Does INFINITI Have Apple CarPlay? (By Model & Year)

If you're shopping for an INFINITI or already own one, you've probably asked this question. The short answer? Yes, most modern INFINITIs do have Apple CarPlay. But the full answer depends on your model year, trim level, and whether anyone has installed a software update on your car.

Let me break it all down.

Key Takeaways

• Apple CarPlay became standard on INFINITI vehicles starting with the 2020 model year
• The 2020 and 2021 Q50, Q60, QX50, and QX80 launched with wired CarPlay, but were eligible for a free wireless upgrade at INFINITI dealerships
• All 2022 and newer INFINITI models ship with wireless Apple CarPlay from the factory
• Android Auto is also included on CarPlay-compatible models, though wireless Android Auto availability varies by trim
• Pre-2020 INFINITI models do not have factory CarPlay, but aftermarket modules can add it without replacing your screen
• Nissan (INFINITI's parent company) has been confirmed as a CarPlay Ultra partner, hinting at even deeper integration ahead

When Did INFINITI Add Apple CarPlay?

INFINITI didn't always have CarPlay. For most of the 2010s, the brand relied on its own InTouch infotainment system. It had navigation and Bluetooth, but no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

That changed in 2020. INFINITI rolled out a new-generation InTouch system that made Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard across key models. According to a 2019 J.D. Power study, smartphone integration had become the second most important tech feature for new car buyers, right behind standard safety tech. INFINITI clearly got the message.

The 2020 model year was the turning point. Before that, essentially no INFINITI came with factory CarPlay. After that, it became the default.

The Free Wireless CarPlay Upgrade for 2020 and 2021 Models

Here's something a lot of owners don't know. When INFINITI first rolled out CarPlay for 2020 and 2021 models, it was wired only — you had to plug in your iPhone via USB to use it.

Then, in late 2021, INFINITI announced a free software upgrade to enable wireless Apple CarPlay for eligible vehicles. The upgrade was free through March 31, 2022, and applied to the:

• 2020 and 2021 Q50
• 2020 and 2021 Q60
• 2020 and 2021 QX50
• 2020 and 2021 QX80

According to industry surveys by SBD Automotive, about 68% of consumers preferred wireless over wired for smartphone integration. INFINITI responded by giving existing owners a path to wireless — no new car needed.

If you own one of these vehicles and never got the update, it may still be available at your dealership, possibly for a small fee. Worth asking about.

Does My INFINITI Have Apple CarPlay? A Model-by-Model Breakdown

INFINITI Q50

The Q50 is where most of the CarPlay conversation happens. Models from 2014 to 2019 have no factory CarPlay — period. If you own one of these, you'll need an aftermarket solution.

From 2020 onward, the Q50 has both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The 2022 Q50 took it a step further, making wireless Apple CarPlay standard on all trims. Android Auto on the 2022 Q50 is still USB-based, so iPhone users get the wireless experience while Android users plug in.

INFINITI Q60

Same story as the Q50. The 2017 to 2019 Q60 has no factory CarPlay. Starting with 2020, both CarPlay and Android Auto come standard. The 2020 and 2021 models were eligible for the free wireless upgrade. Later models ship with wireless CarPlay enabled from the factory.

INFINITI QX50

Pre-2020 QX50 models (2014 to 2018) don't have factory CarPlay. The 2020 QX50 introduced it as standard, and 2021 models were included in the free wireless upgrade program. By 2025, the QX50 offers wireless CarPlay and Android Auto as core features across most trims.

INFINITI QX60

The original QX60 (before the 2022 redesign) generally did not have factory CarPlay. This is a real pain point for owners of the 2013 to 2021 QX60 who want smartphone integration.

The redesigned 2022 QX60 changed everything. It launched with a 12.3-inch display and full Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 2025 QX60 supports both wired and wireless CarPlay, and INFINITI's own how-to video confirms that wireless CarPlay takes priority over Bluetooth and Wi-Fi hotspot features when active.

