Chevy Equinox Apple CarPlay: Setup, Features & the EV Controversy

If you're shopping for a Chevy Equinox or already own one, you probably have questions about Apple CarPlay. Which models have it? How do you set it up? And why doesn't the new electric Equinox EV include it?

These are common questions we hear at Car Tech Studio. CarPlay has become more than a nice-to-have feature. For many drivers, it's a must-have.

Key Takeaway

• Apple CarPlay is standard on gasoline Chevy Equinox models from 2018 onward, with wireless capability added in 2022
• The all-electric Equinox EV excludes Apple CarPlay in favor of GM's proprietary Google Built-In system
• Setup is simple for both wired (USB cable) and wireless (Bluetooth) connections on compatible models
• Common issues include iOS 18 compatibility problems on 2018-2019 models and intermittent wireless disconnections
• Aftermarket solutions exist for older Equinox models without factory CarPlay support

Which Chevy Equinox Models Have Apple CarPlay?

The story of Apple CarPlay in the Equinox starts with the third-generation redesign. When Chevrolet launched the completely redesigned 2018 Equinox, Apple CarPlay became standard equipment across all trim levels. This was kind of a big deal at the time – smartphone integration was just starting to become expected rather than optional.

From 2018 through 2021, every Equinox came with wired CarPlay through the MyLink infotainment system. You'd plug in your iPhone with a Lightning cable, and you were good to go.

The 2022 model year brought a welcome upgrade. Chevrolet added wireless Apple CarPlay as standard equipment across the lineup. No more cables every time you get in the car. Your iPhone connects automatically when you start the vehicle, as long as Bluetooth is enabled.

The 2025 Equinox continues this trend with an even better infotainment system. The redesigned platform features an 11-inch touchscreen standard on Plus trims and higher, with wireless CarPlay and Android Auto. The new system is noticeably faster and more responsive than earlier versions.

But here's where things get complicated.

The Chevy Equinox EV is a completely different story. Despite sharing the Equinox name, the electric version launched for 2024 without Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. This wasn't an oversight – GM made a deliberate choice to use its proprietary Google Built-In system instead.

This creates a confusing situation. If you're shopping for a 2025 Equinox, the gasoline version has wireless CarPlay while the EV doesn't. You need to know which powertrain you're looking at before assuming anything about the infotainment system.

Research shows that about 30 percent of EV buyers consider CarPlay a requirement for their next vehicle. Among U.S. gasoline vehicle buyers, that number jumps to 38 percent. An internal GM Authority poll found that 87 percent of respondents called the lack of CarPlay a dealbreaker.

Those numbers suggest GM is swimming against consumer preferences.

Setting Up Wired Apple CarPlay in Your Equinox

If you have a 2018-2021 Equinox or prefer wired connections on newer models, the setup process is pretty straightforward.

Start by finding the right USB port. Not all USB ports in your vehicle support data transfer – some are charging-only. The data-capable port is usually in the center console or near the base of the infotainment screen.

Use an Apple-certified cable. This matters. Those cheap gas station cables might charge your phone, but they often fail to transmit the data signals CarPlay needs. Stick with the cable that came with your iPhone or buy a certified replacement.

Here's the step-by-step process:

• Connect your iPhone to the USB data port with your Lightning or USB-C cable. Make sure the connection is secure.
• Unlock your iPhone. This is important – the initial connection requires your phone to be unlocked so it can authorize the vehicle.
• Look for the pop-up on your vehicle's touchscreen asking you to enable or disable Apple CarPlay. Select enable.
• Your iPhone will also show a confirmation prompt. Accept it.
• The CarPlay interface should appear on your vehicle's display, showing your familiar iPhone apps in a driver-friendly layout.

If CarPlay doesn't launch automatically, tap the Apple CarPlay icon on your vehicle's home screen.

Once you've completed this initial setup, CarPlay will typically launch automatically on future drives when you connect your phone. You won't need to go through the authorization steps again unless you've disconnected or forgotten the device.

The wired connection has some real advantages. Your phone charges while connected. You get a stable connection that rarely drops. And audio quality through a wired connection is technically superior to Bluetooth, though most people won't notice the difference.

Setting Up Wireless Apple CarPlay in Your Equinox

If you have a 2022 or newer Equinox, wireless CarPlay makes the whole experience more convenient.

Before you start, make sure both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled on your iPhone. Wireless CarPlay uses both – Bluetooth handles the initial connection, while Wi-Fi carries the data for maps and music.

