Does the 2021 Corolla support CarPlay?
4 Answers
The 2021 Corolla supports CarPlay. Introduction to CarPlay: CarPlay is an in-car system developed by Apple Inc. that seamlessly integrates users' iOS devices and iOS experience with the dashboard system. Connection method: CarPlay only supports iPhones with Lightning ports. Although iPads also support this interface, Apple has not included iPads as hardware devices compatible with CarPlay. On June 13, 2016, Apple announced at the WWDC developer conference that its smart car system CarPlay would be updated alongside iOS 10, becoming the perfect companion for the new Apple Maps and Siri.
I drive a 2021 Corolla, and it does support CarPlay, but you need to connect your phone with a cable. I remember specifically asking the salesperson when I bought it, and he said the mid-to-high trim levels come with this feature standard. For my Hybrid Elite version, it works right away when plugged in. It's super convenient to operate Apple Maps and music apps directly on the center screen while driving—the navigation route projection is much clearer than on a phone. However, the base Pioneer trim might not have it, so check the spec sheet when buying. A friend of mine bought the same model in base trim and later installed an aftermarket module, which cost over 800 yuan and isn't very stable. I recommend testing it with your phone on the dealership's display car before buying—the factory-installed version has the best compatibility.
The 2021 Corolla supports CarPlay, but only in certain trim levels. When I was researching before purchasing, I found that both the Luxury and Flagship trims come standard with CarPlay, which works by connecting an iPhone with the original data cable. Every time you drive, the familiar Apple interface automatically pops up, and WeChat voice messages and navigation prompts are played directly through the car's speakers, which is much more stable than Bluetooth. Although base models don't have this feature, the infotainment system actually reserves the interface, and some owners have managed to enable it by modifying the wiring and flashing the system. It's important to note that you must connect to the USB-A port inside the center console for it to work—the charging port next to the cigarette lighter only supports charging.
An owner of the 2021 Corolla mentioned that it supports CarPlay, which I use daily for my commute. After plugging in the cable, it automatically recognizes the phone, and the central display directly shows the phone's navigation interface, which is very practical. However, this feature depends on the specific model configuration. For example, the Hybrid Sport version has it, but the 1.5L entry-level model might not. It's recommended that iPhone users prioritize models with CarPlay when choosing a car, as it's safer not to look at the phone while driving. System upgrades are also convenient. After an OTA update last year, even Spotify can be fully displayed.
