible with steering wheel controls (via CAN bus adapter)
• Retains existing speakers and wiring

Cons

• Higher cost (£150–£400 depending on model and vehicle)
• Installation takes 2–4 hours and requires some vehicle-specific knowledge
• Permanent modification — requires removing factory head unit
• May require a vehicle-specific wiring harness adapter

Method 3: OEM Retrofit CarPlay Module (Best Factory Look)

For drivers with newer cars that have a factory touchscreen without CarPlay — or where the factory interface has been partially prepared for CarPlay but not activated — an OEM retrofit module adds CarPlay to the existing factory screen without replacing the head unit. The car's screen, controls, and interface remain exactly as factory, with CarPlay appearing as an additional input source.

How it works

The retrofit module connects between the car's infotainment unit and the screen. It intercepts the video signal and adds a CarPlay layer that can be accessed through a new button or gesture on the existing touchscreen. From the driver's perspective, CarPlay is simply another source alongside radio, Bluetooth, and navigation — selected from the same menu as always.

Pros

• The car retains its completely factory interior appearance
• Factory climate controls, parking sensors, and other integrated functions remain connected to the original screen
• Highest quality result for cars where aesthetic preservation is important

Cons

• Vehicle-specific — modules must be designed for your exact model and software version
• Higher cost than adapters; often £200–£500
• May require coding with a diagnostic tool for some vehicles
• Not available for all vehicles — primarily for European and Asian makes with mid-2010s to early-2020s factory screens

Which Method Is Right for You?

Scenario	Best Method
Car already has wired CarPlay, want wireless	Wireless adapter (Method 1)
Old car with no touchscreen	Aftermarket Android head unit (Method 2)
Leased car, no permanent mods	Wireless adapter (Method 1)
Modern car with factory screen, want to keep factory look	OEM retrofit module (Method 3)
Want CarPlay + audio upgrade + rear camera	Aftermarket Android head unit (Method 2)

Browse our wireless CarPlay adapters and CarPlay retrofit modules for plug-in solutions, or explore the OEM Motion wireless Android 13 AI Box for Audi, Benz, VW and Kia — a versatile adapter that adds wireless CarPlay and Android Auto to compatible factory screens. Every product includes compatibility guidance for specific vehicle makes and models.