The first-time setup requires your vehicle to be in Park. This is a safety feature to prevent distracted driving during pairing.

Here's how to set it up:

• Put your vehicle in Park and make sure your iPhone's Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are on.
• On your vehicle's touchscreen, tap the gray Apple CarPlay icon and select "connect to phone."
• Your vehicle will start searching for Bluetooth devices.
• On your iPhone, go to Settings and tap Bluetooth. Your vehicle should appear in the list of available devices, possibly showing up as "My Chevrolet" or something similar.
• Tap your vehicle's name to start pairing.
• Both your vehicle's screen and your iPhone will display confirmation codes. Make sure they match. This prevents accidentally connecting to someone else's vehicle in a parking lot.
• Accept the pairing on both devices.
• Follow any additional prompts about terms and conditions on both screens.

After this initial setup, your Equinox will remember your iPhone. The next time you start your vehicle with your phone nearby, wireless CarPlay will launch automatically. You don't need to touch anything.

Some drivers report that wireless CarPlay can be slow to connect initially, sometimes taking several seconds. Once connected though, it works just like a wired connection. The convenience of not dealing with cables usually outweighs the minor connection delay.

If wireless CarPlay stops working on later drives, the first thing to check is whether Bluetooth is enabled on your phone. Some people turn off Bluetooth between drives to save battery. If it's off when you start the car, CarPlay won't connect.

Common CarPlay Problems and How to Fix Them

We've seen several recurring issues that frustrate Equinox owners.

The biggest problem right now affects 2018-2019 Equinox models paired with newer iPhones running iOS 18. Multiple owners report that their infotainment systems freeze and reboot when trying to use CarPlay with these newer phones. The same vehicles work fine with older iPhones running iOS 17.

This appears to be a compatibility issue between the older infotainment hardware in those model years and Apple's latest software. Neither Apple nor Chevrolet has released a fix yet, which leaves affected owners in a frustrating position.

If you're experiencing this issue, your best options are to avoid updating to iOS 18 if possible, or use an older iPhone if you have one available. Not ideal solutions, but they work.

Cable problems are another common issue. If your iPhone isn't connecting despite being plugged in, try a different cable first. Cheap aftermarket cables wear out quickly and often can't handle the data requirements.

Check that your cable is firmly seated in both the USB port and your iPhone. Loose connections cause intermittent failures.

For persistent connection issues, try these steps:

• Restart your iPhone using the standard procedure for your model.
• Restart your vehicle's infotainment system through the settings menu. Look for a system reset or reboot option.
• If that doesn't work, forget the connection on both devices and start fresh. On your iPhone, go to Settings, General, CarPlay, find your vehicle, and select "Forget This Car." On your vehicle, go to the Bluetooth or phone settings and delete your iPhone from the paired devices list.
• After forgetting the devices, restart both your iPhone and your vehicle, then go through the pairing process again.

There's also a setting that catches people by surprise. On your iPhone, go to Settings, General, CarPlay, select your vehicle, and make sure "Allow CarPlay While Locked" is enabled. If this setting is disabled, CarPlay won't work when your phone has been locked for more than an hour.

Wireless CarPlay has its own set of issues. The most common complaint is random disconnections while driving. Sometimes hitting a bump triggers it. Other times it seems completely random.

If wireless CarPlay keeps disconnecting, first verify that Bluetooth is staying enabled on your phone. Some battery-saving modes automatically disable Bluetooth.

Try the forget-and-repair process mentioned earlier. Often this clears up issues in the pairing data.

As a last resort, you can always fall back to a wired connection. The 2022 and newer Equinox models support both wireless and wired CarPlay, so you're not locked into one method.

Understanding the Equinox EV's Google Built-In System

GM's decision to remove CarPlay from the Equinox EV deserves a deeper look because it represents a major shift in how automakers think about infotainment.

The Equinox EV uses Google Built-In, which integrates Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store directly into the vehicle. Instead of mirroring your phone, the vehicle itself becomes the smart device.

GM's official explanation focuses on the electric vehicle experience. Ryan Buffa, GM's Infotainment Business Strategy and Planning Manager, says the main reason is charging optimization. The Google Built-In system keeps all battery data, charging station information, and route planning within the vehicle's system. This allows for better integration between navigation and charging needs.

For example, the system can automatically precondition your battery as you approach a DC fast charging station, ensuring optimal charging speeds. It can calculate routes that account for your specific battery condition and the real-time availability of chargers along the way. CarPlay can't do this because it doesn't have access to your vehicle's battery management system.

