[mertoun]

iOS 9.3 includes two improvements to CarPlay. One is better integration to Apple Music, which I believe is Siri integration ("hey Siri, play Adele's new song"). Not relevant unless you subscribe to Apple Music.

The other improvement is to Apple Maps, and is called 'nearby', whereby you can find out what poi's are near to where you are.

 

[SKR9]

Thanks @kermit for the review and detail. Definitely helps out us soon-to-be owners with some valuable info

 

[Pokerhobo]

I played with CarPlay over the weekend in our GTS. My iPhone has iOS 9.3.1. Now playing shows a small album image. I don't see the low-res issue others raised for Maps. One minor annoyance is that when I bring up maps and I'm close to my home, the map app by default shows a route to my home, even when I'm obviously travelling away. Eventually, it'll switch the view to center where my vehicle is at. I have the diamond steering wheel button set to next track/station which works fine with radio and playing over bluetooth, but doesn't work with CarPlay. The physical next track button near the screen does work.

 

[Same]

After playing with Apple CarPlay for a few weeks... it's actually pretty good. I'm really happy I canceled my 2016 Macan and ordered the 2017 Macan with Apple CarPlay.

Disclosure:
- I have a 2009 911 with PCM 3.1 & Navigation (So I know how the old PCM is)
- I use an Iphone 6 and I use Siri a lot. (For Nav / texting / checking sport scores / googling stuff ... )
- 2017 Macan with Connect (No NAV)

CarPlay Navigation - It works. I'm used to using SIRI to find destinations. Sometimes she finds stuff... sometimes she doesn't. If you ask for common things, like Find me Costco (or stuff like that) it works great. She'll show you a list of all the nearby Costcos. If you ask for something more obscure, Siri might bring up random results. You can always type in a destination via the keyboard. I had an address that someone texted me. After typing in 2 digits on the PCM display, the Apple Navigation pulled up the address from my text message. Super easy. Siri seems to pull addresses from your phone along with any address from the internet. I have no experience with the PCM 4.0 Navigation... but CarPlay is MUCH better than PCM 3.1 Navigation. Entering addresses is much faster.
Things I don't like about CarPlay Nav -
- No Pinch to zoom (you can double tap to zoom ... sometimes)
- Doesn't do a list of all your directions. It lists the next 2 turns.

CarPlay Music - Works as i you'd expect. Scroll through your playlists like it's your iphone. It's a little weird that the interface between CarPlay and PCM bluetooth is a little different. But... Over all, it's mostly just graphical differences. I don't use any streaming services, so I can't comment on that.

CarPlay Texting - I'm a believer dictation for texting while driving. You shouldn't be reading long messages on a screen while driving. So... how CarPlay does texting is how I'd expect it to be implemented. Siri only reads the txts to you. You can reply by dictation, but that's it. I'm fine with that... and that's also how I'm used to replying to txt while behind the wheel. She reads back the message to you before sending it. If it's wrong... just change it.

CarPlay requires Physical Connection - No biggie... I have the iphone cable dangling outside the arm rest. When I know I need Nav, I plug my iphone in and place my iphone in the cupholder. Otherwise, I'm just using bluetooth for Music. It only takes a few seconds for CarPlay to activate. Click on a few prompts and it's good to go.

Is CarPlay worth it? Absolutely if you're part of the Apple Ecosystem. It lacks few features of a built in car navigation, but I still like it MUCH more than the PCM 3.1 Navigation. I've seen reviews of the 2017 Porsche Navigation and it looks REALLY good. For the Price, CarPlay is good enough for navigation. Apple Maps is always up to date as long as you're paying for your iPhone.

I rarely use the Nav in my 911. it's just easier to pull out my iphone and use Apple Maps. I have to force myself to use the PCM 3.1 Nav just because I have it.

Final note... PCM 4.0 is light years better than PCM 3.1. Icons are bigger / Swipe to scroll (ipad like) / Better graphics / Faster.
With PCM 3.1, found myself staring at screen a lot to change radio stations (taking my eyes off the road) Even then... I'd hit the wrong button a lot since they're small. With PCM 4.0, the buttons are huge. A quick glance and I can easily change to the next radio station.

