What’s the Major Difference Between Apple CarPlay and the Android Auto? Are they the Same?

From Toyota to Honda, Hyundai to Kia, and Michelin to Goodyear, there have always been many rivalries between companies in the automobile industry. That’s also the case for Google and Apple when it comes to their smartphone integration found in modern-day vehicles. 

While both Android Auto and Apple Carplay streamline the driver’s needs to access apps on their phones more conveniently, many still wonder what their differences are. 

As such, in this article, we look into Andriod Auto and Apple CarPlay to determine if there’s really any major difference between the two or merely two products in rival to dominate the car smartphone integration system. 

The Android Auto Vs. Apple Carplay

In case you’re not familiar with these two smartphone integration programs, Android Auto and Apple Carplay do basically the same thing. They both project applications from your smartphone onto your car’s infotainment system for easier and safer operation while driving.

Both systems will display information like music applications, chat applications, calls, text messaging, GPS maps, and more. Additionally, both systems are offered on most newer cars (2015 and newer) and are connected via a USB port or through a wireless connection. However, you can’t use Android Auto on an iPhone and vice versa, so that’s where the bulk of similarities end.

Here is a rundown of the similar functions both the Android Auto and Apple Carplay carry out according to a breakdown by Digital Trends:

• Phone
• Music
• Maps
• Podcasts
• News
• Audiobooks
• Calendar
• Settings
• Exit button
• Any other third-party apps that support the platform
• A virtual assistant (e.g. Siri and Google Assistant)

How Then Is Andriod Auto Different From Apple CarPlay?

There’s only a slight difference between the two in-car interfaces as they both use most of the same applications and have the same function overall. However, if you’re used to using Google Maps on your phone, Android Auto has an Apple Carplay beat.

While you can adequately use Google Maps on Apple Carplay, the interface is much more user-friendly on Android Auto. For instance, you can pinch and zoom like you normally would on your phone and access the “satellite image” of the map as well. 

Those two small functions are not available when using Apple Carplay as that system is better geared toward the use of Apple Maps.

Also, users can change the overall look and functionality of Android Auto right through the app on their phone, while Apple Carplay’s interface is not as easily customizable and even shows up darker in some cases.

It’s also important to note that if you’re using an older Android operating system, then you might have to download the “Android Auto” app first.

They Both Do Their Job

Ultimately, both Android Auto and Apple Carplay get the job done when it comes to easily finding directions, sending text messages via your voice, listening to music and podcasts, in addition to using other applications. 

There’s not even that much of a difference when it comes to using Siri on Carplay or Google Assistant on Android Auto, as both systems have similar response times and functionality.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a die-hard Apple fan or you are an Android user, you’ll still be in luck if you’re shopping for a new car. Most new cars in the market today come standard with Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatibility, so you’ll be able to connect your phone and use either one straight away.