CarPlay as it is right now is essentially just an external display for your phone, and Siri can only handle requests that relate to your device. So while Siri can change the volume, it can't raise the temperature or activate your cruise control.

This likely means that you don't have to use Apple software because you like a certain car. Not if you don't want to, something that isn't really possible with Android Automotive OS. Yes. Mostly anyway. CarPlay is essentially a different way for you to interact with your phone — nothing more. So if a feature requires an active data connection on your phone, CarPlay isn't going to change that.Take a separate set of paper (or small pieces taped together) and create a template for the grass areas. On our play car table the parking spaces are 1.5″ apart and 2.5″ long. The width of the road is 3″. The crosswalk is 1″ wide. Likewise, Google Maps and Waze are both CarPlay-friendly, so you don't need to use Apple Maps. EV owners will also be able to access apps like PlugShare, in case you need to find an electric car charger in a hurry. And you can make calls or send messages using just your voice via services like WhatsApp.

Siri is a very important part of the CarPlay system, since it enables you to control what's going on using your voice. That way your hands can stay on the wheel, and you won't be blindly tapping at a touchscreen. Alternatively, if you'd rather have something a little-more streamlined, you could always swap out your car's official display/navigation system for an aftermarket unit. You just need to be willing to go to all the trouble of buying a new unit and swapping out your old one. However, Siri is an internet-connected tool, and relies on you having an active data connection. And because Siri is linked to the cloud, there may be a few seconds of lag between you giving it commands and them actually happening. Do you need a cell signal for CarPlay to work? Make a blueprint of your car table using a large piece of paper. Make sure your large piece of paper is roughly the size of the table you are making. Get creative and use a marker to draw your layout.Supported on iPhone X R, iPhone X S, iPhone X S Max, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone SE (2nd generation), iPhone SE (3rd generation), and Apple Watch Series 5 or later. Support for car keys may be available only on certain car models and only in certain configurations, and not all models are available in all areas. Support for car keys is subject to change. See your dealer for details. A large number of apps are compatible with CarPlay, and unsurprisingly include many of Apple's own. Maps, Phone, Messages, Music and so on are all available, but there are a lot more third-party CarPlay apps as well.

It also relies on actually being able to upgrade your car, which isn't an absolute guarantee. You also need to be mindful of is that a lot of aftermarket units require double DIN slot, whereas a lot of older cars may only have one. Single-DIN CarPlay units do exist, but the amount of choice you have is all dependent on your car.The easiest way to tell if CarPlay supports a particular app is to plug in your phone and see. Alternatively, searching for 'CarPlay' on the app store will offer up some options you may not have considered before — though there's no obvious way to filter them.

Siri works just like it does when using your phone normally. All you have to do is utter the "hey Siri" wakeup command, and tell it what you need. Whether you need directions to the nearest gas station, control music, or send a text message, Siri can help you out.Devices like the Intellidash Plus are available, and let you plug in your phone and access CarPlay. The functionally it's no different than if you bought a car with CarPlay built-in, though you will need to find a place to position the screen so it's both useful and doesn't obscure your view of the road. Whenever it does arrive CarPlay 2.0 will have the ability to take over every screen in your car, and let you access car controls that are currently off limits. Much like Android Automotive OS, but running off your phone instead of being pre-installed on your car. But for the time being, and until CarPlay 2.0 is ready, in-car systems are being kept firmly separate. In the meantime some carmakers do offer CarPlay in a split-screen mode, ensuring you have access to both your phone and car systems while you're driving.