Apple CarPlay vs. Android Auto in 2024

Choosing between Apple CarPlay and Android Auto usually comes down to the smartphone currently sitting in your pocket. However, in 2024, both platforms have introduced major updates that drastically change how you interact with your vehicle. From Apple taking over entire dashboard displays to Google adding artificial intelligence for message summaries, the infotainment competition has never been tighter.

The 2024 Interface Redesigns

Both systems have moved away from making you flip back and forth between different apps. The focus today is on split-screen multitasking.

Google recently finalized the rollout of its “Coolwalk” redesign for Android Auto. This update forces a split-screen view on any car display regardless of the screen size or shape. You can now view Google Maps on the largest section of the screen while controlling Spotify and reading incoming text messages in smaller side panels. The system also features a dynamic app dock that changes based on what you recently opened.

Apple CarPlay is undergoing a much more dramatic transformation. Apple announced its next-generation CarPlay software, and early adopters like Aston Martin and Porsche are rolling it out in their 2024 and 2025 models. Instead of just taking over the center screen, the new Apple CarPlay takes over every screen in the car. This includes the digital gauge cluster behind the steering wheel. You can customize the look of your speedometer, adjust the car climate control, and check your tire pressure directly through the Apple interface. For older cars, the standard CarPlay still relies on the familiar grid of iOS icons and a helpful split-screen dashboard view.

Voice Assistants: Google Assistant vs. Siri

A massive part of driving safely involves using voice commands. Both platforms rely heavily on their respective virtual assistants.

Google Assistant remains the undisputed leader in voice recognition and contextual understanding. When using Android Auto, you can ask complex questions or dictate long text messages without the system dropping words. It is highly accurate at finding obscure business names or specific addresses on the first try.

Apple upgraded Siri in iOS 17, which directly improves the CarPlay experience. You no longer need to say “Hey Siri” to wake the system. You can simply say “Siri” followed by your command. While Siri handles basic tasks like calling contacts or playing Apple Music perfectly, it still occasionally struggles with complex navigation requests compared to Google Assistant.

Navigation and EV Routing Upgrades

Navigation is the primary reason most drivers connect their phones to their cars. Both platforms allow you to use third-party apps like Waze, but their native maps received major updates for 2024.

Electric vehicle drivers get the biggest benefits this year. Android Auto now shares real-time battery data directly with Google Maps for compatible vehicles like the Ford Mustang Mach-E. When you enter a destination, Google Maps calculates your battery level upon arrival and automatically suggests fast-charging stations along your route.

Apple Maps offers similar EV routing capabilities for cars like the Porsche Taycan and the Ford F-150 Lightning. Furthermore, the iOS 17 update finally brought offline maps to Apple CarPlay. You can download a specific city or region on your iPhone before you leave your house. If you drive into a rural area and lose your cellular connection, Apple CarPlay will continue providing turn-by-turn directions.

Music, Messaging, and Productivity Features

Your car acts as a mobile office and entertainment center. Both Google and Apple added specific features to make commuting more productive and fun.

Android Auto introduced AI message summaries in early 2024. If you receive a flood of messages from a busy group chat while driving, Google Assistant will use artificial intelligence to summarize the conversation. It will then offer quick, context-aware replies that you can send with one tap. Google also added native audio support for Zoom and Webex. You can join work meetings directly from your car display without touching your phone.

Apple focused heavily on entertainment for its latest update. CarPlay now features SharePlay for Apple Music. When you are driving, passengers can scan a QR code displayed on the car screen using their own iPhones. This allows anyone in the car to add songs to the queue and control the music without needing to pass the driver’s phone around the cabin.

Automaker Support and Availability

Almost every major automaker currently supports both wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto. Connecting wirelessly uses a combination of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, which can drain your phone battery quickly. It is highly recommended to use a wireless charging pad or plug your phone into a USB-C port for longer road trips.

While adoption is nearly universal, a few major brands are changing directions. General Motors announced it is phasing out Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in its fully electric vehicles. The 2024 Chevy Blazer EV features a built-in infotainment system designed entirely by Google. Rivian and Tesla also refuse to support either phone system, preferring drivers use their proprietary software instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in the same car? Yes, most modern vehicles support both platforms. However, you cannot use them at the exact same time. If you plug in an iPhone, the screen will switch to CarPlay. If you plug in a Samsung Galaxy, it will switch to Android Auto.

Do I have to pay a subscription fee for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto? No. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are free features built into your smartphone operating system. You do not have to pay a monthly fee to use them, though you will use your phone cellular data plan for music and maps.

Why does my phone get hot when using wireless CarPlay or Android Auto? Wireless connections require your phone to constantly transmit high amounts of data over Wi-Fi while using GPS tracking. This heavy processing load generates heat. If your phone gets too hot, it may temporarily pause charging to protect the battery.

Can I watch YouTube or Netflix on these systems? No. Both Apple and Google block video streaming apps from playing on the dashboard display while the vehicle is in motion for safety reasons. You can only access audio-based entertainment like podcasts, audiobooks, and music streaming services.