Apple Carplay is a popular feature that brings infotainment functions to the built-in screen in your car using iPhone apps. In this blog, we’ll explore the best Apple Carplay apps of 2024, focusing on those that can enhance your driving experience. Whether you’re interested in top-notch navigation apps, music streaming services, or communication tools, we’ve got you covered.

Adding apps to Apple Carplay is a simple process that can be done directly from your iPhone. However, there are limitations to what types of apps can be added. For example, you cannot watch Netflix or YouTube on Apple Carplay. In this article, we’ll answer common questions about Apple Carplay apps and provide a comprehensive guide to adding apps to your Apple Carplay.
Key Takeaways
- Apple Carplay is a popular feature that brings infotainment functions to the built-in screen in your car using iPhone apps.
- Adding apps to Apple Carplay is a simple process that can be done directly from your iPhone.
- You cannot watch Netflix or YouTube on Apple Carplay.
Best Apple Carplay Apps for 2024

Apple Carplay offers a wide range of apps to enhance the driving experience. In 2024, several apps have emerged as favorites among users, offering innovative features and seamless integration with the Carplay interface. Here’s a breakdown of the top apps across different categories.
1. Navigation Apps:
Google Maps: Continues to be a top choice for navigation, offering real-time traffic updates, offline maps, and voice-guided directions. It also allows users to search for points of interest along their route and offers lane guidance.
Waze: Known for its community-driven features, Waze provides crowd-sourced traffic information, accident alerts, and the ability to find the cheapest gas stations along the route. It also offers voice-guided navigation and real-time updates on traffic conditions.
TomTom GO Navigation: Offers offline maps, real-time traffic updates, and speed camera alerts. It also features voice-guided navigation, lane guidance, and the ability to save favorite locations.
2. Music and Podcast Apps:
Spotify: A popular music streaming service that provides access to millions of songs and playlists, all easily accessible through the Carplay interface. It also offers personalized recommendations and the ability to create custom playlists.
Apple Music: Apple’s own music streaming service, offering a vast library of songs, albums, and playlists, seamlessly integrated with Carplay. It also features personalized recommendations and the ability to create custom playlists.
Audible: Perfect for audiobook lovers, Audible lets you listen to your favorite books while driving. It also offers a wide selection of audiobooks and the ability to customize playback speed.
3. Communication Apps:
WhatsApp: Allows users to send and receive messages, make calls, and stay connected with friends and family, all without taking their hands off the wheel. It also features voice messaging and the ability to send photos and videos.
Telegram: Offers secure messaging and voice calls, making it ideal for business users. It also features group chats and the ability to send files up to 2GB in size.
4. Other Notable Apps:
Overcast: A popular podcast app that offers a user-friendly interface and a wide selection of podcasts to choose from. It also features smart speed, which shortens silences in podcasts for faster listening.
MLB: Perfect for sports fans, the MLB app offers live game streaming, scores, and highlights. It also features news and analysis from experts and the ability to track favorite teams.
These are a few of the best apps available for Apple Carplay in 2024. Whether users are looking for navigation assistance, entertainment, or communication tools, there’s an app to suit their needs.
How to Add Apps to Apple Carplay?
Adding apps to Apple Carplay is a simple process that allows you to customize your driving experience with your favorite apps. Here’s how you can do it:
- Check Compatibility: Before adding an app to Apple Carplay, check if it is compatible with Carplay. Not all apps on the App Store are optimized for Carplay.
- Update iOS: Make sure your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS. This ensures that your iPhone has the latest features and security updates.
- Connect Your iPhone: Connect your iPhone to your Carplay-compatible vehicle using a USB cable or wireless connection. This establishes a connection between your iPhone and Carplay.
- Access the App Store: Open the App Store on your iPhone. This is where you can find and download apps that are optimized for Carplay.
- Search for the App: Use the search function in the App Store to find the app you want to add. You can also browse through different categories to find apps that are optimized for Carplay.
- Install the App: Once you find the app you want to add, tap on it to view its details. Then, tap “Get” to download and install it on your iPhone.
- Open the App on Carplay: Once the app is installed on your iPhone, it should automatically appear on the Carplay interface the next time you connect your iPhone to your vehicle. You can access the app by tapping on its icon on the Carplay interface.
- Customize App Layout: You can customize the layout of your Carplay apps on your iPhone by going to Settings > General > Carplay > [Your Car’s Name], then tapping and holding on an app icon to rearrange it. This allows you to organize your apps in a way that makes sense to you.
In conclusion, adding apps to Apple Carplay is a straightforward process that allows you to personalize your driving experience. By following these simple steps, you can easily add your favorite apps to Carplay and enjoy them while on the road.
Can You Watch Netflix or YouTube on Apple Carplay?