Baris Centinok, GM's Senior Vice President for Software and Services, argues that switching between CarPlay and vehicle settings creates a disconnected experience. With Google Built-In, everything is integrated in one interface.

These are legitimate technical arguments. The Google system does offer some genuine advantages for EV owners.

But here's the catch: Many of these advanced features require a paid OnStar subscription. The base plan starts at $35 per month, with premium packages reaching $52 monthly. That's $420 to $624 per year for features that many competitors include for less or even free.

Tesla's Premium Connectivity, which offers similar capabilities, costs just $10 per month.

The "eight years of free connectivity" that GM advertises with the Equinox EV mainly covers remote access features like mobile app control. Core infotainment features like live traffic updates through Google Maps and music streaming require a paid subscription.

This is where consumer frustration really kicks in. People feel like GM is taking away a feature they're used to getting for free (CarPlay works through your phone's data connection) and replacing it with a subscription service.

From a business perspective, we understand what GM is doing. Subscription revenue is attractive – it's recurring income that continues long after the vehicle sale. But from a consumer perspective, it feels like being charged extra for features that used to be standard.

Automotive journalist Tom Voelk spent five days with an Equinox EV and came away with a balanced take. Despite being heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem, he concluded he could live without CarPlay. The Google system works adequately for essential tasks like navigation, calls, and music.

But "adequate" isn't the same as "preferred." Most people would rather stick with the familiar CarPlay interface they already know.

Aftermarket CarPlay Solutions for Older Equinox Models

If you own a pre-2018 Equinox or want to upgrade from wired to wireless CarPlay, aftermarket solutions exist.

One option is wireless CarPlay adapter dongles. These are small devices that plug into your USB port and create a wireless bridge between your iPhone and the vehicle's infotainment system. They work with vehicles that already have wired CarPlay and convert it to wireless.

Prices range from about $90 to several hundred dollars depending on the brand and features. Popular brands include CarlinKit and MMB.

Performance varies. The slowest adapters can take up to 35 seconds to connect, while the fastest connect in about 10 seconds. Most fall somewhere in between with total connection times around 17 seconds.

Once connected, they generally work well. One Equinox owner reported using a wireless adapter for about a year with minimal issues after the initial connection.

Installation is simple. You plug the adapter into your USB port, pair it with your iPhone via Bluetooth like any other device, and you're done. No tools or dashboard disassembly required.

For older Equinox models that never had any CarPlay support, complete head unit replacement is an option. Several aftermarket companies make Android-based head units with CarPlay and Android Auto support.

These replacement units typically feature larger touchscreens (9 to 10 inches or more), modern processors, and access to the Google Play Store for additional apps. They cost anywhere from $300 to $1,000 for the hardware, plus $300 to $800 for professional installation.

Installation is more involved than an adapter. You need to remove dashboard trim, disconnect the factory radio, run new wiring, and integrate the new unit with your vehicle's systems. Most people hire a professional car audio shop for this work.

There was briefly a more elegant solution. White Automotive offered an OEM-style integration kit that added CarPlay to GM electric vehicles while maintaining the factory appearance. But they discontinued the product after only a short time on the market.

Industry observers believe GM pressured them to stop, viewing the product as a threat to their subscription strategy. This shows how seriously GM takes the removal of CarPlay from their EVs.

Wired vs Wireless: Which Connection Method is Better?

Both connection methods have their place. Your preference depends on your priorities.

Wired CarPlay guarantees your iPhone stays charged. Every time you plug in for CarPlay, your phone is charging too. This matters on long drives when you're using navigation and streaming music heavily.

Audio quality is technically better with a wired connection. The USB cable supports lossless audio, while Bluetooth compresses the signal. In practice, most people won't hear the difference unless they have high-end speakers and trained ears.

Connection reliability strongly favors wired. Physical cables rarely disconnect unexpectedly. When problems do occur, unplugging and reconnecting usually fixes them instantly.

The main downside is the cable itself. You need to plug and unplug every time you get in and out of the car. Cables wear out from repeated use. They can break or fray. And you're limited by the cable length in where you can place your phone.

Wireless CarPlay eliminates these annoyances. Your phone stays in your pocket or wherever is convenient. No cables to manage, wear out, or replace. The connection happens automatically when you start the car.

