Best CarPlay Apps in 2025 | The Ultimate Guide

Apple CarPlay has changed how we use our phones in the car. It brings your iPhone apps to your car's screen. You can navigate, play music, and send messages without touching your phone. This makes driving safer and easier.

In this guide, we'll show you the best CarPlay apps available in 2025. You'll learn about built-in apps and third-party options that make every drive better.

What is Apple CarPlay and How Does It Work?

Apple CarPlay connects your iPhone to your car's display. You can control everything with your voice using Siri. This means you keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

Key Benefits of CarPlay:

You can use Siri to control everything hands-free. The interface is big and easy to read while driving. It works seamlessly with your iPhone. Modern systems support over 1,200 apps. Apple adds new features with regular updates.

What Apps Come Pre-Installed with Apple CarPlay?

CarPlay includes several Apple apps from the start. These cover basic driving needs.

Navigation and Maps

Apple Maps gives you directions with real-time traffic. You get lane guidance and can share your arrival time. The app shows points of interest along your route.

Communication Apps

Phone lets you access your favorites and recent calls. You can reach contacts and check voicemail quickly.

Messages works with Siri to read texts aloud. You can reply without typing or touching your phone.

Entertainment and Media

Music connects to Apple Music and your personal library. You can play any song you own or stream millions more.

Podcasts lets you browse and play shows. Siri can start any podcast by voice command.

Books plays audiobooks from your Apple Books collection.

News+ provides audio stories if you subscribe to Apple News.

Productivity Features

Calendar shows your schedule with event locations. This helps you navigate to appointments easily.

Dashboard gives you a home screen with multiple widgets. You see navigation, music, and calendar events at once.

Settings lets you control Siri, dark mode, and Do Not Disturb features.

Which Navigation Apps Work Best with CarPlay?

1. Waze: Community-Powered Navigation

Waze stands out with its community-driven real-time updates that go beyond traditional GPS navigation.

Key Features:

• Live traffic jam alerts and automatic rerouting
• User-reported hazards (potholes, debris, accidents)
• Police and speed camera notifications
• Gas price comparisons at nearby stations
• Active community of millions of drivers

Best for: Commuters who want to avoid traffic and find the fastest routes

2. Carrot Weather: Personality Meets Precision

Why it's unique: This isn't your typical weather app—Carrot delivers hyper-local forecasts with a snarky, entertaining personality.

Key Features:

• Hyper-accurate, location-specific weather data
• Entertaining, attitude-filled notifications
• Severe weather alerts
• Perfect for planning routes around weather conditions

Best for: Drivers who need precise weather information with some entertainment value

3. MyRadar Weather Radar: Visual Weather Tracking

Why it's powerful: Real-time animated radar maps show exactly what's coming your way.

Key Features:

• Live radar with motion tracking
• Visual display of approaching storms, rain, or snow
• Severe weather alerts
• Multiple data layers (temperature, wind speed)
• Quick-glance weather updates while driving

Best for: Anyone driving in areas with unpredictable weather

What Are the Best Music and Audio Apps for CarPlay?

4. Spotify: The Streaming Powerhouse

Why it's the best: With over 100 million songs and podcasts, Spotify offers unmatched variety with a CarPlay-optimized interface.

Key Features:

• Clean, distraction-free interface designed for driving
• Full Siri voice control (skip songs, play playlists)
• Personalized driving playlists and "Made For You" mixes
• Works seamlessly across mobile data, Wi-Fi, and offline mode
• Downloaded content for areas with poor connectivity

Best for: Anyone who wants unlimited music variety with smart recommendations

5. Pocket Casts: The Podcast Enthusiast's Choice

Why podcasters love it: Advanced playback controls and cross-device syncing make Pocket Casts the premium podcast experience.

Key Features:

• Volume boost and speed adjustment controls
• Trim silence feature to maintain engagement
• "Up Next" queue for seamless listening
• Siri voice commands for hands-free control
• Syncs across car, phone, and desktop

Best for: Dedicated podcast listeners who want professional-grade controls

How Can You Listen to Audiobooks for Free on CarPlay?