INFINITI QX80

The QX80 follows the same timeline as the Q50 and QX50. Pre-2020 models don't have CarPlay. The 2020 and 2021 QX80 came with wired CarPlay and were eligible for the free wireless upgrade. By 2022 and beyond, wireless CarPlay is pre-enabled, especially on higher trims.

INFINITI QX70 and Q70

These models are a bit more complicated. The QX70 was discontinued around 2017 or 2018, before INFINITI's CarPlay rollout — so it never got factory support. Same goes for the Q70.

If you own either of these, aftermarket is your only option. The good news is that the aftermarket scene for both is well-developed, which I'll cover below.

How to Set Up Apple CarPlay in Your INFINITI

Wired CarPlay Setup

This is the simplest method and works on every CarPlay-compatible INFINITI.

1. Use the Lightning or USB-C cable that came with your iPhone
2. Plug it into the correct USB port in your vehicle (usually in the center console)
3. A prompt will appear on the upper display asking if you want to use Apple CarPlay
4. Tap "Yes" and you're in

You can adjust whether CarPlay launches automatically by going to Menu → Connections → Devices, and selecting your phone's info icon. From there, set it to Auto, Ask Every Time, or Never Start.

One important tip: use only a data-capable cable. Cheap cables that only carry power will not trigger CarPlay. This is the number one cause of wired CarPlay failures we see.

Wireless CarPlay Setup

Wireless CarPlay is available on 2022 and newer models, and on 2020 to 2021 models that received the software update. Here's how to set it up:

1. Make sure Siri is enabled on your iPhone (Settings → Siri and Search)
2. Turn on both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on your iPhone
3. On the InTouch system, go to Menu → Connections → Devices → Add New
4. The vehicle will show a Bluetooth pairing code — match it on your iPhone and confirm
5. A prompt will appear on both the phone and the screen asking to enable CarPlay
6. Select "Use CarPlay" on the phone and "Yes" on the screen

Once paired, CarPlay should connect automatically whenever your iPhone is nearby and the car is running. Note that wireless CarPlay will override your Bluetooth connection and disable Wi-Fi hotspot features while active.

Android Auto in INFINITI

Android users are also covered. Android Auto has been standard alongside CarPlay since the 2020 model year. On many trims, it remains wired via USB even when wireless CarPlay is available for iPhone users. Some 2025 and 2026 models are starting to support wireless Android Auto — but check your specific trim before assuming it's included.

Adding CarPlay to a Pre-2020 INFINITI

If your INFINITI is from before 2020, the factory will never support CarPlay. But you're not stuck.

At Car Tech Studio, we work with a lot of owners of older INFINITIs who want CarPlay without replacing their entire head unit. There's a solid aftermarket ecosystem built specifically for these models — and the options are better than most people expect.

CarPlay Retrofit Modules (Best Option for Most Owners)

These are the most popular choice among INFINITI owners because they work behind the factory screen. You keep your original display, your Bose audio, your steering wheel controls, and all your climate functions. The module itself is hidden behind the dash.

A few brands worth knowing:

UNAVI makes model-specific modules for the Q50 (2014 to 2019), Q60 (2017 to 2019), and QX50 (2014 to 2020). The kit is a plug-and-play board that adds both wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. INFINITI owners on Reddit frequently mention that UNAVI's phone support is a big reason to pay a little more for it. If you run into issues after an iOS update, having someone to call matters.

Joyeauto offers a more affordable module compatible with the Q50, Q60, Q50L, QX50, and Q70 from roughly 2016 to 2019. It works well for many owners but gets mixed reviews on firmware update support when iOS changes things.

Nifty City caters specifically to the QX70 (2013 to 2018). Their module plugs directly into the two connectors behind the head unit and uses the factory screen and controls. QX70 owners tend to speak highly of the vehicle-specific design.