 

[JFT]

That seems like a reasonable answer. Man, I cannot believe no album artwork though. Come on Tim Cook

apple did this on purpose to not distract the drive. the album artwork is actually blurry and large in the whole background of the now playing track

 

[SKR9]

After playing with Apple CarPlay for a few weeks... it's actually pretty good. I'm really happy I canceled my 2016 Macan and ordered the 2017 Macan with Apple CarPlay.

Disclosure:
- I have a 2009 911 with PCM 3.1 & Navigation (So I know how the old PCM is)
- I use an Iphone 6 and I use Siri a lot. (For Nav / texting / checking sport scores / googling stuff ... )
- 2017 Macan with Connect (No NAV)

Thanks again for this full write-up.
I will be getting the same set-up as you; 2017 Macan with Connect (no Nav). I'm still a little confused with all this flap over the optioning of voice control. I did not make any special requests when I ordered my build, nor do I think my dealer checked off the magic box to get me VC; so my question is, does the VC button activate Siri to speak a command when the iPhone is plugged in via the USB cable - or are you relying on your actual phone to respond when summoning Siri?

 

[NETX]

An Answer + a Whine

Thanks again for this full write-up.
I will be getting the same set-up as you; 2017 Macan with Connect (no Nav). I'm still a little confused with all this flap over the optioning of voice control. I did not make any special requests when I ordered my build, nor do I think my dealer checked off the magic box to get me VC; so my question is, does the VC button activate Siri to speak a command when the iPhone is plugged in via the USB cable - or are you relying on your actual phone to respond when summoning Siri?

SKR in my '17 S w/ Nav, CarPlay & Connect+, the VC button on the end of the turn signal allows me to activate Siri thru the vehicle's speakers when connected w/ the Lighting cable. In my less than 750 miles of ownership I have only used Siri for reading/sending texts & emails, again all while connected w/ the L cable.

While in my longtime (35yr.+) indie P car shop yesterday, I discovered the owner had recently bought a 2016 Tacoma as a shop truck. It has CarPlay & he can do all that we can using his iPhone but w/ OUT being connected using the Lighting cable, GRRRRRRRR!!!!!

 

[dawiz4u]

@NETX, as far as I'm aware, no vehicles support wireless CarPlay yet. Apple added the capability in iOS 9, but it requires each auto mfg to implement/support it. VW wanted to demo it in January at CES, but has yet to release a vehicle with it.
CarPlay: Everything We Know | MacRumors

 

[SKR9]

SKR in my '17 S w/ Nav, CarPlay & Connect+, the VC button on the end of the turn signal allows me to activate Siri thru the vehicle's speakers when connected w/ the Lighting cable. In my less than 750 miles of ownership I have only used Siri for reading/sending texts & emails, again all while connected w/ the L cable.

While in my longtime (35yr.+) indie P car shop yesterday, I discovered the owner had recently bought a 2016 Tacoma as a shop truck. It has CarPlay & he can do all that we can using his iPhone but w/ OUT being connected using the Lighting cable, GRRRRRRRR!!!!!

Thanks - that answers my question!

 

[NETX]

@NETX, as far as I'm aware, no vehicles support wireless CarPlay yet. Apple added the capability in iOS 9, but it requires each auto mfg to implement/support it. VW wanted to demo it in January at CES, but has yet to release a vehicle with it.
CarPlay: Everything We Know | MacRumors

Thx for the MacR link back Dawiz, as I use that site daily being an old Mac addict. Unfortunatley there is not much verified CarPlay data out there yet IMO. I tried but failed just now to recontact the indie shop owner to verify that he has full CarPlay functionality w/ out the cable. He mentioned in our convo yesterday he can access Pandora wirelessly. I'll post a followup the next time I'm in town & back @ his shop as it seems I need some ass time in that Tacoma now.

 

[RJMcInnis]

Apple is the one holding wireless back at this point. They stopped VW from release, not the other way around. They are still determining standards and optimizing to meet there "experience" requirements. My understanding is they are having issues getting BT to respond fast enough without dropouts.

