Apple CarPlay is one of the best ways to connect your iPhone to your new MINI. Offering hands-free calling and texting, music streaming, turn-by-turn navigation, and much more, Apple CarPlay has it all. Now available on all new MINI cars and SAVs, Apple CarPlay gives you access to your favorite apps and features, in a safe and easy-to-use format.

WHAT IS APPLE CARPLAY IN MINI?

Although it wasn’t until 2014 that Apple introduced CarPlay to the automotive realm, the technology itself was based on the pre-existing “iPod Out” functionality, co-developed by Apple and BMW several years earlier. In a BMW, iPod Out allowed connecting an iPod to the iDrive system to listen to music via the car’s stereo system. Meanwhile, the current track or playlist could be shown on the iDrive screen, and controlled with the vehicle’s native multimedia controls.

As the years went on and iPods got replaced by more capable iPhones, Apple rebuilt its iPod Out technology, expanding it with considerably more features. The new system, called CarPlay, became a bridge between the smartphone and the iDrive system that was made to leverage much more than solely music playback. It could run a variety of apps, including music, messaging and navigation, suited to use behind the wheel.

Apple CarPlay MINI features

With Apple CarPlay in your MINI you’ll be able to:

• Use navigation apps such as Apple Maps, Google Maps and Waze, instead of your MINI’s navigation system.
• Stream music, radio, podcasts and audiobooks from apps such as Spotify, Tidal, Pandora and Audible.
• Send text messages using WhatsApp.
• Enjoy the comfort of Siri voice control to send messages, find directions and more, while keeping your eyes on the road.

You access all your content using your MINI’s native iDrive controls.

What’s the difference between NBT and EVO units?

First thing you’d want is to check which system you have. NBT units are non-touchscreen older models with the smaller screen. The EVO models are touchscreen models with the wider screen.

HOW TO GET APPLE CARPLAY IN MINI COOPER?

Are you missing CarPlay in your MINI Cooper? Here are two ways you can add it to your vehicle, depending on its year of production and head unit version.

MINI Cooper CarPlay activation (for 2017+ MINIs)

Adding CarPlay may be as easy as activating the existing option in your iDrive. Most 2017 or later MINIs with the CarPlay Preparation option (S6CPA) are capable of running the native Apple CarPlay interface, after having it activated by a MINI dealership or third party using special coding software for MINIs.

MINI Cooper CarPlay retrofit (for pre-2017 MINIs)

If your vehicle was produced before 2017 and doesn’t have original Apple CarPlay, our aftermarket CarPlay for MINI Coopers will let you enjoy even more than this iOS functionality. With our MINI Cooper CarPlay retrofit options, you’ll not only get to have a wireless CarPlay feature, but also be able to use an Android Auto functionality and connect yours or your friends’ Android devices in a breeze! The upgrade additionally supports front and reversing cameras, which due to the present MMI module, are available for a much lower price.

In Conclusion

We high recommend this upgrade. Carplay is a massive improvement to the driving experience, and retrofitting your car is much cheaper than buying a newer model.