GROM Audio's VLite is often mentioned for the 2016 to 2017 QX60, with one Facebook commenter calling it "the only answer" for adding CarPlay while keeping the factory screen.

Installation for all of these involves removing interior trim panels, disconnecting the factory head unit, and routing a module behind the dash. It takes 2 to 4 hours for someone experienced. If you've never done a stereo install before, professional installation is worth the cost.

At Car Tech Studio, we carry wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto modules built specifically for INFINITI models, including the Q50, Q60, QX50, QX60, QX70, and more. Each one is compatibility-checked for your model year so there's no guessing.

Tesla-Style Screen Replacements

If you want a full visual upgrade rather than just adding CarPlay, a Tesla-style vertical screen is another route. We carry a 13.6-inch Tesla-style screen for the Q50 and Q60 (2013 to 2021) and a 12.1-inch screen for the QX50 EX series and the QX60 JX series.

These replace the factory head unit entirely and run Android with built-in CarPlay and Android Auto support. You get a larger, more modern display and access to streaming apps, Google Maps, and more. The trade-off is a more involved installation compared to a behind-screen module.

Wireless Dongles

Already have wired CarPlay from the factory but want to go wireless? A Carlinkit dongle plugs into your USB port and creates a wireless CarPlay connection via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

These work surprisingly well, but they do add another layer of potential troubleshooting. Owners on Reddit recommend setting a startup delay in the dongle's settings — usually around 20 seconds — so the phone has time to disconnect from your home Wi-Fi before the car tries to connect.

Common CarPlay Problems in INFINITI (and How to Fix Them)

CarPlay Won't Connect at All

Start with the basics:

• Restart your iPhone
• Check that CarPlay is enabled under Settings → General → CarPlay
• Make sure the vehicle hasn't been set to disable CarPlay in its own menus
• Confirm that Siri is turned on — CarPlay won't work properly without it, and this is one of the most overlooked causes of failed connections

If you're using a cable, swap it out for an Apple-certified one. According to Apple's own support documentation, non-certified cables are behind a significant share of wired CarPlay failures.

Wireless CarPlay Keeps Dropping

This is the most common complaint among INFINITI owners with wireless CarPlay. A few things usually cause it:

VPN apps. Apps like ExpressVPN or even Google's built-in VPN can block the Wi-Fi Direct protocol that CarPlay relies on. The fix isn't just disabling the VPN — it's deleting it entirely. Multiple users on Reddit confirm this resolved their issues after trying everything else.

Auto-joining public Wi-Fi. If your phone automatically connects to a network like Xfinity WiFi while driving, CarPlay can drop. Go into your Wi-Fi settings and disable auto-join for any network near your regular routes.

DNS-changing apps. Apps like Cloudflare's 1.1.1.1 can interfere with CarPlay's network traffic. Several owners report that fully deleting these apps resolved crackling audio and constant disconnections.

Dealer service records indicate that roughly 27% of wireless CarPlay issues trace back to third-party VPN or DNS apps. Check those first.

CarPlay Disconnects at the Same Spot Every Time

This is almost always a location-specific Wi-Fi trigger. Your phone is auto-joining a public network at that point in your drive. Turn off auto-join for nearby Wi-Fi networks and the problem usually disappears.

Firmware Mismatch After an iPhone Upgrade

Apple changed the CarPlay connection process with the iPhone 17 series, which broke connections on a lot of older head units and aftermarket modules. The fix requires a firmware update from your module's vendor — not from Apple.

If you use an aftermarket module and upgraded to a new iPhone and suddenly have connection issues, contact your vendor and ask for a firmware update file. Reputable vendors like UNAVI will have one ready. Less-supported brands may not — which is a good reason to buy from companies with a solid support track record.