6. Libby: Free Audiobooks from Your Library

Why it's a game-changer: Borrow and listen to audiobooks completely free with just a library card.

Key Features:

• Free access to thousands of audiobooks
• Simple, distraction-free CarPlay interface
• Large buttons for easy road control (play, pause, skip, rewind)
• No subscription required
• Syncs across all your devices
• Automatic returns—no late fees

Best for: Budget-conscious audiobook fans with library access

Also Worth Considering:

• Audible: Amazon's premium audiobook service
• Google Play Books: Audiobooks integrated with Google's ecosystem
• Scribd: Unlimited audiobook subscription service

Which Productivity Apps Work with CarPlay?

7. Zoom: Audio-Only Meetings on the Road

Why professionals need it: Stay productive with safe, audio-only meeting access while driving.

Key Features:

• Large, simple buttons for one-tap meeting joins
• View upcoming scheduled meetings
• Easy mute/unmute controls
• Siri integration for launching and joining calls
• No need to look at your phone

Best for: Sales professionals, executives, and remote workers who need meeting flexibility

Alternatives:

• Microsoft Teams
• Cisco Webex Meetings
• WhatsApp (for voice calls)

8. Target: Seamless Curbside Pickup

Why it's convenient: The first retailer to offer CarPlay integration for Drive Up services.

Key Features:

• Automatic display of ready-for-pickup orders
• In-app directions to your local store
• Notify staff when you're on the way or have arrived
• Completely hands-free notification system

Best for: Busy shoppers who use curbside pickup services

What Smart Home Apps Can You Control from Your Car?

9. Home Assistant: Complete Smart Home Integration

Why it's powerful: Control virtually any smart device from your car's dashboard.

Key Features:

• Control locks, lights, thermostats, and garage doors
• Location-based suggestions (garage door when arriving home)
• HomeKit integration plus non-HomeKit device support via bridges
• Highly customizable automation
• More comprehensive than basic HomeKit

Best for: Smart home enthusiasts who want complete control from their vehicle

Also Consider:

• Alarm.com: Security system control (updated August 2025)

Which Apps Do Electric Vehicle Drivers Need on CarPlay?

10. PlugShare: Essential for EV Drivers

Why EV drivers love it: Comprehensive charging station database with real-time availability.

Key Features:

• Display of nearby charging stations on dashboard
• Detailed station information (plug type, speed, availability)
• User ratings and reviews
• Bookmarked locations and trip planning
• One-tap directions to any station
• Syncs trip plans from phone or web

Best for: Electric vehicle owners who need reliable charging information

11. Parkster: Digital Street Parking

Why it's convenient: Pay for street parking without leaving your car or using meters.

Key Features:

• Dashboard display of nearby parking zones
• Quick parking session start/stop
• Multiple vehicle management
• Duration selection and extension
• Available in 1,000+ locations across Sweden, Germany, and Austria

Best for: European drivers in supported cities who frequently pay for street parking

Other Parking & Fuel Apps:

• SpotHero: Reserve and pay for parking in advance
• EasyPark: Digital parking payments
• ChargePoint: EV charging network
• Walmart Fuel: Gas station locator and discounts

How to Add Any App to Apple CarPlay?

Apple only allows approved apps on CarPlay for safety. Some third-party tools bypass these restrictions. They let you run any iPhone app on your car screen.

There're many ways to add any app on Apple Carplay.

NGXPlay

NGXPlay mirrors your entire iPhone screen to CarPlay. Any iPhone app can appear on your car display.

Key Features:

Full iPhone screen mirroring works perfectly. Any installed app becomes available. Streaming apps like Netflix and YouTube work. You can even play games on your car screen. Touch controls work on compatible cars.

Important Considerations:

You need a jailbroken iPhone. Apple doesn't approve this method. It may violate terms of service. Using video while driving is dangerous. iOS updates can break functionality.

Let's see what are the NGXPlay Alternatives that we can use.