As of 2024, Apple Carplay does not support the playback of video content from apps like Netflix or YouTube. This limitation is in place to ensure driver safety and minimize distractions. However, with car gadgets like the Carplay AI Box, you can enhance your Carplay experience by adding support for watching videos on your car’s screen.
It’s important to note that watching videos while driving is unsafe and not recommended. However, the Carlinkit AI Box allows you to enjoy video content in your car when you have a rest or are waiting for someone, providing a way to pass the time and enhance your in-car entertainment experience.
In summary, while it’s not possible to watch Netflix or YouTube on Apple Carplay directly, the Carplay AI Box provides a solution for those looking to enjoy video content in their car. Nonetheless, it’s important to prioritize safety and avoid watching videos while driving.
Conclusion
Safe Driving with Apple CarPlay
Apple CarPlay offers a range of built-in and compatible apps that enhance the driving experience while keeping safety in mind. Drivers can use the dashboard to access their favorites, recents, and nearby apps, including Panera Bread for food and PlugShare and ChargePoint for EV charging. Technology manufacturers such as Chevron and Spothero offer fuel and parking apps, respectively, to streamline the journey. It is important to use CarPlay responsibly and stay focused on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Top-Rated Navigation Apps Compatible with Apple CarPlay
Apple CarPlay has several navigation apps that are compatible with it. Among the top-rated navigation apps are Google Maps, Waze, and Apple Maps. Google Maps provides real-time traffic updates, turn-by-turn directions, and street view. Waze is known for its crowd-sourced traffic information and user-reported accidents, hazards, and police traps. Apple Maps is the default navigation app on Apple CarPlay and offers a clean interface, real-time traffic updates, and voice-guided directions.
Finding and Downloading New Apps for Apple CarPlay
Users can find and download new apps for Apple CarPlay through the App Store on their iPhone. Simply search for the app you want and check if it is compatible with CarPlay. If it is, you can download it and it will automatically appear on your CarPlay home screen.
Audio and Music Apps for Apple CarPlay
Apple CarPlay has several audio and music apps that provide a great experience. Among the best are Apple Music, Spotify, Pandora, and Tidal. Apple Music is the default music app on CarPlay and offers access to millions of songs, curated playlists, and radio stations. Spotify is known for its personalized playlists and music discovery features. Pandora offers personalized radio stations based on your favorite songs and artists. Tidal is a high-quality music streaming service that offers lossless audio and exclusive content.
CarPlay-Compatible Apps for Video Streaming
Apple CarPlay does not support video streaming while driving for safety reasons. Therefore, there are no CarPlay-compatible apps that allow video streaming.
Weather Forecast Apps for Apple CarPlay
There are several weather forecast apps that are compatible with Apple CarPlay, including The Weather Channel, AccuWeather, and Dark Sky. The Weather Channel provides hourly, daily, and 15-day forecasts, severe weather alerts, and radar maps. AccuWeather offers minute-by-minute precipitation forecasts, real-feel temperature, and detailed weather maps. Dark Sky provides hyperlocal weather forecasts, minute-by-minute rain predictions, and customizable alerts.
Latest Additions to the CarPlay App Lineup
Apple frequently adds new apps to the CarPlay lineup. Some of the latest additions include WhatsApp, Telegram, and Zoom. WhatsApp and Telegram are messaging apps that allow users to send and receive messages, make voice and video calls, and share media files. Zoom is a video conferencing app that enables users to join meetings, webinars, and virtual events on the go.