In this blog, we will be naming the top five aftermarket car stereos with Apple CarPlay support based on customer feedback at Sonic Electronix!

Alpine iLX-W650

Durability: 4.8 | Value: 4.8 | Features: 4.8 | Design: 4.9 | Usability: 4.8

The iLX-W650 can fit into most dashes and provides all the functions you require on a 7-inch, two-finger touchscreen. This double DIN digital multimedia receiver works with Apple CarPlay and enables iPhone users to make and receive calls, access texts, play music, and obtain directions while still maintaining their attention on the road. With an iPhone 5 or later, Apple CarPlay can be accessed via the capacitive touch screen or the mic button to activate Siri voice control (iPhone must be connected via Apple lightning cable).

Item highlights

• Double DIN Bluetooth Digital Multimedia Receiver
• 7″ Capacitive Touchscreen Display Display
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Compatible
• 3 sets of 4 volts preamp outputs
• 9-Band Equalizer with Digital Time Correction
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio Ready

Boss Elite BE7ACP

Durability: 4.4 | Value: 5 | Features: 4.4 | Design: 5 | Usability: 5

The BOSS Audio Systems BE7ACP Double-DIN Mech-less (No CD/DVD) Digital Media Receiver lets you take your digital music on the go. To smoothly access all the capabilities on your phone through the built-in display, sync your Apple iPhone or Android device. Connect to the USB and SD connections to listen to a selection of your favorite songs.

Bluetooth technology enables you to stream music and make hands-free phone calls while tuning into your preferred FM/AM radio stations and adjusting the sound with the built-in Preset EQ. You can easily move through the system menu and features thanks to the user-friendly 7″ touchscreen.

Item highlights

• Double DIN Bluetooth Digital Multimedia Receiver
• 7″ Capacitive Touchscreen Display
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Compatible
• 3 sets of 4 volts preamp outputs
• 10-Band Equalizer with 5 Presets
• Dedicated Siri button

Pioneer DMH-WT7600NEX

Apple CarPlay, a better, safer, and more enjoyable way to use your iPhone in the car, is a feature of the DMH-WT7600NEX. With Apple CarPlay, iPhone users have a remarkably simple method to send and receive voice messages, use Maps, make calls, and listen to music while driving. Apple CarPlay requires an iPhone 5 or later running iOS 11 or later.

The DMH-WT7600NEX showcases Pioneer’s first feature-driven “over the air” software update, highlighting split-screen mode for select NEX in-dash receivers. With split-screen mode, you can simultaneously display and control both the Apple CarPlay UI and the receiver’s menu for your secondary source on one screen. This function is useful when you want to access your music content (i.e., HD Radio or USB) while navigating through Apple CarPlay, without having to toggle back and forth.

Item highlights

• Single DIN Bluetooth Digital Multimedia Receiver
• 9″ Capacitive Touchscreen Display
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Compatible
• Built-in HD Radio tuner
• 3 sets of 4 volts preamp outputs
• 13-Band Equalizer
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio Ready

Sony XAV-AX3200 (XAVAX3200)

Durability: 4.8 | Value: 4.2 | Features: 4 | Design: 4.8 | Usability: 4.8

The Sony XAV-AX3200 double DIN digital media receiver is a fantastic improvement over your stock radio. With built-in smartphone integration such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, you can upgrade your in-car smartphone experience and access your preferred apps for entertainment, texting, navigation, and more. You can even use voice control to make commands so your eyes stay on the road. You’ll also get some of the best audio enhancement features Sony has to offer. You’ll get a 6.95″ resistive touchscreen and buttons for quick control.

Item highlights

• 50 Watts RMS x 4 @ 4 ohms
• Double DIN Bluetooth Digital Multimedia Receiver
• 6.95″ Resistive Touchscreen Display
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Compatible
• 3 sets of 2 volts preamp outputs
• 10-Band Graphic Equalizer
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio Ready

“Amazing upgrade for 2012 Ford Focus SE” – ★★★★★

Absolutely love how this has transformed the look of the dash for my 11-yr old Ford Focus – Brings it right into 2022 with Apple Car Play!! Support staff at Sonic Electronix is top drawer via e-mail and live (prompt call back). Suggested the harnesses needed and got a $75 gift card to boot on this $349.99 SONY. What’s not to love?

Iggy G.

