Mazda today detailed long-awaited availability of its first vehicle with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in the United States.
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Starting in September, existing owners of the 2018 Mazda6, excluding the Sport base model, will be able to book an appointment with a Mazda dealership to have CarPlay and Android Auto installed at no extra cost. Mazda says the hardware and software updates take approximately two hours to be completed.
The upgraded Mazda6 models will also receive a faster-charging 2.1-amp USB port, and the latest software version of MAZDA CONNECT.
Then, starting in November, CarPlay and Android Auto will be preinstalled as original equipment in brand new 2018 Mazda6 vehicles, excluding the Sport model, at Mazda dealerships across the United States.
CarPlay will enable iPhone users to access a range of apps from the MAZDA CONNECT infotainment system, such as Messages, Apple Maps, Apple Music, Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify, SiriusXM Radio, Pandora, WhatsApp, Downcast, Slacker Radio, Stitcher, and, starting with iOS 12, Google Maps and Waze.
Back in March, on its Canadian website, Mazda said CarPlay and Android Auto will first be offered in the 2019 CX‑9, and then rolled out across the entire model lineup thereafter. Mazda also said the platforms will be available as a genuine retrofit for MAZDA CONNECT systems starting this fall.
Mazda also announced the addition of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support to its vehicle line-up. In Canada, these mobile device connectivity technologies will first be offered in the 2019 CX‑9 launching this summer, and then rolled out across the entire model line-up thereafter. In addition, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be available as a Genuine Mazda Accessory retrofit for MAZDA CONNECT systems starting this fall.
The press release suggests that Mazda vehicles released as early as 2014 could eventually support CarPlay and Android Auto, but it's unclear if the backwards compatibility will extend to the United States.
Mazda is one of the last major automakers in the United States to offer CarPlay, around six months after Toyota and Lexus announced support.
Update: Here's a video walkthrough of CarPlay in the 2018 Mazda6. Thanks, Eli.
Top Rated Comments
(View all)Did it occur to you that maybe if you go through that many cars, they might be garbage?
I don't even know where to begin with this statement. You've made a lot of assumptions in coming to this conclusion.The only thing with lower market share than Mazda is Windows Phone.
Some ignorant statements being thrown around in here LOLThe only thing with lower market share than Mazda is Windows Phone.
That's why I didn't buy a McLaren 720S... dat marketshare... better off with a Toyota Camry.Did it occur to you that maybe if you go through that many cars, they might be garbage?
Or, you know, he could lease them or he likes to buy a new car every few years.The only thing with lower market share than Mazda is Windows Phone.
Who cares about market share?I don't own stock in them, I just drive the car
I love my 2017 CX-5
And I don't care if it ever gets Car Play
Had a guy just this morning stop me and ask what kind of car it was
I said, a Mazda and he said, it looks great, I love it
Who cares about market share?
It's okay mate, let the haters hate. As owners we know what's up :)I don't own stock in them, I just drive the car
I love my 2017 CX-5
And I don't care if it ever gets Car Play
Had a guy just this morning stop me and ask what kind of car it was
I said, a Mazda and he said, it looks great, I love it