2016 Honda Accord & Civic win with Apple CarPlay

Honda has included both Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto connectivity in their new 2016 Civic and Accord models. For the purposes of this article though we're going to focus on Apple CarPlay®.

First of all, let's answer the nagging question "is it (Apple CarPlay®) worth it"? The simple answer is "one thousand times yes!"

The Honda vehicles themselves (2016 Accord and Civic) are impressive, and have won over many of the critics. By adding Apple CarPlay® (and Android Auto) however, Honda may have also managed to make these new vehicles possibly the greatest Smartphone accessories to date.

In a recent review of the 2016 Accord, Keith Barry of Reviewed.com stated: "There's no denying that CarPlay and Android Auto make for a more seamless experience than even the best infotainment systems automakers have to offer." Simply put, Apple CarPlay® takes many of the things you love about your iPhone and puts them right on your car’s built-in display. Now, if you want to play "Two Dots" while driving, you might still be out of luck, but you CAN get directions, make calls, send and receive texts and email and listen to music, Audiobooks, and other apps right from the touchscreen or by voice via Siri.

If you have an iPhone with iOS 7.1 or later and iPhone 5 or later, then you just plug in your phone via USB, press the green "Apple CarPlay" on the touchscreen display and the screen will switch over to an iOS-like interface, complete with Siri voice recognition software, and Apple Maps. Your iPhone is now the brains of your infotainment system (although you can also exit Apple CarPlay® at any time and return to the "classic" Honda infotainment system) and ready to provide the type of modern handsfree convince envisioned by Gene Roddenberry.

On its own, Apple CarPlay® is incredible. Pairing it with the New 2016 Honda Civic or Accord, is a winning combination and an experience you truly won't want to miss out on.

If you have not experienced Carplay or Android Auto in person, we strongly encourage you to give Portland Street Honda a call and test it for yourself today!