Upgrading your old car with Apple CarPlay will change your driving life, with navigation, music and more at your fingertips. In this article we’ll look at the best Apple CarPlay solutions for old cars, including methods to add Apple CarPlay such as installing a portable CarPlay device, using a CarPlay-compatible stereo unit, or employing a CarPlay adapter with a tablet. CarPlay screens are also compatible with Android smartphones running Android 10.0 and higher, supporting wireless Android Auto functionality. We’ll go through the top options, their specs, features and what makes them different. By the end of this article you’ll know how to bring your old car into the 21st century with Apple CarPlay. BOSS Audio BVCPA9W The BOSS Audio BVCPA9W is a 9” capacitive touchscreen Apple CarPlay unit with single DIN chassis. It has a high resolution display (1024x600) and supports both wired and wireless CarPlay. It features a 45W x 4 audio output, enhancing the overall sound quality in your car's cabin. Additionally, the BVCPA9W is compatible with steering wheel controls, making it easier to manage your CarPlay functions without taking your hands off the wheel. It has Bluetooth for hands free calling and audio streaming, rear camera input and steering wheel control compatibility. Its small size makes it perfect for older cars with limited dash space. The BVCPA9W also has a built in microphone, subwoofer output and customizable wallpapers for a personalized experience. With its easy to use interface and many features this BOSS Audio unit is a great way to upgrade your old car’s infotainment system. Pioneer SPH-EVO950DAB The Pioneer SPH-EVO950DAB is a feature-packed single DIN car stereo with a 9” WVGA capacitive touchscreen display. By replacing your car stereo with this unit, you can add CarPlay functionality to your vehicle. It supports both wired and wireless CarPlay so you can integrate your iPhone seamlessly. It has built-in DAB+ digital radio, Bluetooth, and a 13-band graphic equalizer to customize your audio experience. With its slim design and shallow mounting depth, it’s perfect for older cars. It also has a rear USB port for additional devices and backup camera input for safety. The Pioneer unit has an easy-to-use interface and responsive touch controls, so it’s a great way to modernize your old car’s infotainment system. Sony XAV-9550ES The Sony XAV-9550ES is a high end single DIN Apple CarPlay head unit with 10.1” capacitive touchscreen display (1280x720). It supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing seamless integration with your smartphone. It supports both wired and wireless CarPlay so you can connect your iPhone easily. The operating system enhances touchscreen responsiveness and speed, providing a smooth user experience. The display is anti-glare so you can see it even in bright sunlight. It has a built in amplifier (4 x 55W) and advanced audio features like 14 band graphic equalizer and time alignment so it sounds amazing. It also has a rear USB port, HDMI input and dual camera inputs for front and rear cameras. The Sony unit has a premium design and many features so it’s a great way to upgrade your old car’s infotainment system to a high performance system. Automodz Apple CarPlay The Automodz Apple CarPlay is a 7” touchscreen head unit that serves as a CarPlay screen, supporting both wired and wireless CarPlay. Its small size and adjustable viewing angle make it perfect for older cars. It has a high-resolution display (1024x600) and Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming. It has built-in GPS navigation and offline maps so you can navigate even in areas with no cellular coverage. It also has rear camera input and steering wheel control compatibility. The Automodz Apple CarPlay has an easy-to-use interface and many features, making it a great way to upgrade your old car’s infotainment system. Ottocast U2-AIR The Ottocast U2-AIR is a portable CarPlay unit and wireless Apple CarPlay adapter that lets you add CarPlay to your old car’s existing infotainment system. It connects to your iPhone wirelessly and transmits the CarPlay interface to your car’s display via a wired connection (HDMI or RGB). It’s compatible with many vehicle makes and models so it’s a great solution for older cars. It has auto connection and disconnection so it’s seamless to use. Plug and play installation and affordable price so it’s a great way to add CarPlay to your old car without replacing the whole head unit. Aoocci V30/V30S The Aoocci V30 and V30S are 12.5” and 15.4” universal Android head units respectively that support both wired and wireless CarPlay and Android Auto. They have large high resolution touchscreens (1920x1080) and slim adjustable design