What Year Did Toyota Get Apple CarPlay? Complete Timeline & History

Toyota finally added Apple CarPlay in 2019, starting with the Avalon sedan. But the story behind this delay shows a real clash between company thinking and what customers actually wanted - and it cost Toyota sales for years.

Key Takeaway

• Toyota introduced Apple CarPlay in 2019 with the Avalon, five years after Apple launched the platform
• The 2019 RAV4, Corolla Hatchback, and Sienna also got CarPlay support in their first year
• Toyota's delay came from privacy concerns and their preference for the Entune system
• By 2020, CarPlay became standard across nearly all Toyota vehicles
• Some 2018 Camry and Sienna models got CarPlay through free updates
• Android Auto arrived later in 2020, showing even deeper concerns about Google

Why Toyota Waited So Long to Add Apple CarPlay

When Apple introduced CarPlay in 2014, Toyota was actually listed as a partner. But in 2015, the company reversed course and said they preferred their own Entune platform instead. This wasn't a casual decision.

Toyota executives worried about how much data Apple CarPlay could access from users' phones. They questioned whether location info, usage patterns, and contact lists would be collected and potentially shared without permission. For a company known for protecting customer interests, these weren't small concerns.

The company also invested heavily in SmartDeviceLink, an open-source option developed with Ford. This alliance showed Toyota's vision for smartphone connection on their own terms, where car makers kept control over data and user experience.

But customer demand proved too strong. Buyers increasingly saw CarPlay as a must-have feature, not a nice-to-have option. Many told dealers they wouldn't buy a Toyota without it.

Toyota's careful testing processes also contributed to the delay. The company ran extensive tests and gathered customer feedback before making major infotainment changes. This approach, while ensuring quality, meant Toyota fell years behind competitors like Honda, Chevrolet, and Hyundai who adopted CarPlay by 2016.

The 2019 Breakthrough: First Toyota Models with CarPlay

The 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit marked Toyota's public change. The company announced that the 2019 Avalon would feature Apple CarPlay as standard equipment across all trim levels through the new Entune 3.0 system.

This wasn't a quiet rollout limited to expensive trims. Toyota made CarPlay standard even on base LE models, showing they understood the technology had become essential rather than premium.

The Avalon featured a nine-inch touchscreen designed for CarPlay. Toyota paired it with Amazon Alexa and remote connect features, creating a connected system that competed with other makers who'd had CarPlay for years.

But Toyota didn't stop with the Avalon. The 2019 RAV4, one of their best-selling crossovers, got CarPlay as standard equipment. So did the redesigned Corolla Hatchback and the Sienna minivan.

This rollout across sedans, crossovers, and minivans showed Toyota's commitment to making CarPlay available to everyone rather than limiting it to luxury models. It was a complete change in thinking.

The setup was wired-only at first, requiring an iPhone connected via Lightning cable. Toyota chose reliability over convenience, ensuring stable connections and continuous charging rather than risking the connection issues some wireless setups experienced.

Notably absent was Android Auto support. Toyota's privacy concerns about Google's data collection meant Android users would wait another year for smartphone integration.

How Toyota's CarPlay Implementation Works

The wired connection means you plug your iPhone into a USB port using an Apple-certified Lightning cable. The system automatically detects the connection and displays the CarPlay interface on the touchscreen.

This approach has advantages. You get stable, high-speed data transfer without wireless issues. Your iPhone charges continuously while connected. Audio quality stays consistently high without Bluetooth compression.

The Entune 3.0 system serves as the foundation, combining CarPlay while keeping Toyota's native features for climate control, vehicle settings, and camera displays. You can switch between CarPlay and Toyota's system using touchscreen controls.

Voice control works through Siri, activated by the voice button on the steering wheel. You can make calls, send messages, get directions, and control music without touching your phone or the screen.

Popular apps work smoothly. Apple Maps, Google Maps, and Waze provide navigation. Spotify, Apple Music, and other streaming services deliver music and podcasts. Messaging apps let you send and receive texts through voice.

