5 reasons why Apple Carplay & Android Auto are not reliable as in-car apps

Updated Aug 09, 2022 | Same topic: Best Advice for Car Buyers

Are Apple Carplay and Android Auto really useful and need for your car head units?

I. What are these in-car apps? 

In-car apps are applications created for head units in most cars to bring in the equivalent functions of Apple IOS and Android mobile into another option for mobile integration.

Basically, Apple Carplay and Android Auto are competing to be the most preferred car apps for car infotainment system! The battle for mobile app dominance has moved into cars, but for all the hype and noise of Apple Carplay and Android Auto aren’t reliable as in-car apps just because of the arguments against them.

Apple Carplay and Android Auto

Apple Carplay and Android Auto

For many car makers slapping a head-unit is synonymous to have this ability to give motorists a receptacle for Apple Carplay and Android Auto. For premium cars, this upped the ante, but not because of the infotainment system. It was more of other factors which Apple Carplay and Android Auto rode along with, other than having any legit function than having a big screen in the middle of the dash.

One of the biggest question why Apple Carplay and Android Auto aren’t reliable to use as in-car apps? And what are exposed to make car owners immune to the hype that came with marketing them? Read the article from Philkotse.com to find the proper answer. 

II. Reasons why these in-car apps are not reliable

1. Car makers want to fully control their system

Car brands want to control their own destiny and not be chained to any particular entity for any of their auto components. Many car manufacturers are now developing their own proprietary systems as a better option than relying on a third party.

In-car apps

Car manufacturers do want to fully control their system with in-house car apps

For so long; car makers are now demonstrating why Apple Carplay and Android Auto aren’t reliable as in-car apps because they do not want anyone messing with proprietary technology that they equip their cars with. Just read the specs of most brand-new cars, and there will be a rare mention of these apps.

So, motorists will have these options to choose from but not directly mated to their head unit systems. This point shows a miscalculation why every motorist should wary when something isn’t endorsed!

2. Premium car brands have developed their own head unit

Why should Apple Carplay or Android Auto be installed or be used as a default system that leaves no choice? Here’s the gist; the head unit for cars was made for a variety of reasons but not to be either or.

For car makers to optimize the third party for their touch screen is unneeded, because there should be compatibility for Apple Carplay or Android auto. In fact,  premium brands as having developed their own head unit app, exclusively for their cars. Which makes it easier to use for most motorists.

Mercedes head unit

Mercedes Benz has developed their Me Connect 

All the hype and jazz just falls short when compatibility becomes an issue when they will become added costs on the tag price. Eventually, these apps will take a back seat as more car makers develop systems exclusive yet flexible. Apple and Android misread what is needed on the belief that they are vital or better than the other.

>>> Related posts: Study in UK says in-car technologies causing reliability problems

3. A better system from Telsa

Tesla has made a better system than Apple Carplay and Android Auto as a fine-tuned proof that proprietary in-house car infotainment is done better than third-party apps.

Major players in the auto industry aren’t sold on the capacities of Apple Carplay and Android Auto, as demoed by Tesla in their cars. Why deal with a third-party app when in-house apps will give a bigger screen and better interface, with better user integration than the current crop of head-units provided for in most car brands.

It only shows that the third-party development of Apple Carplay and Android Auto has a lot of tweaks to be done! Despite their claims as a good alternative; many reviews point to serious setbacks that hinder both Apple Carplay and Android Auto.

Telsa in-car app

In-house apps from Tesla

4. Alexa from Amazon is now an option for car head-units

The tech-savvy will be familiar with Amazon’s Alexa that is similar to Cortana and Siri as digital assistants. While many car makers are indecisive about Google and Apple, some car brands like Ford, BMW, Toyota have decided to add Alexa commands to their head-units.

It breaks up the game and wreaks havoc as it disrupts Apple and Android’s attempt as the next-gen app. It’s just the start but all these jostling to be the chosen in-car app will be a bloody mess for all three systems. With the headway of Alexa; any dream of either Apple and Android as the top app is in question.

Alexa car app from Amazon

Ford, BMW, and Toyota have decided to add Alexa to their head-units

5. Extra cost when using Apple Carplay or Android Auto

To cap everything off, why Apple Carplay and Android Auto aren’t reliable as in-car apps will ever dominate car infotainment systems will be because of cost. The cost to have all specs to compatible with either Apple or Android is an extra expense for the car buyer.

But, the aftermarket may cost more to motorists, but is it needed? Also, third-party vendors will sell apps that may or be used outside the system; that is a question mark! So, that’s the final; most motorist can decide if either is needed or not.

>>> Worth to note: Car care: Must-know tips to maintain your car infotainment touch screen.

Wrapping up!

Essentially the inclusion and use of Apple Carplay and Android Auto aren’t reliable as in-car apps are aftermarket options that are like a cheese full of holes. Issues with easy use, integration, and when any mobile has more functions than an infotainment screen.

It will take time, but with Alexa’s entry, it has gotten more difficult for Apple and Android.

Norjan Ismail Abbas

Norjan Ismail Abbas

Author

Norjan enjoys writing about various topics, and car is among them. Don't ever ask him which his most favorite car is since he has none. He believes each car is beautiful in its own way.

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