But wireless introduces new considerations. Your iPhone won't charge through the wireless CarPlay connection. You need a separate wireless charging pad (if your vehicle has one) or a charging cable if you want to keep your battery topped up.

Wireless connections can be slightly less stable. Bluetooth interference, noise from other vehicle systems, or software issues can cause disconnections. These are usually rare, but they're more common than with wired connections.

There's also a small delay when first connecting. Wired CarPlay launches almost instantly when you plug in. Wireless typically takes several seconds while the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections establish.

For most daily driving, wireless is worth it. The convenience of not dealing with cables outweighs the minor drawbacks. But if you're doing a long road trip with heavy navigation use, switching to wired ensures your phone stays charged.

The good news is that 2022 and newer Equinox models support both methods. You can use wireless for your daily commute and switch to wired when you need guaranteed charging.

What This All Means for Equinox Buyers and Owners

The Equinox lineup presents an unusual situation where your choice of powertrain dramatically affects your infotainment experience.

If you're buying a gasoline Equinox, you're getting a mature, well-sorted CarPlay implementation. The 2025 models in particular offer an excellent system with a large touchscreen, fast wireless connectivity, and smooth operation.

If you're considering an Equinox EV, you need to seriously think about whether you can live without CarPlay. Test drive one. Try the Google Built-In system. See if it meets your needs.

The EV-specific features like integrated charging routing are genuinely useful. The Google Assistant voice control works well. And the system does handle the basics of navigation, calls, and music adequately.

But you'll be locked into GM's system and potentially paying monthly subscription fees for features you currently get through your phone's data plan.

For current owners of 2018-2021 Equinox models experiencing iOS 18 compatibility issues, your options are limited. You can hold off on updating your iPhone's operating system, use an older phone if you have one available, or wait and hope that GM or Apple releases a fix.

Owners of older Equinox models without any CarPlay can add it through aftermarket solutions. Wireless adapters offer a low-cost, simple upgrade path if you already have a compatible infotainment system. Complete head unit replacement gives you the most integrated experience but costs significantly more.

The broader story here is about control. GM wants to own the entire technology experience in their vehicles, from the hardware to the software to the services. They believe this will give them a competitive advantage and generate ongoing revenue.

Consumers generally prefer the flexibility of using their own devices and avoiding new subscription fees.

Time will tell which approach wins. But for now, Equinox buyers need to do their homework and understand exactly what infotainment features their chosen model includes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Chevy Equinox have Apple CarPlay?

Yes, all gasoline-powered Chevy Equinox models from 2018 onward include Apple CarPlay as standard equipment. Models from 2022 onward offer wireless CarPlay. However, the all-electric Equinox EV excludes Apple CarPlay in favor of GM's Google Built-In system.

How do I connect my iPhone to my Chevy Equinox?

For wired CarPlay, connect your iPhone to the vehicle's USB data port with a Lightning or USB-C cable, unlock your phone, and accept the prompts on both devices. For wireless CarPlay (2022+), ensure Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled, select "connect to phone" from the CarPlay icon on your vehicle's screen, and pair your iPhone through Bluetooth settings.

Why won't my Chevy Equinox connect to CarPlay?

Common causes include using a charging-only cable instead of a data cable, having "Allow CarPlay While Locked" disabled on your iPhone, Bluetooth being turned off, or compatibility issues between iOS 18 and 2018-2019 Equinox infotainment systems. Try restarting both your phone and vehicle, forgetting the connection and re-pairing, or using a different cable.

Does the Equinox EV have wireless CarPlay?

No, the Chevrolet Equinox EV does not support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto at all, whether wired or wireless. GM chose to implement its proprietary Google Built-In infotainment system instead, which offers Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play Store integration but requires subscription fees for many features.

Can I add CarPlay to my older Chevy Equinox?

Yes, you can add CarPlay to pre-2018 Equinox models through aftermarket solutions. Wireless CarPlay adapter dongles ($90-$300) work if you already have a compatible infotainment system with USB connectivity. Complete aftermarket head unit replacement ($600-$1,800 including installation) provides a more integrated solution with larger touchscreens and full Android Auto and CarPlay support.

Is wireless or wired CarPlay better in the Equinox?

Both have advantages. Wired CarPlay automatically charges your iPhone, provides slightly better audio quality, and offers more reliable connections. Wireless CarPlay (available 2022+) provides better convenience by eliminating cables and connecting automatically when you start the vehicle, though it requires managing phone charging separately and can occasionally have connection delays or drops.