Nuclear Reset (Last Resort)

If nothing else works, try this sequence:

1. Remove your phone pairing from the vehicle
2. Factory reset the car's infotainment system
3. Reset network settings on your iPhone (Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings)
4. Re-pair from scratch

This wipes saved Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth pairings, but it resolves the vast majority of stubborn CarPlay issues that don't respond to simpler fixes, according to dealer service data.

What's Coming Next: CarPlay Ultra and Google Built-In

CarPlay Ultra

Apple announced CarPlay Ultra in May 2025. It's a major step forward — CarPlay can now control multiple screens including the instrument cluster. Think customizable speedometers and fuel gauges, all powered by your iPhone.

Nissan, INFINITI's parent company, has been confirmed as a CarPlay Ultra partner. What that means for specific INFINITI models and years isn't fully clear yet. Industry analysts expect it to appear first on premium models like the Q60 and QX80, likely in a phased rollout through 2026 and 2027.

For now, current INFINITI models support standard CarPlay, not CarPlay Ultra. But if you're buying new, this is worth keeping an eye on.

Google Built-In

Some 2026 INFINITI models — especially the QX60 — are introducing Google Built-In alongside CarPlay and Android Auto. This is different from Android Auto. It means Google apps like Google Maps and Google Assistant run natively on the vehicle's screen, independent of your phone.

You can switch between Google Built-In and Apple CarPlay, but not run both at the same time. About 68% of QX60 owners with Google accounts reportedly prefer the Built-In interface for navigation, while 32% stick with CarPlay for its tighter iPhone integration.

This multi-option approach is INFINITI's way of making sure every driver — iPhone or Android — gets a great experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does INFINITI have Apple CarPlay?

Yes, INFINITI has had Apple CarPlay since the 2020 model year. The Q50, Q60, QX50, and QX80 were the first to receive it. All current INFINITI models include CarPlay as standard equipment, often with wireless connectivity.

Which INFINITI models have wireless Apple CarPlay?

Wireless CarPlay is standard on all 2022 and newer INFINITI models. The 2020 and 2021 Q50, Q60, QX50, and QX80 are also wireless-capable if they received the software update, which was free through March 31, 2022.

Does INFINITI have Android Auto too?

Yes. Android Auto has been offered alongside Apple CarPlay since the 2020 model year across all compatible models. On many trims, Android Auto is wired via USB even when wireless CarPlay is available for iPhones. Some 2025 and 2026 models support wireless Android Auto as well.

Can I add Apple CarPlay to an older INFINITI?

Yes. Owners of pre-2020 models like the 2014 to 2019 Q50, Q60, and QX50 can add CarPlay using aftermarket modules from brands like UNAVI, Joyeauto, or Nifty City. These work behind the factory screen and keep your original controls and audio system intact. Car Tech Studio carries compatibility-checked modules for many INFINITI models.

Why does my INFINITI CarPlay keep disconnecting?

The most common causes are VPN or DNS apps on your iPhone, your phone auto-joining nearby public Wi-Fi networks, or outdated firmware on the head unit. Try deleting VPNs, turning off auto-join for Wi-Fi networks near your regular routes, and checking for software updates through your dealer or module vendor.

Is Apple CarPlay free on INFINITI?

Yes. On 2020 and newer INFINITI models, CarPlay comes included with no subscription fee. The wireless upgrade for 2020 and 2021 models was also free when taken before March 31, 2022. Aftermarket CarPlay modules for older models do cost money, but there are no ongoing fees once installed.

Does INFINITI support CarPlay Ultra?

Nissan, INFINITI's parent company, has been listed as a confirmed CarPlay Ultra partner by Apple. However, specific model availability and rollout timing for INFINITI vehicles have not been fully announced as of mid-2026. Expect it to appear on newer and higher-end models first.

What year did INFINITI get CarPlay?

INFINITI first offered Apple CarPlay on 2020 model year vehicles, including the Q50, Q60, QX50, and QX80. These launched with wired CarPlay, with wireless capability added via a free software update in late 2021.