The integration keeps Toyota's safety features. When the vehicle is moving, certain touchscreen functions are restricted to reduce distraction. The system focuses on voice commands for common tasks while driving.

Some users worried about cable management and the lack of wireless connectivity. But the wired approach proved more reliable than early wireless setups in competing vehicles, confirming Toyota's careful engineering choice.

Which Toyota Models Have Apple CarPlay

By 2020, Apple CarPlay became virtually standard across Toyota's entire lineup. The rollout followed vehicle redesign cycles, with newer models getting the technology as they launched.

Current Toyota models with CarPlay include the Camry, Corolla, Corolla Hatchback, RAV4, Highlander, 4Runner, Tacoma, Tundra, Sequoia, Sienna, C-HR, Prius, and Crown. Most got it starting with 2019 or 2020 model years.

The 2020 model year marked a big expansion. The Tacoma, Tundra, Sequoia, and 4Runner all got CarPlay, bringing smartphone connection to truck buyers who previously lacked the option.

Android Auto arrived alongside CarPlay in 2020 models, finally giving Android users the same connection iPhone owners had enjoyed since 2019. This dual-platform support became standard moving forward.

Lexus, Toyota's luxury brand, adopted CarPlay at the same time through its Enform 2.0 system. The 2019 ES, LC, LS, RC, and UX all featured CarPlay as standard equipment.

Apple maintains an official compatibility list on their website showing all Toyota models that support CarPlay. As of 2025, this includes virtually every current Toyota vehicle, with support going back to 2019 model years for most vehicles.

Some models got CarPlay earlier through update programs. Certain 2018 Camry and Sienna vehicles equipped with Entune 3.0 hardware could get free software updates adding CarPlay.

Screen sizes vary by model. The Avalon features a nine-inch display, while other models may have seven or eight-inch screens. Higher trim levels typically offer larger displays with better resolution.

Retrofit Options for Older Toyota Vehicles

If you own a 2018 Camry or Sienna, you might qualify for Toyota's official CarPlay update program. The company recognized that denying the feature to recent buyers would create unnecessary frustration.

The update process involves visiting an authorized Toyota dealership where technicians install software updates that unlock CarPlay. In many cases, this service was free, though some owners reported paying around $199 depending on their purchase date and specific model.

Your vehicle needs the Entune 3.0 hardware to qualify. The system was introduced on 2018 Camry and Sienna models, giving them the needed setup even though CarPlay wasn't activated at first.

Toyota's FAQ documentation confirmed the update availability without an expiration date, meaning eligible owners can schedule the upgrade anytime through their preferred service dealer.

For vehicles that don't qualify for official updates, aftermarket options exist. Companies like Car Tech Studio offer premium Android head units with wireless CarPlay and Android Auto for numerous Toyota models going back to the early 2000s.

These aftermarket units replace your factory radio with modern touchscreens ranging from 9 to 15 inches. They work with existing features like steering wheel controls, backup cameras, and climate systems while adding smartphone connectivity.

Installation typically requires professional help, though some experienced DIYers can handle it with detailed instructions. The units come with everything needed for installation, including wiring designed for specific Toyota models.

Wireless CarPlay adapters offer another option for vehicles with wired CarPlay. These devices connect to your USB port and enable wireless connectivity, removing cable hassles while keeping full functionality.

Common CarPlay Issues Toyota Owners Report

Despite Toyota's careful approach, some users experience technical problems that hurt the CarPlay experience.

Connection issues top the complaint list. Some owners report CarPlay won't automatically connect when they start their vehicle, requiring manual reconnection through Bluetooth settings. This defeats the convenience purpose of the system.

iOS updates occasionally break compatibility. When Apple released iOS 18, multiple Toyota owners reported complete CarPlay failure, particularly with 2024 Tundra models. The system would fail to connect automatically or disconnect during use.

Wireless CarPlay, when available, can be finicky. Some users with iPhone 16 models reported the wireless connection suddenly stopped working during road trips, making reconnection impossible despite multiple tries.

Audio quality problems affect some installations. Users describe choppy phone calls with audio cutting out every few seconds, making hands-free calling unreliable.

