Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
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**ZDNET’s Key Takeaways**
Apple CarPlay significantly enhances the usability of iPhone applications while driving, providing an intuitive and safer interface within the vehicle. Its design philosophy ensures that your primary concentration remains squarely on the act of driving, while granting expedient access to essential features. Most apps supported by CarPlay are simplified reflections of those already installed on your iPhone, maintaining consistency while prioritizing driver safety through streamlined interaction.
I have always enjoyed the experience of driving—a fortunate inclination, given that I reside in a rural setting where lengthy commutes and spontaneous road trips are a routine part of life. Whether I am traveling for business, heading toward a remote countryside trail to unplug for a few days, or indulging in my most recent passion project—section hiking along Hadrian’s Wall—I spend extended stretches of time behind the wheel. During the past year alone, I have logged more than 25,000 miles, an impressive accumulation that translates into countless hours for exploration and reflection. It has also given me ample opportunity to identify the most practical, reliable, and time-saving applications that make each trip smoother, quicker, and far less stressful.
Since I’m primarily an iPhone user, Apple’s **CarPlay** naturally serves as my preferred platform, though I must confess to the occasional frustration when it behaves unpredictably and refuses to connect. In such moments, I have occasionally resorted to older devices to briefly test **Android Auto**, hoping it will cooperate. Nonetheless, the majority of my experience and recommendations remain Apple-centric. For those on the Android ecosystem, there’s good news—many of the apps discussed here are also available via the **Google Play Store**. Also, before anyone wonders why the steering wheel appears oddly positioned in photos, that’s because I’m based in the United Kingdom, where cars—and drivers—operate on the opposite side of the road compared to other regions.
### My Driving Philosophy
Driving is an activity that seamlessly oscillates between being calm, occasionally dramatic, and sometimes perilous—all within the span of mere seconds. Because of this inherent unpredictability, it demands unwavering attention and vigilance. Consequently, any unnecessary distraction—especially those caused by fumbling with apps—must be minimized to preserve safety and control. Whenever a more detailed interaction with your phone or infotainment system becomes necessary, the wisest choice is to pull over to a safe location before proceeding. Alternatively, rely on **Siri’s** increasingly capable voice-command features to manage minor tasks hands-free.
### The Apps I Use
Although my iPhone hosts dozens of applications, only a select few have dedicated CarPlay interfaces. Within that smaller set, even fewer merit daily use during actual drives. To prevent clutter on your CarPlay dashboard, it’s worth curating your app list. You can easily remove or reorder apps: on your iPhone, go to *Settings → CarPlay → [Your Vehicle]* and select *Customize.* From there, tap the red circle beside an unwanted app to hide it or drag icons to adjust their placement. Keeping your CarPlay view decluttered ensures a faster, safer, and more personalized driving environment.
The CarPlay interface is intentionally minimalist; don’t expect it to replicate the full range of features or design aesthetics that you enjoy on your iPhone. Instead, expect a simplified display structure, heavy reliance on Siri, and in many cases, limitations—for instance, video conferencing tools like Microsoft Teams or Zoom operate strictly in audio mode to prevent distractions. Moreover, remember that your car doubles as a fast-moving, metal enclosure—it’s normal for cellular connectivity to falter intermittently as you pass between network cells at highway speeds. Accept these fluctuations as part of the experience rather than a system flaw.
With these foundational notes in mind, below are the categories of apps that have consistently enriched and streamlined my travels.
### Navigation
Nothing sparks more debate among drivers than the choice between **Waze**, **Google Maps**, and **Apple Maps**, each boasting devoted enthusiasts. Personal preference often determines allegiance. In my case, **Waze** stands out as my trusted companion, reliably offering real-time traffic updates, community-sourced hazard alerts, and efficient rerouting options. It’s remarkably stable—though, on rare occasions when it decides to misbehave (like displaying a blank map), I switch seamlessly to Google Maps. Having a secondary navigation app on standby is simply prudent.
