Apple offers essential apps for its CarPlay system, but third-party options for navigation, audio, and utility can enhance safety and convenience while driving. This article reviews the best third-party apps for CarPlay in key categories.
6
Waze
Despite being acquired by Google in 2013, Waze remains a separate app (from Google Maps) in the App Store, although many of its features are also now integrated into the main Google Maps app. What makes Waze a continued winner is its deep integration with crowdsourcing, which brings a certain level of intimacy that’s lacking in other map apps. This integration makes it relatively easy to alert fellow drivers to things like road hazards, police sightings, and speed traps.
Waze also does a terrific job of offering real-time re-routes based on changing road conditions. For example, if there are reports of an accident 25 miles ahead on your journey, the CarPlay display will explain the situation and suggest alternative routes. It’s a slick process that works seamlessly.
Another nice touch is Waze’s customization options. You can change the voice of the Waze assistant, adjust the look of icons, and more. This adds some uniqueness that’s missing from other map apps.
Waze certainly isn’t for everything. Google Maps, for example, still does a better job at helping you find a business. It’s also the app I use when there are multiple stops on my journey. Google Maps simply does things like this better. But, overall, I find myself using Waze much more than Google Maps and Apple Maps.
Download: Waze (Free)
5
Overcast
There are several different ways to listen to podcasts in the car. One of my favorite apps for this purpose is Overcast. While most of its features are available for free, a premium subscription offers additional bonus features, and you can also opt to hide the occasional ads that come with the free version.
Overcast rightly advertises its two best features: Smart Speed and Voice Boost. The former dynamically shortens silences in podcasts, thereby cutting down the total time. It works brilliantly since it does this without distortion, thereby keeping the talk natural-sounding.
The app’s other great feature, Voice Boost, elevates every sound to the same level, even when going between podcasts. This essentially removes the need to adjust the volume in places like your car, where there might be other people listening (and talking) while your favorite show is playing.
Download: Overcast (Free, in-app purchases available)
4
Audible
When it comes to listening to audiobooks, there’s Audible and everyone else. The Amazon title offers several features that other options, such as Apple Books, do not. For one, Audible offers a subscription-based service that allows you to purchase a set number of book titles each month at a discounted price.
Perhaps the best Audible feature is Whispersync for Voice. This allows you to seamlessly switch between a Kindle eBook and the corresponding audiobook, regardless of your device. Often, when I’m in the car, I will pick up the audiobook where I left off on my iPad.
Audible isn’t necessarily for everyone. If you don’t read a lot of audiobooks, getting a subscription might not be worth it. In that case, the differences between Audible, Apple Books, and others are much less noticeable.
Download: Audible (Must purchase most content)
3
Libby
If you like to borrow and listen to audiobooks from your local library, there’s Libby. The free app enables you to borrow and read e-books, listen to audiobooks, and access digital magazines. To listen to a new audiobook, you must first download it onto your iPhone; from there, it will show up in the Libby app on the CarPlay display.
Libby says it offers over 45,000 free audiobook titles, which should allow you to drive back and forth between the coasts of the U.S. at least a few times.
Download: Libby (Free)
2
Weather on the Way
There are heaps of excellent weather apps on the App Store. The Weather on the Way app differs in that it focuses on providing a forecast for every location along your specific route. In other words, you can see a timeline of the weather you’re expected to encounter on your way in real-time.
Weather on the Way is a terrific tool for anyone planning to travel long distances in the coming days, such as truckers, vacationers, and long-distance commuters. The free version of the app offers a limited number of features. With a yearly subscription, all the features are unlocked.
Download: Weather on the Way (Free, subscription available)
1
Plugshare and other fueling apps
All cars have one thing in common: they require fuel, whether it is gasoline or electricity. Not surprisingly, numerous CarPlay-enabled apps can help you get to your next fill-up.
For EV owners, there’s PlugShare. The free app’s primary function is to help drivers find available charging stations using an interactive map. You can sort this information by plug type, charging speed, and network. PlugShare is recognized for its ever-growing community of users who check in to stations on the app and share reviews, photos, and general tips. This information is beneficial to both new and long-time EV drivers.
If your car still takes gas, finding a filling station on CarPlay is much easier. Most national gas stations have apps that make it pain-free to find the nearest location from your CarPlay screen. Additionally, retailers like Walmart also show filling stations in their apps.
Download: Plugshare (Free)
Download: Walmart (Free)
Apple CarPlay allows you to access your iPhone’s features through your car’s display using a simple, hands-free interface. Each CarPlay-compatible app, including those mentioned earlier, is designed to operate safely during driving while reducing driver distractions.
