The car industry is evolving fast in smartphone integration. As of April 2023, 98% of new cars support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and nearly 80% of new car buyers want them connected to their smartphones and infotainment systems. Here’s a closer look at how these apps work, with six head units for easier connection.

Better In-Car Connectivity

Google and Apple built Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for a user-friendly driving experience. The integration makes voice commands, music streaming, and messaging easy and distraction-free. Unlike outdated MirrorShare, which merely mirrors your smartphone, these technologies are more compatible with third-party apps. They’re safe, convenient, and just the beginning.

Why You May Need a Head Unit

Customer reviews prove that the auto industry needs to improve in-car connectivity. Most infotainment systems are slow without key features; even recent improvements aren’t as smooth as smartphones or tablets. The simple solution? Replace the head unit with a third-party option. Modern head units boost sound quality with superior graphics and functionality.

Pay Attention to the Screen

Your head unit’s screen type and size can significantly enhance your driving experience. For instance, large touch screens take up more space, but they’re usually clearer and easier to operate. You can customize display options to complement your vehicle’s interior. Additionally, you may consider using a higher screen resolution because of the better visuals.

Getting the Right Screen Size for Your Head Unit

The diagonal measurement of the head unit’s display is measured in DIN (Deutsche Industrie Norm). The two most common are 1-DIN (7 inches wide and 2 inches tall) and 2-DIN (twice the height of 1-DIN). When choosing screen size, consider your vehicle’s compatibility, available space, budget, and desired features.

Choosing the Right Head Unit

Don’t buy head units compatible with only one kind of device. Even if you use one device, future-proofing with both options is smart—what if you switch brands? You’d avoid the hassle of replacing the head unit. Considering this, these eight head units support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay with seamless smartphone integration.

Sony XAV-AX100 6.4″ Car Play/Android Auto Media Receiver with Bluetooth

The Sony XAV-AX100 is famous for its seamless integration, speed, and user-friendly interface. The 6.4-inch touchscreen has crisp visuals, while the built-in amplifier delivers dynamic sound with 4x55W output. Its top feature is an “old-school” volume knob—a rare feature. It’s a great choice if the absence of an HD radio and a CD player isn’t a deal-breaker.

Kenwood Excelon DNX694S

Unlike the Sony XAV-AX100, which doesn’t have built-in satellite navigation, the Kenwood Excelon DNX694S stands out with its built-in Garmin sat-nav system. This feature is perfect for those who don’t always want to rely on smartphone navigation. It even works offline, in remote areas, or during international travel. However, it has a steep price and a clunky interface.

Pioneer AVH-3300NEX

If your vehicle has a 1-DIN stereo opening, this product is perfect. The Pioneer AVH-3300NEX has a 7-inch fold-out screen larger than most 2-DIN displays with room for essential hardware buttons and a much-appreciated volume knob. Although the screen may block some dashboard controls, it’s a great way to modernize older vehicles.

JVC KW-M730BT 6.8″

The JVC KW-M730BT 6.8″ head unit supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and works with several other features. It delivers exceptional sound quality with High-Definition audio, HD Radio, and Sirius XM, which are solid functional choices. It’s not for everyone, though. The volume buttons and lack of CD player and hardware controls may frustrate some users.

Alpine iLX-F309 HALO9

Can your dashboard handle a big screen? Alpine iLX-F309 HALO9 has a stunning 9-inch floating screen with a modern 1-DIN unit adaptable for different drivers. It supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Siri voice controls and has excellent sound quality and easy-to-use software. The only significant drawbacks are the low resolution, CD player, and price tag.

Kenwood DDX9703S

The Kenwood DDX9703S is a versatile 2-DIN head unit with easily accessible hardware buttons. Its 6.95-inch adjustable screen has seven motorized settings to get the best view. Although the reflective screen and sluggish interface need more work, it covers all your connectivity needs with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Siri Voice Control, Bluetooth, and a CD/DVD player.

ATOTO A6 Pro

This head unit supports wired and wireless connections and is compatible with various vehicle models. The ATOTO A6 Pro has an impressive 7-inch IPS touchscreen with clear visuals and an intuitive interface. It boots in just 2 seconds and supports over 1,000 Play Store apps.

Sony XAV-AX5000

Sony designed the XAV-AX5000 as a game-changer and replacement for below-par infotainment systems. The built-in Dynamic Stage Organizer creates a virtual surround sound experience, and the powerful Dynamic Reality Amp 2 delivers exceptional audio quality. Its stunning 7-inch bezel-less and wireless connectivity is free of clutter and easy to install.

Adding Android Auto or Apple CarPlay

First, download the apps after confirming on the manufacturer’s manual or website that your car supports Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Then, connect your device to the car’s USB port with a high-quality USB or Apple Lightning cable. Afterwards, enable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on your device and follow the prompts. Once connected, complete the setup with the on-screen instructions.

What To Do When Having Issues With Apple CarPlay or Android Auto

Some common hiccups include compatibility issues, cable connection problems, outdated software, or wireless connection issues. You can quickly solve these issues by trying different cables or ports, restarting your phone and infotainment system, checking for updates, clearing the app cache, and uninstalling and reinstalling the app. You can also factory reset your car’s infotainment system as a last resort.