Apple CarPlay expands at Hyundai

iPhone users take note: Hyundai has expanded the range of its vehicles featuring Apple CarPlay compatibility as standard.

The benchmark smartphone interface is now available across the Accent, iMax Series II and iLoad Series II models. The models join the Elantra as the ‘most connected’ of Hyundai’s models. No price changes have been announced with the upgrade.

CarPlay offers iPhone users in-car access to Apple Maps navigation, Siri vox-operated functions (including hands-free phone calls, messaging and dictation) music, calendar entries, apps and more. Commands also can be entered via the vehicles’ touchscreen.

But it’s not just new buyers that benefit from the upgrade. According to Hyundai Australia, existing iMax Series II and iLoad Series II owners can take advantage of a free 15min software upgrade to enable CarPlay via their dealership.

CarPlay compatibility is also available to existing owners on all Accent variants built from December 2015 onwards. In addition, selected variants built between December 2014 and November 2015 can also be upgraded.

Owners can contact Hyundai Customer Care, tel 1800 186 306 to enquire about their vehicle’s exact compatibility.

Apple CarPlay is also offered on selected variants across Hyundai’s i30 (Active/ActiveX/SR), Tucson (Active/ActiveX) and Santa Fe Series II (Active only) ranges.

Hyundai advises that Andriod users will benefit from an upgrade from Google Now to Android Auto technology later this year. For the time being, the updated audio system offers “the ability to integrate Google Now via voice activation”.

“By using the ‘Voice’ button on the audio unit, users are able to use Google Now to make calls, play music, compose text messages, access calendar information, add reminders and more,” Hyundai said.

Read a full review review of the Hyundai Apple Carplay