WheelPal

WheelPal is another screen mirroring tool. It offers similar features to NGXPlay.

Key Features:

Screen mirroring works on some devices without jailbreak. Popular streaming services are supported. Video playback works when parked. Custom launchers improve the interface. Both wired and wireless CarPlay work.

Important Considerations:

Video playback while driving may be illegal. Setup can be complicated. Compatibility varies by car and iOS version. Updates are needed frequently.

Carbridge

Carbridge is the most famous CarPlay jailbreak tweak. It unlocks your system completely.

Key Features:

Any iPhone app can appear on CarPlay. You control which apps are allowed. Video apps work for entertainment. Gaming is possible on car displays. Customization options are extensive.

Key Requirements:

Your iPhone must be jailbroken. Purchase happens through Cydia stores. Most CarPlay cars are compatible. Maintenance is needed after iOS updates.

Important Considerations:

This voids your Apple warranty. Jailbreaking creates security risks. Non-optimized apps can be dangerous. Many places ban video viewing while driving. System instability may occur.

Should You Use Third-Party CarPlay Enablers?

Safety Concerns:

NGXPlay, WheelPal, and Carbridge sound exciting. But safety is a real issue. Apple restricts CarPlay to prevent distraction. Video apps while driving significantly increase crash risk.

Legal Considerations:

Many places prohibit video displays visible to drivers. Using these tools for video while moving may be illegal. Check your local laws carefully.

Recommended Use Cases:

Entertainment while parked and waiting. Passenger entertainment in the back seat. Testing and development work. Specific productivity apps not on CarPlay.

Safer Alternatives:

Ask app developers to add CarPlay support. Use Apple's feedback system to request features. Stick with officially approved apps when driving.

What Is the Complete List of Officially Supported CarPlay Apps?

Here are CarPlay-compatible apps by category:

Audiobooks and Reading Apps

Audible, Audio Books by AudioBooks.com, Blinkist, Bookmate, Google Play Books, Instapaper, Kobo Books, Libby, Scribd, Walmart eBooks

Communication Apps

Cisco Webex, LINE, Microsoft Teams, Telegram Messenger, WhatsApp, Zoom Cloud Meetings

EV Charging, Fuel and Parking

ChargePoint, EasyPark, PlugShare, SpotHero, Parkster, Walmart Fuel

Food and Restaurant Apps

Chick-fil-A, Domino's Pizza, Dunkin', Panera Bread, Target

Music and Streaming Apps

Amazon Music, Berliner Philharmoniker, Dash Radio, Deezer, Doppler, iHeartRadio, LiveOne Music, Mixcloud, Pandora, Plexamp, Radio Deejay, SiriusXM, SongCapsule, SoundCloud, Spotify, Tidal, VLC, VOX, YouTube Music

Navigation Apps

2GIS, ETA, Google Maps, HERE WeGo, InRoute, MapQuest, My Porsche, NAVER Map, Rever Motorcycle GPS, Roads by Porsche, Sygic GPS, TomTom GO, Waze

News and Sports Apps

Audacy, Bloomberg, CBS Radio News, CNBC, MLB At Bat, NBA, NHL, NPR One, The Athletic, TuneIn Radio. NFL team apps include Buffalo Bills, Chicago Bears, and New Orleans Saints.

Weather Apps

Carrot Weather, MyRadar Weather Radar, Weather on the Way

Podcast Apps

Breaker, Castro, Downcast, iHeartRadio, Overcast, Pandora, Pocket Casts, Spotify, Spotify for Creators

How Do You Install and Use CarPlay Apps?

Step by Step Setup:

First, download apps on your iPhone from the App Store. Second, connect your iPhone using a USB cable or wireless. Third, supported apps appear automatically on your car screen. Fourth, organize your layout in iPhone Settings under General and CarPlay. Fifth, use Siri voice commands for safe control.

Pro Tips:

Customize which apps show up in iPhone Settings. Always use Siri while driving for safety. Download music and podcasts for offline areas. Keep your apps updated for best performance.

What Is the Recommended CarPlay Setup for Different Driver Types?