The remote start limitation frustrates many owners. CarPlay won't automatically connect when you remote start your vehicle unless you're within Bluetooth and WiFi range. This means warming up or cooling down your car from inside your house won't give you a connected system when you reach the vehicle.

Some users report multimedia lag, particularly noticeable when watching videos while parked. The sync between audio and video can drift, making the system less than ideal for entertainment during wait times.

Pixelation and screen quality issues appear across certain model-iOS combinations. Users describe blurry or pixelated displays, particularly when using navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze.

Toyota dealerships can sometimes resolve these issues through software updates to the infotainment system. Keeping both your iPhone and vehicle software updated helps minimize compatibility problems.

How Toyota's Timeline Compares to Other Automakers

Toyota's 2019 CarPlay debut came late compared to industry standards. By the time Toyota embraced the technology, it had become nearly universal elsewhere.

Apple introduced CarPlay in 2014 with Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo as early partners. By 2016, Honda, Ford, Chevrolet, Kia, and Hyundai all offered CarPlay across multiple models.

This meant Toyota customers watched competing brands enjoy smooth smartphone connection for three to five years while Toyota held out. Many chose other makers because of this gap.

By 2023, CarPlay appeared in over 93% of new vehicles sold in the United States. What started as a novel luxury feature became a baseline expectation faster than almost any automotive technology in history.

Research shows 85% of vehicle owners with CarPlay access prefer it to their vehicle's native infotainment system. This overwhelming preference shows why resisting the technology proved futile.

About 50% of vehicle shoppers say they won't purchase a vehicle lacking CarPlay or Android Auto support. For Toyota, this meant their resistance directly cost them sales to customers who wouldn't compromise on this feature.

General Motors made headlines in 2023 by announcing they'd remove CarPlay and Android Auto from future electric vehicles. The decision sparked intense backlash, with industry observers predicting GM would reverse course within years.

Tesla and Rivian never offered CarPlay, instead betting their own systems would prove competitive. This strategy works for luxury electric vehicles targeting early adopters, but remains risky for mainstream makers like Toyota.

Toyota's eventual embrace of CarPlay shows that even the world's largest automaker couldn't resist overwhelming customer preference. The company learned that protecting their own systems matters less than meeting customer expectations.

Wireless CarPlay: Toyota's Gradual Adoption

Toyota's initial CarPlay setup required cables, but the company gradually introduced wireless capability on select models.

The 2020 Supra became Toyota's first vehicle with wireless CarPlay, though this resulted from the car's BMW platform sharing rather than Toyota's own development. The Supra uses BMW's connectivity setup, which already supported wireless connection.

Most Toyota vehicles still use wired connections as of 2025. The company focuses on reliability over convenience, ensuring consistent performance across different conditions and user scenarios.

Wireless CarPlay relies on both Bluetooth and WiFi connections. Your iPhone pairs via Bluetooth, then the vehicle creates a WiFi hotspot for the actual CarPlay connection. This two-part approach can introduce complexity and potential failure points.

Setting up wireless CarPlay requires pairing your iPhone through the vehicle's Bluetooth settings first. Once paired, the system should automatically connect when you enter the vehicle with your iPhone.

Some users prefer wired connections despite the cable inconvenience. The guaranteed stability, better audio quality, and continuous charging outweigh wireless convenience for daily drivers who don't mind plugging in.

Aftermarket wireless CarPlay adapters offer an in-between solution. These devices connect to your USB port and enable wireless connectivity for vehicles with wired-only systems. Brands like Ottocast and Carlinkit offer adapters designed for Toyota vehicles.

The adapters work by creating a wireless bridge between your iPhone and the vehicle's CarPlay system. Your phone connects to the adapter wirelessly, which then communicates with the vehicle through the wired USB connection.

Performance varies by adapter quality and vehicle compatibility. Some users report the adapters work perfectly, while others experience occasional disconnections or setup complications.