For anyone venturing into remote areas or planning off-road adventures, **OsmAnd Maps** is a remarkably robust alternative. Unlike conventional navigation tools, OsmAnd’s offline capability proves invaluable when driving through regions with unreliable mobile coverage. Beyond basic navigation, the app includes detailed topographical features, such as contour lines, hill shading, and even three-dimensional renderings of buildings. It caters not just to drivers but also to cyclists and hikers, enabling route planning through GPX import/export functionalities. While its interface requires some acclimation, mastering it rewards you with unmatched control and resilience. A paid subscription unlocks CarPlay functionality, which, for avid explorers, is worth every penny.
### Weather
Weather can be a decisive factor separating an enjoyable road trip from a frustrating ordeal. To stay prepared, I rely on two applications that balance power with usability. The first, **Carrot Weather**, stands out for its exceptional customization—users can fine-tune its personality tone (ranging from professional to delightfully sarcastic) and choose data sources to ensure accuracy. Carrot syncs effortlessly across my iPhone, Apple Watch, and CarPlay dashboard, delivering precise and context-aware reports tailored to my current route.
The second app, **Weather on the Way**, serves a more targeted purpose. Rather than overwhelming you with global forecasts, it calculates weather conditions specifically along your chosen route at predicted future times, helping you anticipate rain, fog, or snow before you encounter them. I typically consult this app at the start of each journey for a comprehensive yet concise forecast overview.
### Music and Audio Entertainment
Audio content—whether music, podcasts, or audiobooks—forms the sonic backdrop of any long drive. Regardless of whether your preference leans toward **Apple Music**, **Spotify**, **Amazon Music**, **SiriusXM Radio**, or **YouTube Music**, your streaming app of choice can easily integrate with CarPlay. To reduce distraction, I strongly suggest assembling playlists or tuning into stations prior to departure. Searching for individual tracks mid-drive is not only impractical but also unsafe.
One particularly enjoyable feature of Apple Music is **SharePlay**, which allows fellow iPhone passengers to collaboratively queue and control the soundtrack. This transforms the car into a shared musical space, enhancing group dynamics on long hauls.
Beyond music, CarPlay excellently supports spoken-word formats. Personally, I’m not an avid podcast listener, so I find Apple’s native Podcast app sufficient. However, for connoisseurs of high-quality listening experiences, alternatives like **Pocket Casts**, **Overcast**, and **Downcast** deliver impressive control and personalization. When it comes to audiobooks, I hold deep loyalty to **Audible**, having subscribed since before CarPlay or even the modern iPhone existed. My extensive Audible library accompanies me on almost every trip. Nevertheless, if you wish to explore beyond Audible, apps like **Kobo Books** and **Google Play Books** present compelling options. For locally stored audio files, **BookPlayer** facilitates seamless organization and playback, while **Libby**, the library-linked app, grants free access to digital audiobooks borrowed through your public library card.
### Fuel and EV Charging
Although **Waze** and **Google Maps** typically suffice for locating nearby fuel stations, more specialized solutions exist for those wanting deeper insight. **GasBuddy**, for instance, utilizes crowd-sourced data to report up-to-date fuel prices, ensuring that thrifty drivers never overpay. Electric vehicle owners, on the other hand, will benefit from **ChargePoint**, an essential resource for identifying EV charging stations, monitoring availability, and even planning efficient charging stops along extended routes.
### Parking
Even the best-planned trip ends with the challenge of parking. Waze often provides suitable and conveniently located suggestions, but for those who seek dedicated tools, apps such as **EasyPark** and **SpotHero** excel. EasyPark focuses on simplifying everyday roadside parking and includes integrated EV charging functionality. SpotHero, meanwhile, specializes in reserving spaces within commercial garages ahead of arrival—an invaluable advantage when visiting busy urban centers.
### Other Apps
Lastly, I occasionally rely on a handful of additional tools for communication and productivity while on the road. **Telegram** offers secure, encrypted messaging that ensures privacy, while **WhatsApp** remains my go-to for quick voice calls and casual conversations. For intellectual curiosity during longer drives, I sometimes turn to **ChatGPT**, using voice prompts to gain concise summaries or explanations about topics occupying my mind that day.
In sum, careful curation of your CarPlay ecosystem transforms your driving experience from routine transportation into a harmonious blend of productivity, safety, and enjoyment. These tools, when used judiciously, enrich every journey—whether it be a daily commute, a scenic countryside excursion, or a cross-country adventure.
Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/carplay-best-apps-after-25000-miles-last-year/