Sonic Electronix Customer

Jensen CAR710

Durability: 5 | Value: 5 | Features: 3 | Design: 4 | Usability: 3

Apple CarPlay is the smart and secure in-car interface for using your iPhone, and the CAR710 multimedia receiver makes it even better. The CAR710 multimedia receiver combines a large touch screen, an intelligent Siri voice-controlled interface, and excellent sound quality for Apple CarPlay. It’s the ideal addition to your life when driving. You can use Siri to get directions from Apple Maps, make phone calls, listen to voicemail, send and receive texts, and play music while driving by simply talking to Siri or touching the receiver’s display. The extra-large 7″ LED backlit LCD touchscreen optimizes your driving experience.

The wide display is simple to use and makes it simple and convenient to manage your music and apps. You may fine-tune the Extra-Large screen’s angle with its adjustable features. Without forcing you to adjust it each time, installation screws lock the screen at the chosen angle. This receiver provides your present vehicle with a next-generation infotainment experience and is made to accommodate most 2.0 DIN dash apertures (4″ x 7″).

Item highlights

• Double DIN Bluetooth Digital Multimedia Receiver
• 7″ Digital LED Backlit Display
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Compatible
• 3 sets of 4 volts preamp outputs
• 8 Band Graphic Equalizer with Digital Time Alignment

Get the safety and convenience of Apple CarPlay paired with these fantastic aftermarket multimedia receivers! We’ve got all of these and more at Sonic Electronix, the world’s premier retailer of car electronics and consumer electronics. We’ve sold online since 2000 and are the recipients of various customer service and product awards. Check out our selection of car stereos, amps, subs, speakers, and more from Pioneer, JVC, NVX, Belva, Kicker, Rockford Fosgate, Cerwin-Vega, and more.

The post Top 5 Best Selling Apple CarPlay Car Stereos of 2022 appeared first on Sonic Electronix Learning Center and Blog.

Here’s everything you need to know about Apple’s smartphone integration system and how it gives you the ability to safely use your iPhone’s features while you’re driving.

Apple CarPlay Features

Since Apple CarPlay launched in 2014, an increasing number of automakers are incorporating it into their vehicle systems. It is present in more than 80% of new vehicles sold in the US and is compatible with certain aftermarket car stereos for older vehicles.

The most important features of your iPhone are brought to the infotainment screen in your car via Apple CarPlay, along with a number of apps that have been modified for usage while driving. We’ll begin by describing a few native Apple apps, then go on to several third-party CarPlay-compatible apps.

Native Apple Apps & Third-Party Apps

With Apple CarPlay, all native Apple applications present on your iPhone can be operated through your built-in stereo or aftermarket radio. You can listen to your preferred music, make calls, send and receive messages, and obtain directions. All on the dashboard display of your car. Additionally, CarPlay now offers more app categories as well as personalized dashboard wallpapers. Here are the main apps that Apple highlights for CarPlay:

• Apple Maps
• iMessage
• Apple Music
• Calendar
• Audiobooks
• News+
• Podcasts

CarPlay also supports third-party apps of different categories on your iPhone, such as YouTube, Spotify, WhatsApp, Google Maps, Tidal, and many more – this also includes apps developed by car manufacturers so you can control more of your car’s features in Apple CarPlay.

Siri Voice Commands

To avoid having to look down at your iPhone while driving, use Siri on iOS and CarPlay to send voice messages. Additionally, you can speak to reply after having Siri read aloud your incoming texts. In order to keep everyone who needs to know informed, you can also ask Siri to share your ETA with someone from your contacts list while using Apple Maps.

Aside from listening and dictating your written messages, Siri can help you make calls, return missed calls, and listen to voicemail. You can also ask Siri to play music from Apple Music or tune in to your favorite live radio station.

Simply press and hold the voice control button on the steering wheel to turn on Siri voice control. In supported vehicles, you can also activate Siri by saying “Hey Siri.”

Touch / Analog Control Adaptability

CarPlay is compatible with the knobs, buttons, touchpad, and touchscreen in your vehicle. Additionally, the apps have been redesigned specifically for use in cars, allowing you to utilize them while keeping your hands and eyes in the proper places.

Apple CarPlay Compatibility

Apple CarPlay is available in over 600 vehicle models, from Toyota to luxury models like Ferrari. As for iPhones, here’s the full list of CarPlay-compatible iPhone models:

How To Connect To Apple CarPlay

When attempting to connect your iPhone to Apple CarPlay, you may use the Lightning connector that comes with the iPhone to connect your phone to the infotainment system in the majority of cars. the charging wire for the gadget. If CarPlay doesn’t open up automatically, you should be able to access it via a button labeled “CarPlay” in the infotainment system’s menu. CarPlay and the built-in infotainment system can be switched between at any time.

