Introduction
Apple CarPlay makes it easier to use selected iPhone apps through your car’s built-in display. You can get driving directions, listen to music, enjoy podcasts, hear audiobooks, and communicate with contacts using compatible apps and Siri.
The best Apple CarPlay apps go beyond entertainment. They can help you navigate unfamiliar roads, find traffic updates, enjoy your favourite audio content, and manage messages with fewer distractions.
CarPlay supports selected third-party apps, and availability can vary by country, iPhone software, app version, and vehicle. Here are six useful apps to consider for your next drive.
1. Spotify: Best Apple CarPlay App for Music
Website: Spotify
Spotify is a popular music and audio-streaming service that works with Apple CarPlay. It lets users access playlists, albums, artists, podcasts, and other supported audio content through their car’s display.
<AsyncImage query=”Spotify music player interface Apple CarPlay car dashboard” aspectRatio=”16:9″ width=”100%” />
Spotify is useful for daily commutes and long road trips. You can prepare playlists before leaving, continue listening to saved favourites, and use supported Siri commands to control playback.
Key features:
- Access music playlists, albums, and artists.
- Listen to supported podcasts and audio content.
- Control playback through compatible CarPlay controls.
- Use voice commands for supported actions.
Spotify offers free and paid subscription options, with features depending on your plan and region.
2. Google Maps: Best for Navigation
Website: Google Maps
Google Maps is one of the most useful Apple CarPlay navigation apps. It provides turn-by-turn directions, route planning, estimated arrival times, and traffic information where available.
<AsyncImage query=”Google Maps navigation route Apple CarPlay vehicle dashboard screen” aspectRatio=”16:9″ width=”100%” />
It can help you navigate unfamiliar neighbourhoods, locate businesses, and compare available routes. Its place information is particularly helpful when searching for petrol stations, restaurants, parking, and other destinations.
Key features:
- Turn-by-turn navigation.
- Traffic information and estimated arrival times.
- Search for places and businesses.
- Route guidance through the vehicle’s display.
Before driving, enter your destination and review the suggested route. Features and traffic data may vary by location.
3. Waze: Best for Traffic Alerts
Website: Waze
Waze is a navigation app known for its community-reported traffic information. It can help drivers identify reported congestion, accidents, road hazards, and other incidents along their route.
<AsyncImage query=”Waze navigation traffic alerts Apple CarPlay dashboard display” aspectRatio=”16:9″ width=”100%” />
Waze is particularly useful for drivers travelling through busy urban areas. Its route guidance and supported alerts can help you make more informed driving decisions.
Key features:
- Navigation with supported traffic updates.
- Community-reported road incidents.
- Estimated arrival times.
- Compatible audio-player controls in supported configurations.
Waze’s CarPlay interface does not necessarily include every feature available in its iPhone app. Always follow road signs and local traffic rules, even when navigation suggests another route.
4. WhatsApp: Best for Supported Messaging Features
Website: WhatsApp
WhatsApp is useful for staying connected while travelling. On compatible iPhones and CarPlay systems, supported messaging features can work with Siri, allowing you to send messages or hear and respond to incoming messages without navigating the full phone interface.
<AsyncImage query=”WhatsApp messaging notifications Apple CarPlay car dashboard interface” aspectRatio=”16:9″ width=”100%” />
This is helpful when you need to communicate an arrival update or respond to an important message. CarPlay does not provide the full WhatsApp mobile interface, and available actions depend on software and app support.
Key features:
- Supported messaging actions through Siri.
- Voice-based message dictation and replies.
- Hands-free communication for compatible functions.
- Easier access to selected conversations while connected.
Avoid reading or composing messages manually while driving. If a message needs your full attention, pull over somewhere safe before responding.
5. Overcast: Best for Podcast Listening
Website: Overcast
Overcast is a podcast player for iPhone users who want a dedicated way to manage and listen to podcast episodes. It supports Apple CarPlay, allowing compatible playback controls to appear on the vehicle’s display.
<AsyncImage query=”Overcast podcast player iPhone app playback screen” aspectRatio=”16:9″ width=”100%” />
Overcast is a useful choice for people who regularly listen to interviews, educational programmes, news discussions, and storytelling podcasts.
Key features:
- Manage and play podcast episodes.
- Access supported playback controls through CarPlay.
- Organise listening around your favourite shows.
- Use supported audio features available in the app.
Download episodes in advance when possible. This can help reduce interruptions in areas with weak mobile connectivity.
6. Audible: Best for Audiobooks
Website: Audible
Audible is an audiobook and spoken-audio service that works with Apple CarPlay. It is a practical option for people who want to enjoy books during commutes or longer journeys.
<AsyncImage query=”Audible audiobook player app listening screen on iPhone” aspectRatio=”16:9″ width=”100%” />
You can listen to audiobooks, continue supported playback, and use compatible controls while connected to CarPlay. Depending on the title and your subscription, you may need to purchase or access the content through an eligible plan.
Key features:
- Access audiobooks and supported spoken-audio content.
- Continue listening to books during a journey.
- Use compatible CarPlay playback controls.
- Download eligible titles for offline listening.
Downloading titles before leaving is useful when mobile data coverage is unreliable. Set up your listening queue before you start driving.
Quick Comparison: Best Apple CarPlay Apps
| App | Best for | Main benefit |
| Spotify | Music and audio | Playlists, songs, and supported podcasts |
| Google Maps | Navigation | Directions, places, and traffic information |
| Waze | Traffic alerts | Community-reported incidents and route guidance |
| Messaging | Supported voice-based communication | |
| Overcast | Podcasts | Dedicated podcast playback |
| Audible | Audiobooks | Books and spoken-audio entertainment |
How to Use Third-Party Apps with Apple CarPlay
Getting started is straightforward:
- Check that your car or aftermarket stereo supports Apple CarPlay.
- Install the compatible apps on your iPhone.
- Enable Siri and connect your iPhone using a supported USB cable or wireless connection.
- Open the app from the CarPlay display.
- Arrange your CarPlay app icons through your iPhone’s CarPlay settings if needed.
Some apps require a subscription or an internet connection for streaming. Download audio content and review navigation settings before you begin your journey.
For device-specific setup instructions, consult Apple’s official CarPlay support guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best Apple CarPlay apps?
Useful choices include Spotify for music, Google Maps for navigation, Waze for traffic alerts, WhatsApp for supported messaging, Overcast for podcasts, and Audible for audiobooks. The best combination depends on your driving habits and regional availability.
Can I use Google Maps and Waze with Apple CarPlay?
Yes. Both support Apple CarPlay in compatible configurations. Their available features can vary by region, app version, and vehicle.
Does Apple CarPlay support WhatsApp?
Yes, supported WhatsApp messaging functions can work with CarPlay and Siri on compatible devices. CarPlay does not expose every feature of the full mobile app.
Can I use Apple CarPlay without mobile data?
Some functions may work offline, such as playing previously downloaded audio or using navigation data that has already been stored. Live traffic, online searches, and streaming generally require connectivity.
Conclusion
The best Apple CarPlay apps can make driving more convenient by bringing navigation, music, podcasts, audiobooks, and supported messaging features to your car’s display.
Spotify, Google Maps, Waze, WhatsApp, Overcast, and Audible each serve a different purpose. Choose the apps that suit your needs, confirm their availability in your region, and prepare your content and routes before setting off.
Apple CarPlay is designed to help drivers stay focused on the road. Use Siri and compatible vehicle controls where practical, and never interact with your phone in a way that distracts you from driving.