2025 Geely EX5 gets Apple CarPlay via crucial OTA update

The 2025 Geely EX5 is now more appealing to iPhone users after the Chinese car giant rolled out Apple CarPlay to its electric mid-size SUV, but Android users will have to wait until the first quarter of 2026 for Android Auto.

Accessed via the 15.4-inch infotainment system, EX5 drivers can now connect their iPhone to their vehicle both wirelessly or via a cable, with the projection not coming at the cost of the climate controls – the control keys remain accessible at the bottom of the screen, so users don’t have to exit the interface to raise or lower a temperature.

Geely Australia has confirmed its next model, the plug-in hybrid Starray EM-i SUV will come with wireless Apple CarPlay as standard from launch.

The omission of smartphone mirroring out of the box was likely due to the complex verification of the Chinese firm’s hardware and software undertaken by Apple and Google.

But now the tech is here, it could help Geely chase down the EX5’s immediate competition – Tesla Model Y, BYD Sealion 7, Kia EV5 – on the sales charts.

Since its March launch, Geely has sold 2335 EX5s; some way off the 5183 Sealion 7s that have found homes so far this year, though both sit in the shadow of the market-leading Model Y, which has sold 10,986 examples to the end of July.

Sales could be further boosted next year pending the introduction of a long-range version capable of covering more than 500km on a single charge.

Join the conversation at our Facebook page
Or email us at editor@carsales.com.au