For CarPlay, some vehicles support Bluetooth. Although Bluetooth can be useful for short travels, it’s normally preferable to put your iPhone into the system because it will charge it at the same time.

Control your iPhone in a smart, safe, and convenient way on the road with Apple CarPlay . Here at Sonic Electronix, you’ll have plenty of Apple CarPlay Aftermarket Car Stereos available in single DIN and double DIN to choose from – including Sony, JVC, Pioneer, Kenwood, Alpine, and many more!

The post What is Apple CarPlay? Features, Functions Explained appeared first on Sonic Electronix Learning Center and Blog.

Why do I need a car stereo with navigation?

Before we begin to talk about the different navigation options you have available, first, it’s important to discuss why you need it in your dash in the first place. Everyone has a smartphone that has some sort of navigation app on it these days. So why would you also need it in your car stereo also? The most obvious answer is convenience and safety. Having it in front you will allow you to stay focused on the road. You can now quickly glance down at your navigation instead of scrambling for your phone and having to take your eyes completely off the road ahead. 

Types of navigation

The two main types of navigation we are going to talk about is built-in navigation and navigation apps that are accessed through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Built-in navigation

One way of getting navigation in nearly any vehicle is by purchasing a car stereo with it built-in. These services will utilize either their proprietary software or they will use services like Garmin. The nice thing about this feature is the ease of use. All you have to do is hit the navigation button on the menu and you are ready to go. This gives you the feel like your car came from the factory with navigation built-in. There are no extra steps once your head unit is installed. Just type in the address and you’re ready to go. 

Navigation apps on Apple CarPlay & Android Auto

This option is probably the most popular option when it comes to aftermarket head units today. This gives you the ability to choose which navigation app you want to use, whether that is Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze. Plus by using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, you can control everything through your virtual assistant like Siri or Google Assistant. These will also allow you to have access to up to date traffic information as well as giving you the ability to avoid tolls and interstates whenever you want. The functionality will be incredibly familiar as they have a very similar interface to what you would normally see on your phone. 

Whichever option you choose, make sure to visit our website to see what car stereos we have available that offer these useful features. Also, check out our other articles outlining everything else you need to know about car stereos today.

The post Introduction to GPS Navigation on Aftermarket Car Stereos appeared first on Sonic Electronix Learning Center and Blog.

CarPlay is Apple’s solution for the car that allows you to make phone calls, send messages and listen to music without holding or using your actual phone. You can either toggle these features by going truly hands-free by using Siri or you can quickly select the application you want to use through the easy to use menu right on your car stereo. This allows for safer operation with fewer distractions. 

2. You can get Apple CarPlay in almost any vehicle

Car manufacturers began using Apple CarPlay in their vehicles around 2015 or later and even when it was first released, it was only reserved for the top trim models; however, just because your factory radio doesn’t have the ability to use this feature, doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to get something in the aftermarket that can. We offer a number of car stereos that offer this incredibly useful feature. 

3. Aftermarket car stereos with Apple CarPlay can be fairly affordable 

Although we do sell some $1200 premium head units with Apple CarPlay built-in, we also offer some fairly affordable options for around $300. This means that you won’t have to break the bank to be able to quickly modernize your vehicle.

4. Not all Apple CarPlay enabled car stereos are the same

Although the UI (User Interface) will look the same pretty much across the board, there are certain features that will only be available in more premium head units. In the more expensive models, you will be able to get things like larger touchscreens or wireless Carplay. Most CarPlay enable stereos from the factory or in the aftermarket are only made available via wired Apple CarPlay. Meaning that you have to connect your iPhone to your stereo through a USB cable. 

Wireless CarPlay enables you to connect your iPhone to your stereo by using a shared wifi connection that only premium head units offer. Once you connect your phone to that wifi connection from the head unit, you will be given the ability to enable wireless CarPlay. This eliminates the need for a USB cable.

5. There are other ways to use your iPhone hands-free 

Apple CarPlay is not the only option when it comes to using your iPhone. Many modern vehicles from the last 15 years and every aftermarket car stereo we sell have either an option for USB, Bluetooth, or both. You could then purchase a phone mount for as little as $5 so you place your phone in an easy to see location that won’t obstruct your view of the road. That way you could set your GPS or music playlist before you drive and you can leave it as you drive. Also while driving, you could use the “Hey Siri” feature if you want to change the song, reset the navigation, send a text, or make a phone call.