The Road Ahead: CarPlay Ultra and Toyota's Future

Apple announced CarPlay Ultra in 2024, representing a dramatic evolution from traditional CarPlay. The next-generation platform would take over multiple vehicle screens, including the instrument cluster, and work with climate controls and other vehicle functions.

Several makers initially announced CarPlay Ultra support, including Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volvo, Polestar, and Renault. But most subsequently reversed course, concerned about losing control over the driving experience.

Toyota hasn't publicly announced CarPlay Ultra plans as of December 2025. Given the company's historical caution with new technologies, they'll likely watch how early setups perform before committing.

The hesitation from makers reflects deeper questions about how much control they'll give to Apple. CarPlay Ultra essentially makes Apple software the complete vehicle interface rather than just mirroring phone apps.

This raises concerns about brand uniqueness. If every vehicle's interior experience comes from Apple, how do makers stand out beyond hardware and styling?

Data and privacy considerations remain important. CarPlay Ultra would access vehicle systems, climate settings, and potentially driving data that traditional CarPlay never touched.

Toyota's privacy-conscious approach suggests they'll carefully evaluate these implications before adopting CarPlay Ultra. The company spent years analyzing traditional CarPlay's privacy impact before implementation.

Some analysts predict CarPlay Ultra will face resistance similar to what traditional CarPlay initially encountered, with gradual adoption as customer demand builds and privacy frameworks develop.

For now, Toyota owners can expect continued support for current CarPlay across the lineup. The company's committed to maintaining compatibility as Apple releases iOS updates and new iPhone models.

The smartphone connection wars aren't over. They're evolving from whether to offer these platforms into how deeply to work them into core vehicle functions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the first Toyota model to get Apple CarPlay?

The 2019 Toyota Avalon was the first model to get Apple CarPlay support, announced at the 2018 North American International Auto Show. It featured CarPlay as standard equipment across all trim levels through the new Entune 3.0 infotainment system with a nine-inch touchscreen.

Can I add Apple CarPlay to my older Toyota?

Some 2018 Camry and Sienna models with Entune 3.0 hardware qualify for free software updates through Toyota dealerships that add CarPlay. For older vehicles, aftermarket Android head units from companies like Car Tech Studio offer wireless CarPlay connection with screen sizes from 9 to 15 inches.

Why did Toyota wait so long to add CarPlay?

Toyota delayed CarPlay adoption due to privacy concerns about data collection, preference for their own Entune system, and involvement in developing SmartDeviceLink as an open-source option. The company's careful testing processes and desire to keep control over the in-car experience also contributed to the five-year delay.

Does Toyota support wireless CarPlay?

Most Toyota models still use wired CarPlay requiring a Lightning cable connection, though the 2020 Supra offers wireless connectivity through its BMW-based platform. Toyota focuses on connection reliability over wireless convenience, though some newer models are gradually getting wireless capability.

When did Toyota add Android Auto?

Toyota introduced Android Auto in 2020 model year vehicles, one year after adding Apple CarPlay in 2019. The company's privacy concerns about Google's data collection practices delayed Android Auto adoption even longer than CarPlay, but dual-platform support became standard from 2020 forward.

Which Toyota models have Apple CarPlay?

Nearly all current Toyota models include CarPlay, typically from 2019 model years forward. This includes Camry, Corolla, RAV4, Highlander, 4Runner, Tacoma, Tundra, Sequoia, Sienna, C-HR, Prius, and Crown, along with most Lexus models through the Enform 2.0 system.

How do I set up CarPlay in my Toyota?

For wired CarPlay, connect your iPhone to the USB port using an Apple-certified Lightning cable and select "Yes" when prompted on the vehicle display. For wireless CarPlay, pair your iPhone via Bluetooth in the vehicle settings, ensure both Bluetooth and WiFi are enabled on your phone, and the system should connect automatically.

What are common Toyota CarPlay problems?

Common issues include connection failures requiring manual reconnection, compatibility problems after iOS updates (particularly iOS 18), choppy audio during phone calls, wireless connection failures with newer iPhone models, and the system not auto-connecting when using remote start unless you're within Bluetooth range.