Still a Demand for Portable Wireless CarPlay in 2023?

Lmess2023 on 13/08/2023 - 15:04
Last edited 13/08/2023 - 15:27 by 1 other user

Hi, I've been doing some browsing on eBay and Amazon recently and couldn't help but notice the abundance of portable CarPlay products available. It seems like there's a wide range of options out there, with sizes ranging from 7 inches to 10 inches, and even some units that come with built-in dashcams. The price spectrum is quite broad as well, spanning from $100 to $300.

With all these choices at our fingertips, I'm curious – do you think there's still a significant demand for portable CarPlay in 2023? Despite the increasing integration of CarPlay into new car models, these portable units offer flexibility, allowing you to enjoy CarPlay in older cars or even rental vehicles.

Have any of you considered purchasing one of these products? Whether it's for the convenience, the added functionality, or just to stay up-to-date with the latest in-car tech, I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Are they a worthwhile investment, or do you think the native infotainment systems in most new cars have rendered them less essential?

Let's discuss – share your insights, opinions, or any recommendations you might have for those of us who are contemplating delving into the world of portable CarPlay in 2023!

Automotive Apple CarPlay

Comments

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 13/08/2023 - 15:36
    +6

    Oh yes I definitely think it is a great business venture idea with guaranteed get rich quick possibility

  • capslock janitor on 13/08/2023 - 16:18

    yes im in the market for 1 or 2 for our cars !
    with android auto combo thho

    any recommendations ?

    • mess2023 on 13/08/2023 - 17:05

      Oh, it depends on your requirement.
      Do you need the camera? the price may different

      • capslock janitor on 13/08/2023 - 17:08

        yes the camera would be nice!
        ( until i get a proper dashcam setup)

        • mess2023 on 13/08/2023 - 17:29

          May I ask do you need the rear cam or just the front one? Setting the rear cam is a little bit hard, lol

          • capslock janitor on 13/08/2023 - 17:31

            @mess2023: exactly lol, ultimately i'd have a rear cam too and parking-mode.

            but android/apple combo with front cam is a fine stepping stone

  • p1 ama on 13/08/2023 - 16:39
    +1

    In the long run, definitely the demand will decrease - I basically see them as similar to similar past devices which were used to improve the functionality of inbuilt car entertainment systems - e.g. the tape that could be plugged into an AUX output, FM transmitters, 3.5mm jack to bluetooth adaptors…etc.

    • mess2023 on 13/08/2023 - 17:08

      Certainly! I agree with your perspective. It's possible that within the past 3 years, all newly manufactured cars were come equipped with CarPlay functionality.
      This market is undoubtedly facing a gradual contraction. However, as of now, there still seems to be substantial demand.

      • capslock janitor on 13/08/2023 - 17:53
        +1

        long as there are still pre-AA/ACP vehicles around

      • Naigrabzo on 14/08/2023 - 00:55

        Not Teslas. ;)

  • Euphemistic on 13/08/2023 - 17:41

    Despite the increasing integration of CarPlay into new car models

    You do know that kit everyone thinks that upgrading their car i essential so they can get CarPlay.

    • AustriaBargain on 14/08/2023 - 10:21
      +1

      CarPlay is often listed on used car ads, so sellers think the demand is there.

    • ColtNoir on 14/08/2023 - 15:25
      +1

      It might not be the reason for the purchase but if you’re picking between two cars it could be a deciding factor.

      Ever tried getting updates to GPS for an older car? My goodness the price some manufacturers want to charge for an update is insane. I think I was quoted $600 from Mazda a few years ago for a 2009 car.

      • Euphemistic on 14/08/2023 - 17:09

        My point being that there is a market for such devices simply because people don’t typically buy a car just to get CarPlay. There are plenty of cars still in fully functional condition that we’re not built with it. Shock horror, some probably don’t even have Bluetooth.

        I just noticed the fat finger typo. Should be not instead of kit.