Now that you have these 5 fast facts for using your iPhone to your car, you are well on your way to getting the most out of your device while driving. Whether you decide to spend $1000 on a new car stereo or just $5 on a new phone mount, there are multiple ways to safely use your device in your vehicle.

The post Using Your iPhone in the Car: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know appeared first on Sonic Electronix Learning Center and Blog.

Without a doubt the number one car stereo of 2019 has to be the Alpine Halo9 iLX-F309. This innovative aftermarket stereo has floating 9-inch touchscreen. It has a very similar look to something you might see in a C-class Mercedes. This massive screen also offers multiple viewing angles. You can adjust it depending on which vehicle you install it in. It also has some other incredibly useful features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and obviously Bluetooth. This incredible stereo can make almost any car interior look brand new. Another incredible feature of this massive head unit is that it takes that 9-inch screen and allows you to install it in a single din mount.

Sony XAV-AX5000

Another beautiful screen that emulates an infotainment system that you would find in a luxury vehicle. This one offers a 7-inch touchscreen, which is the largest screen Sony has ever made for a head unit. Just like the Halo9, this head unit also offers Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth. This stereo also fits in a single din mount as well. Another major bonus of this stereo is how simple the UI is to navigate. Also, the general design of this stereo is very clean and minimalistic. This device is also the most affordable device on this list as well.

Pioneer AVIC-W8400NEX

This is the most premium stereo that Pioneer offers. Just like the Sony, it is a 7-inch touchscreen; However, this head unit is offered in the larger Double Din form factor. In addition to the typical features in this category like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth, this stereo has some unique ones. One unique feature that this stereo offers is Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit. Therefore, this unique device can actually control smart home features from just your voice in your car. You could control things in your smart home like the thermostat and lighting so that when you get home, everything will be just as you like.

Kenwood DNX574S

This Kenwood stereo is another double din touchscreen stereo that measures in at 6.8-inches. This is also the only head unit in this category that offers a CD/DVD player. All other stereos in this category are mechless.  This stereo does offer the largest power output out of all of these options however. This device outputs 22W RMS as opposed to some of the others on this list that only output 17W RMS. You will find similar features that you see on the other stereos on this list like Apple Car Play, Android Auto and Bluetooth. It also has some pretty amazing unique features like it is compatible with idataLink Maestro that displays your vehicle status on the stereo. It also has Garmin navigation built in as well as Lane assist. This head unit also features multiple route previews and ecoRoute which calculates your fuel economy and estimates the cost of a trip.

JVC KW-M845BW

This head unit is the same size as the Kenwood model coming in at 6.8 inches. It too has a power output of 22W RMS as well. It has Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth and built-in Wifi. This is also the second most affordable option behind the Sony after the mail-in rebate. There is also an external microphone to allow for better call quality. Similar to Sony, it has a very simple and clean design that would look good in any dash.

The post Top 5 Car Stereos for 2019 appeared first on Sonic Electronix Learning Center and Blog.

What is Apple CarPlay?

Apple CarPlay is a smarter, safer way to use your iPhone in the car. It allows your iPhone (iPhone 5 or later) to completely integrate with your compatible car stereo and bring your iOS experience into the car with ease. CarPlay features Siri Eyes Free mode which allows you to navigate through your phone and apps by voice command, keeping your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. With CarPlay, you can get directions, make calls, send and receive messages and listen to your favorite music without ever reaching for your phone.

How does Apple CarPlay work?

CarPlay works by plugging your iPhone in to your car stereo via USB. It is important to note that CarPlay is on your iOS device and not your stereo. Once connected, a customized version of iOS, designed by Apple, will display on your stereo complete with icons and Siri support. Once connected and running, you’ll be able to control your iPhone through the touchscreen controls of your stereo or through voice commands.

1. Connect Your iPhone to the Stereo Through USB
2. Open Your Favorite Apps
3. Control Via Voice Control or Touchscreen
4. Keep Your Eyes on the Road and off Your Phone

Apple CarPlay is all about being safe while driving. Controlling your phone through voice commands and your stereo stops you from having to reach for your phone to answer a call, check your directions or see what song is playing and leaves your hands and eyes free to concentrate on the road.

The post Apple CarPlay Car Stereos appeared first on Sonic Electronix Learning Center and Blog.