The invention of Apple Carplay and introduction into most new cars across the market has been quite the revolutionary step in the past few years. Don’t want option your new Honda Civic out with the on-board navigation? No worries! Just plug in your compatible Apple iPhone and use Google Maps or Waze right on the infotainment screen. But what’s even better is that two mainstream automakers, Honda and Hyundai, are now adopting wireless Apple Carplay into select models.

What is wireless Apple Carplay?

If you’re familiar with Apple Carplay, then you know that it’s a smartphone integration program that seamlessly connects your compatible iPhone (iPhone 5 and later) to your car’s infotainment system allowing you to use various applications from your phone on the screen. You can use applications like Google Maps, Spotify, What’s App, and plenty more so that you don’t have to even look at your phone. You can also use Siri, check your text messages, and use the Calendar app as well.

The only minuscule drawback is that you have to physically connect the phone with the lightning cable to the car’s USB port in order for Apple Carplay to work. However, certain new cars, mainly those produced by luxury brands like Audi, BMW, and Cadillac now have wireless Apple Carplay, which negates the need for the lightning cord.

Which Honda and Hyundai models have wireless Carplay?

Honda recently released the refreshed 2021 Accord and along with some exterior styling updates and reorganized trim levels, it included wireless Apple Carplay into the EX-L and above trim levels. Hyundai, on the other hand, also released wireless Carplay in the all-new 2021 Santa Fe model and the Elantra. Other mainstream brands like Ford, Kia, Chevrolet, Dodge, and Chrysler have also included wireless Carplay on select 2020 and 2021 models that were recently released.

What’s so great about wireless Apple Carplay?

Do you hate having to pull your phone out of your pocket just to plug it into the car? Having wireless Carplay omits that small task as the system will automatically connect to your phone after you have it paired up.

Sure, that might seem like a tiny hindrance to get rid of, but the main issue is that Apple Carplay has known to be finicky when it comes to connecting your phone using a non-OEM Apple Lightning cable, so having a wireless system effectively does away with that issue. Also, if you have a long commute with multiple stops, then you’ll be glad you won’t need to constantly plug in your phone every time you get back in the car.

Can you add wireless Apple Carplay to any car?

Technically, yes. As there are currently aftermarket infotainment and audio systems that you can buy that could fit almost any car with wireless Apple Carplay built-in. However, if your car currently has wired Carplay and you want to make it wireless, then you can do so with a variety of aftermarket wireless Carplay antennas and dongles that you find for an affordable price in the aftermarket.