Honestly, it used to be a given. If you were buying a new car, you just assumed your iPhone would plug in and your familiar maps and Spotify would pop up on the dash. But things are getting weird in 2026.
While most cars still have it, a massive civil war is brewing between tech giants and car companies. Some brands are doubling down on Apple, while others—like GM—are literally ripping it out to force you into their own subscription-based systems. It's a mess.
If you're car shopping right now, "does it have CarPlay?" is actually the most important question you can ask, because the answer isn't "yes" across the board anymore.
The Brands Still Playing Nice
Most of the industry hasn't lost its mind yet. For brands like Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, and Ford, Apple CarPlay is still a standard feature in almost every 2025 and 2026 model. They know that if they take it away, you’ll probably just walk across the street to a competitor.
In fact, the 2026 Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V have leaned into it even harder. Most of their mid-to-high trims now offer wireless CarPlay, so you don't even have to dig the phone out of your pocket. It just connects the second you hit the push-to-start button.
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BMW and Audi have basically made wireless CarPlay a standard requirement across their entire 2026 lineups. If you're looking at a BMW 3 Series or an Audi A4, you’re safe. They get that luxury buyers don't want to mess with cables.
The CarPlay Ultra Crowd
Then there’s the high-end stuff. Apple recently launched "CarPlay Ultra," which is a fancy way of saying Apple wants to take over every single screen in your car—including the speedometer and the fuel gauge.
- Aston Martin: They were the first to jump on this. If you’re dropping $200k on a DB12, you’re getting the most integrated Apple experience on the planet.
- Porsche: They’ve been showing off prototypes for a while. It’s expected to be a core part of their 2026 electric models.
- Hyundai & Kia: Surprisingly, these two are some of the only "mainstream" brands committed to bringing CarPlay Ultra to more affordable EVs, like the rumored Ioniq 3 coming later this year.
The "No CarPlay" Zone
This is where it gets frustrating. There is a growing list of "No-Fly Zones" for iPhone users.
General Motors (Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC, Buick) is the biggest offender. They’ve decided to phase out CarPlay entirely. Their newer EVs, like the Chevy Blazer EV and the Silverado EV, don't have it. By 2028, they want it gone from their gas cars too. They want you to use their "Google Built-in" system, mostly so they can sell you data plans and subscriptions later.
Tesla and Rivian have never played ball. They’ve always insisted on their own software. While their systems are actually pretty good, you’ll never see your Apple iMessages or Apple Maps on those big screens without some weird aftermarket hack.
Why 2026 is a Turning Point
The industry is split. Some experts, like Andrew Hart from SBD Automotive, point out that carmakers are "starving" for data. When you use CarPlay, Apple gets the data on where you go and what you listen to. The car companies want that back.
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But consumers are revolting. A recent study showed that nearly 8 in 10 buyers wouldn't even consider a car if it didn't have CarPlay. That’s a huge gamble for brands like GM.
Wired vs. Wireless: The Reality Check
Don't let a salesperson tell you "it has CarPlay" and leave it at that. You need to know if it's wired or wireless.
Wired is more stable. It charges your phone and doesn't lag. Wireless is "cool" and convenient, but it can be a battery hog. If you're looking at a 2026 Honda Civic, for instance, the base LX might still require a cord, while the Sport Touring goes wireless. Always check the specific trim.
What to Do Before You Sign
If you’re sitting at a dealership right now, do these three things before you talk numbers:
- The Plug Test: Bring your own lightning or USB-C cable. Plug it in. See how fast the interface loads. If it’s laggy now, it’ll be unbearable in three years.
- Check the Trim: Don't assume the "base model" has the same tech as the one in the brochure. Many brands still gatekeep wireless CarPlay behind expensive packages.
- Verify the "Subscription": Ask the dealer point-blank: "Will I have to pay a monthly fee to keep using CarPlay after the first year?" Some brands are trying to sneak in "connectivity charges."
If a car doesn't have it and you're already stuck with the vehicle, look into aftermarket adapters like Carlinkit or Sony/Pioneer head units. They aren't perfect, but they’re better than being forced to use a car's clunky, built-in GPS from 2022.
The bottom line: verify the tech before you verify the engine. In 2026, a bad infotainment system is a bigger headache than a slow 0-60 time.
Next Step: Check your iPhone's "Settings > General > CarPlay" menu while sitting in the test drive vehicle to see if the car's ID pops up immediately; if it doesn't appear under "Available Cars" within ten seconds, the wireless integration might be finicky or non-existent for that specific trim.