that fits many vehicles. They run on Android 10 so you have access to many apps and customization options. Both models have built in GPS navigation, Bluetooth and steering wheel control compatibility. They also have rear camera input and multiple USB ports for extra devices. With powerful processor and big storage the Aoocci V30 and V30S is smooth and feature rich so it’s a great way to modernize your old car’s infotainment system. BOSS Audio CRBVCP9850W The BOSS Audio CRBVCP9850W is a new head unit designed for older Corvettes (1984-1996). This 9” capacitive touchscreen head unit with single DIN chassis supports wired and wireless CarPlay, making it seamless to connect to your iPhone. It has a high resolution display (1024x600) and a custom fit bezel for a clean factory install. It has Bluetooth for hands free calling and audio streaming, rear camera input for safety, a built-in microphone, subwoofer output, and customizable wallpapers for personalization. With plug and play installation and many features, it’s a great option for Corvette owners who want to upgrade their infotainment system but maintain the factory look. FAQs Here are the most asked questions about what Apple CarPlay is for old cars and the answers: Can I add CarPlay to my old car? Yes, you can add CarPlay functionality to most old cars by purchasing a compatible dashboard screen, replacing the car stereo with an Apple CarPlay enabled unit, or considering aftermarket head units that support CarPlay. Compatibility depends on your car’s make, model and year and the space available in your dashboard. What are the benefits? Adding a CarPlay screen to your old car gives you a modern and user-friendly interface to access navigation, music, and other apps from your iPhone, while also providing a convenient and affordable solution for bringing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionalities to older cars. It also makes it safer by allowing you to keep your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel while using voice command or simple touch controls. How much does it cost to add CarPlay to an old car? Cost to add CarPlay to an old car varies depending on the solution you choose, from around $100 to $300 for a portable CarPlay unit, to several hundred dollars for a high-end aftermarket head unit. Professional installation will add to the overall cost but some solutions are plug and play for DIY installation. Can I use wireless Apple CarPlay in my old car? Yes, many aftermarket head units and wireless adapters support both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to connect your iPhone without a cable. But some solutions only support wired CarPlay, so make sure to check the product specs before you buy. Will adding CarPlay to my old car void my warranty? In most cases adding an aftermarket head unit or wireless adapter will not void your car’s warranty as these are considered reversible. But always check with your car manufacturer or dealer to confirm their policy on aftermarket modifications. Can I control CarPlay with my car’s steering wheel buttons? Many aftermarket head units with CarPlay support are compatible with steering wheel controls, allowing you to use your car’s existing buttons to control the system. Some wireless adapters may also support this but compatibility varies by product and vehicle. Will CarPlay work with my car’s existing speakers and amplifier? Yes most aftermarket head units with CarPlay are designed to work with your car’s existing speakers and amplifier. But if you want to upgrade your car’s audio system you may need to add additional components like new speakers, amplifier or subwoofer. Can I use CarPlay and keep my car’s original features like climate control or vehicle settings? Some aftermarket head units offer integration with your car’s original features like climate control or vehicle settings through additional modules or adapters. But availability and compatibility varies by car make, model and year. What's the Best Apple CarPlay for Older Cars The BOSS Audio BVCPA9W is considered the best Apple CarPlay unit for older cars. It features a 9" capacitive touchscreen, high-resolution display, wired and wireless CarPlay support, and numerous other features, making it an excellent choice for upgrading an old car's infotainment system. It seamlessly fits into limited dash space. For those wanting to modernize their old car's audio system, BOSS Audio offers a variety of high-quality single and double DIN Apple CarPlay head units. By opting for a BOSS Audio CarPlay unit, you can enjoy improved sound quality, seamless smartphone integration, and a user-friendly interface, all while maintaining a clean, factory-like installation in your vehicle.