 

[NETX]

A Mea Culpea for This Txn

Thx for the MacR link back Dawiz, as I use that site daily being an old Mac addict. Unfortunatley there is not much verified CarPlay data out there yet IMO. I tried but failed just now to recontact the indie shop owner to verify that he has full CarPlay functionality w/ out the cable. He mentioned in our convo yesterday he can access Pandora wirelessly. I'll post a followup the next time I'm in town & back @ his shop as it seems I need some ass time in that Tacoma now.

Yes I quoted myself above as it's time for me to fall on my sword.

After further digging Toyota does not offer CarPlay in their vehicles, instead they chose to partner w/ Ford & use their SmartDeviceLink technology for in-car smartphone connectivity.

Can someone pass me the Tabasco to mask the crow I'm chewing on? Thinking it's time for me to return to reading more & posting less, geez.

 

[Sachindra Sharma]

Apple Maps

Yes you can use the iPhone Apple Maps on the PCM screen, using the data from your phone.

Thanks for all the information. I have ordered the 2017 with Connect (without PCM)so just to clarify

Music and calls with work over blue tooth ?
Apple maps reading text/sending text etc will work only if connected via cable ?


Q - SA showed me how the maps/navigation transfers over from PCM to dials when driving, does that happen with Apple maps albeit with low resolution ?

Many Thanks

 

[Pokerhobo]

Thanks for all the information. I have ordered the 2017 with Connect (without PCM)so just to clarify

You mean Nav. PCM is the general term for the electronics and display.

Music and calls with work over blue tooth ?

Music and calls work over Bluetooth, but not if you have CarPlay enabled via the cable. CarPlay currently doesn't work wirelessly. You can't have your phone connected via USB and Bluetooth at same time. Either one will work for both music/calls, but the interface is different (one is provided by PCM directly and the other via CarPlay). Note that you can have your phone connected via USB and still play music from other sources than your phone.

Apple maps reading text/sending text etc will work only if connected via cable ?

Correct.

Q - SA showed me how the maps/navigation transfers over from PCM to dials when driving, does that happen with Apple maps albeit with low resolution ?

Many Thanks

Take a look at the screenshots I posted here: http://www.macanforum.com/forum/electronics/105210-new-appreciation-carplay-3.html#post1582114

I don't think it's "low resolution" as in it's blocky.

 

[SKR9]

For what its worth, I just rented a new Chevy Malibu on a biz trip; while I always make certain to pick a car out of the Emerald Aisle that I know will have Bluetooth capability, I was pleasantly surprised to see the Malibu had CarPlay! As for CarPlay specifically, I was very much impressed, and am super excited I will have this in my Macan. CarPlay launches nearly instantly when you plug in the lightning cable. Maps worked great - all my commands were spot-on accurate on the first try. My only beef with Apple Maps is that I find turn commands could come a little sooner - but that's an Apple issue to fix - nothing to do with the car maker. Texting worked great - you are basically having a conversation with Siri - which works amazingly well. Browsing your Music is just like browsing on your iPhone.
Very few third party apps are available so far, but Overcast (podcasting app) worked great for me as well. The beautiful simplicity of the Apple app tiles on the screen look great and make the interface such an intuitive breeze to use while driving.

2 more days till my boat arrives in Davisville RI!

 

[PygmyOctopus]

Q - SA showed me how the maps/navigation transfers over from PCM to dials when driving, does that happen with Apple maps albeit with low resolution ?

No. Carplay can't access the MFD, only the PCM Nav

 

[PygmyOctopus]

Apple is the one holding wireless back at this point. They stopped VW from release, not the other way around. They are still determining standards and optimizing to meet there "experience" requirements. My understanding is they are having issues getting BT to respond fast enough without dropouts.

Do you think Apple will use bluetooth for wireless carplay, or use a Wifi link to increase bandwidth? Was the VW implementation BT?

 

[Sachindra Sharma]

Thanks Poker Hobo !...Like the part where you are coming into Vancouver !! (Where I live !) Hope you had some decent skiing !

 

[Sachindra Sharma]

No. Carplay can't access the MFD, only the PCM Nav

Thanks that's what I thought !

 

[srdiam]

Do you think Apple will use bluetooth for wireless carplay, or use a Wifi link to increase bandwidth? Was the VW implementation BT?

From talking with Apple rep, it's gonna be WIFI...