Toyota and Lexus today confirmed that CarPlay will be available in select 2019-and-later vehicles, making Mazda one of the only recognizable automakers without support for Apple's in-car software platform in the United States.
/article-new/2018/01/mazda-carplay.jpg?lossy)
Many of our readers commented or tweeted to ask if and when Mazda will ever support CarPlay, so we reached out to the company for an update.
MacRumors received the following statement from Mazda spokesperson Jacob Brown today ensuring that it still plans to offer CarPlay. Unfortunately, it still isn't willing to share any additional details at this time.
We remain committed to introducing the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto technologies to our vehicles, designing them to interface with our MAZDA CONNECT infotainment system in a manner that promotes a focus on the driving experience. We cannot provide timing or any additional details at this time.
Mazda made a similar promise a few times last year. Last March, for example, the automaker told Cars.com that CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility was in the works, and noted the software platforms would be available in both new and older-generation vehicles with its Mazda Connect system.
Mazda Connect appears to have debuted in 2013 model year vehicles, so a wide range of Mazda vehicles should eventually support CarPlay and Android Auto if and when the company finally fulfills its promise. Of note, like Toyota, Mazda has been listed as a committed CarPlay partner on Apple's website since 2014.
A survey last year indicated that an increasing number of customers consider CarPlay a must-have feature, so like Toyota, it may be worthwhile for Mazda to begin supporting Apple's software platform sooner rather than later.
CarPlay is already available in hundreds of vehicle makes and models around the world, including Ford, General Motors, Fiat Chrysler, BMW, MINI, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Honda, Acura, Hyundai, Kia, Subaru, Nissan, Renault, Mitsubishi, Porsche, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, Volkswagen, Volvo, and many others.
As an update to Toyota's announcement, a spokesperson said the automaker doesn't have any plans to support CarPlay in pre-2019 vehicles at this time, even though models like the 2018 Camry and 2018 Sienna have its Entune 3.0 system.
Top Rated Comments
Have it in my GTI and am pretty happy with it. There are glitches every once in a while, but they're rare enough.
Same in my GTI. Every now and then the audio just won't play and I have to fiddle with unplugging and plugging the phone back in until it does.I am so sick of all the whiners/whining about Mazda and the fact that they don't offer Car Play currently . Their interiors are to small, they are underpowered, their interiors are sub par, their cars are too noisy. They won't offer a manual on the new turbocharged 6. And on and on and on. The fact is I used to own what I felt the holy grail of cars, Honda. I got tuned into Mazda more than a decade ago. Mazda has it right in everything they do. They are a small car manufacturer and have to implement changes etc on THEIR timeline. They just don't rush into things. What other car manufacturer has accomplished what they have? Case in point, their new Skyactive X. Why do you think Toyota partnered with them? Because they are innovative. Good things come to those who wait. Mazda will deliver.
Maybe they shouldn't have announced it as coming soon in March 2017 then. By any definition soon is gone.