For Daily Commuters

Essential Apps:

Waze for traffic updates. Spotify for music. Pocket Casts for podcasts. MyRadar for weather. Phone and Messages for calls and texts.

Why This Works: Commuters need traffic alerts and varied entertainment for repeated routes.

For Business Professionals

Essential Apps:

Apple Maps for navigation. Zoom for audio meetings. Audiobooks or Spotify for productive listening. Phone with quick contacts. Calendar for appointments.

Why This Works: Professionals need meeting access and efficient navigation to appointments.

For Electric Vehicle Owners

Essential Apps:

PlugShare for charging stations. Waze for routing. Spotify for charging breaks. MyRadar for trip planning. ChargePoint for network access.

Why This Works: EV drivers need charging station tools and entertainment during stops.

For Road Trip Enthusiasts

Essential Apps:

Apple Maps for navigation. MyRadar for weather tracking. Libby for free audiobooks. Spotify for music variety. Carrot Weather for route planning.

Why This Works: Long drives need free entertainment and weather information.

For Parents and Families

Essential Apps:

Apple Maps for location sharing. Target for curbside pickup. Spotify family plan. Phone with favorites. Libby for kids' audiobooks.

Why This Works: Families benefit from convenience and shared entertainment.

How Can You Build the Perfect CarPlay Setup?

The best CarPlay apps make your car smarter and safer. Start with navigation and music that fit your routine. Add productivity tools for work needs. Include specialized apps for your vehicle type.

Getting Started:

Begin with essential apps like Waze and Spotify. Add others based on your daily needs. Customize your layout for easy access. Start simple and expand over time.

Safety First:

Never compromise safety for features. Use voice commands whenever possible. Set everything up before driving. Keep your eyes on the road always.

Stay Updated:

Check for app updates regularly. New CarPlay apps appear constantly. Enable automatic updates for latest features.

Build your CarPlay setup based on how you actually drive. The official app ecosystem offers extensive options designed for safety. Avoid risky third-party solutions unless you fully understand the implications.

Frequently Asked Questions About CarPlay Apps

How many apps can I have on CarPlay?

CarPlay supports over 1,200 apps total. Your screen shows the ones you choose. Manage them in iPhone Settings under General and CarPlay.

Do CarPlay apps work without internet?

Many apps work offline. Spotify lets you download music. Apple Maps allows regional downloads. Audiobook apps play downloaded content. Real-time features like traffic need internet.

Can I use any iPhone app on CarPlay?

No. Only approved apps appear on CarPlay. Apple restricts apps for safety reasons. Apps must meet driving safety guidelines.

Are CarPlay apps free?

Some are free like Waze and Libby. Others need subscriptions like Spotify Premium. CarPlay itself is always free.

Which apps work with Siri?

Most major apps support Siri. All navigation apps respond to voice. Music apps accept playback commands. Messaging apps read and send texts. Phone apps make calls by voice.

Does CarPlay drain my battery?

It can drain battery faster than normal. But most CarPlay connections charge your phone. Wired connections always charge. Wireless may drain battery without wireless charging pad.

Can I watch videos on CarPlay?

Not officially. Apple blocks video while driving. Third-party tools bypass this but are dangerous and often illegal. Only use video when parked.

What is the difference between wired and wireless CarPlay?

Wired uses a cable and always charges. It's more stable and works with more cars. Wireless connects without cables but may drain battery. Both have the same features.

Do I need a specific iPhone?

iPhone 5 or later works with CarPlay. You need iOS 7.1 or higher. iOS 13 or later is best for new features.

Why doesn't my favorite app appear on CarPlay?

The developer hasn't added CarPlay support. Not all apps are approved. Contact developers to request it. Look for similar apps that support CarPlay.

Is it safe to use CarPlay while driving?

Yes, when used properly. Always use voice commands. Set up before driving. Never use video apps. Keep focus on the road.

How often are new apps added?

Continuously. Developers can submit apps anytime. Major iOS updates bring new capabilities. Check the App Store regularly for updates.