Android Auto has become a standard in modern-day vehicles. Unfortunately, some major brands lack this key feature because of supply chain issues or have opted for alternatives. Among the luxury models that lack Android auto, is Porsche Macan one of them?

Android Auto explained

Android Auto is a mobile app developed by Google that helps to mirror the features of an android smartphone device on your car’s entertainment head unit or dashboard information. Its voice controls are integrated through Google Assistant, while its display is easy to read. This innovative feature is a segment of the Open Automotive Alliance that comprises 28 automobile manufacturers, while Nvidia is the tech supplier. The technology is available in about 36 countries.

Android Auto helps you control features such as calls, maps, navigation, music, and text messages. According to Android, this technology allows drivers to control their phones via the vehicle’s touchscreen or voice commands.

Drivers can use Android Auto to control direction apps such as Waze, music apps like Spotify, and Google Assistant to read text messages loudly while their eyes are fixed on the road. It helps reduce fumbling with a phone while on the road. The primary function of this feature is to maintain a driver’s total concentration on the road and access phone contents and functions.

The 2023 Porsche Macan lacks Android Auto

While on the road, it’s vital to remain hands-free yet connected; this makes you wonder if Porsche offers Android Auto. The simple answer is no. Android Auto isn’t available in Porsche models, including the 2023 Porsche Macan. The good news is that you have several options to stay connected while driving via Apple CarPlay and Porsche Connect.

Apple CarPlay offers similar functionality to Android Auto. It’s an in-vehicle smartphone interface that provides a simple version of your iPhone’s display on the car’s infotainment screen. Drivers can use this tool to play music, handle calls and text messages through Siri, and access turn-by-turn directions.

Siri is Apple’s version of Google Assistant and helps you use commands such as “navigate to the movie theater,” “call mom,” and “play Taylor Swift” on CarPlay. Like Android Auto, you can access popular third-party apps like Spotify, Waze, and iHeartRadio through the Apple CarPlay home screen.

Other connectivity/infotainment features of the 2023 Porsche Macan

Porsche’s infotainment system comes with supreme-tech features with 12-volt outlets all over the cabin and USB ports. These features ensure your devices stay fully charged. Information from Car And Driver shows the 2023 Porsche Macan includes wireless Apple CarPlay support and a Wi-Fi hotspot. With this functionality, drivers can connect wirelessly to their iPhones and make calls, receive and send messages, get directions, listen to podcasts or music via Siri, or tap the touchscreen display while focusing on the road.

Porsche’s PCM 6.0 also supports integration with Android Auto. Therefore, drivers can use mobile phones with Google’s Android operating system to integrate with the vehicle’s infotainment system.

With Apple CarPlay’s new city experience, you can survey cities with extraordinary detail for buildings, roads, trees, neighborhoods, and more. The interface allows you to explore 3D landmarks in dark and day mode maps. Driving to a nearby gas station, point of interest, or favorite restaurant becomes easy with this functionality.

Regarding Android, the interface will work wirelessly to offer a seamless experience for those without Apple phones. According to Porsche, the new system will directly link to the streaming service provider without needing a smartphone and access over 3.2 million podcasts and 70 million songs.

Although most new car models provide connectivity to music or phone player through Bluetooth, in-car systems like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay offer better functionality to ensure you concentrate on the roads and remain connected.