You want Apple CarPlay, but you do not want to tear out a dashboard you like. Good news: you do not have to. There are three ways to add CarPlay, and for most drivers the best one keeps your factory screen exactly where it is. Here is how they compare.
Option 1: OEM integrated CarPlay (recommended)
An OEM integrated system plugs into the factory wiring behind your existing screen. It adds full Apple CarPlay and Android Auto while keeping your stock display, your menus, your knobs and buttons, and your steering wheel controls. You switch between the factory interface and CarPlay with a button, and the whole thing looks like it came from the manufacturer.
- Keeps the factory screen, look, and controls
- Plugs into factory connectors, so no cutting and a clean, reversible install
- Retains factory features like backup camera, chimes, and settings
- Many systems support wireless CarPlay and Android Auto
Find a system for your vehicle in the OEM Integrated CarPlay collection. We cover a wide range of makes including Audi, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Toyota, GMC, Chevrolet, Jeep, and more.
Option 2: Aftermarket head-unit replacement
This means removing your factory radio and screen and installing a third-party touchscreen. It can work, but you give up the factory look, and depending on the car you can lose integration with steering wheel controls, chimes, climate displays, and factory cameras unless you add extra adapters. It is usually the most invasive and the hardest to reverse.
Option 3: Dongles and stick-on screens
The cheapest route is a small aftermarket screen mounted on the dash or a phone-mirroring dongle. It is inexpensive, but it looks like an add-on, it can block your view, and the experience is often laggy compared with a system that runs through your factory hardware.
Why OEM integrated wins for most drivers
If you like your car’s interior and want CarPlay that looks and feels factory, the OEM integrated route is the cleanest. It is built for your specific vehicle, it keeps everything you already rely on, and it installs without rebuilding the dash.
What about wireless?
Two different needs get confused here. If your car has no CarPlay at all, an OEM integrated system adds it, and many of ours support wireless. If you already have wired CarPlay and only want to cut the cable, you may just need a converter. Our wired vs wireless guide explains which one fits.
Will it fit my car?
OEM integrated systems are vehicle specific, so fit depends on your year, make, model, and factory screen. Browse the CarPlay collection to find your vehicle, or send us your details and we will confirm the right kit. Not sure whether your car even has CarPlay yet? Start with our guide on how to check what your car already has.
Frequently asked questions
Do I keep my factory backup camera? Yes. OEM integrated CarPlay works alongside your existing camera and factory features.
Is it hard to install? Most systems are plug-and-play into factory connectors. Many drivers install at home, and any competent installer can fit one.
Will I lose my steering wheel controls? No. Retaining factory controls is a core advantage of OEM integrated systems.
Ready to look? Browse the OEM Integrated CarPlay collection and find your vehicle.