        • jackary on 14/08/2023 - 18:59
          +2

          I bought a new car just to get CarPlay. I’m that guy.

          • Euphemistic on 14/08/2023 - 19:11

            @jackary: My bad. OP, cancel that business idea. No one needs a portable CarPlay device. We’re all getting new cars.

            (I’m glad wireless CarPlay is standard on our new cars)

            • jackary on 14/08/2023 - 19:17

              @Euphemistic: Phew! I’m glad we worked that out.

              All told, I’m not sure I’m sold on wireless CarPlay. Partner has it in a Skoda Kamiq and it’s reliable, snappy etc, but the hit on battery life is pretty large (even when on the wireless charger) - and the phone itself gets awfully toasty!

        • ColtNoir on 15/08/2023 - 08:32

          My 2009 Mazda has Bluetooth, it’s hardly new.

          The market for these is small. The people who want it, likely already have a car with it or are looking for an upgrade.

          I can see few types of people that don’t have it.
          1. Those that will just use a phone mount and use their phone
          2. Those who have a no frills car and don’t want to spend the cash
          3. Those that would buy these types of things

          Just because there’s a market, doesn’t mean it’s profitable, definitely not a long living market.
          They’ll come and go like the TomTom’s did.

          • Euphemistic on 15/08/2023 - 12:19

            @ColtNoir: Perhaps because Tom Tom have faded away more people are looking for a way to use their phone in car.m, although mounting the phone direct and porting sound via Bluetooth men’s you don’t need to add an extra CarPlay screen.

            Bluetooth for phone calls or audio has been around long enough not many cars need to add it. The additional functionality of CarPlay (or android auto) means that there is a reason to step up, especially if you want to use voice command and navigation.

            Yes, it a limited market and portable devices will definitely phase out over the next few years as more cars get better connectivity

  • mskeggs on 13/08/2023 - 17:58
    +11

    Can we just cut to the chase and post the spam link so we can report this?

  • SydStrand on 13/08/2023 - 20:34

    Despite the increasing integration of CarPlay into new car models, these portable units offer flexibility, allowing you to enjoy CarPlay in older cars or even rental vehicles.

    Name one rental company that would actually do this.

    • Naigrabzo on 14/08/2023 - 00:55

      Agree. Dreamin.

    • Euphemistic on 14/08/2023 - 07:55
      +2

      I think the idea is portable that probably connects with aux in or Bluetooth.

  • AustriaBargain on 14/08/2023 - 10:20

    If you can also install MagSafe chargers too then I'd probably buy.

    • mess2023 on 15/08/2023 - 15:06

      lol, I haven't see this kind of product yet, probably buying one portable Carpaly and one Magsafe charger is easier.

  • Rilo 117 on 14/08/2023 - 10:54

    I've got a 2015 camry and it doesn't have carplay, it's something I'd really like.

    In the past I've used 3rd party accessories, like a 5" display monitor on the dash and reverse camera, and also a headsup display OB2 pluggin running to the dash to be seen on the windscreen. For the most part these were fine, however the longer I had them, the more annoying the cables running were (3rd world problems right? lol).

    With the Camry, I'm currently looking at switching out the head unit to incorporate carplay into it. I believe it does cost a bit extra, with the requirement of harnesses and a fascia, but you get a cleaner finish.

    I could understand it's not for everyone and changing a car from stock to 3rd party might affect resale and etc, and the apeal of being able to easly unplug and move a portable one seems great in some sense, but additionally could make the car a target for theft.

    I think both have pro's and con's, but would understand if more people prefer the portable carplay for the simplicity.

  • Msfrugal on 14/08/2023 - 13:41

    Hi.
    I am thrilled to have bought a portable CarPlay unit from Supercheap Few months ago.
    I have 2014 i30.
    Bought it last year, specifically for Bluetooth, Reverse camera and maps. Unfortunately the unit is faulty.
    No Bluetooth, maps not updated, reverse camera doesn’t like it when gets too hot. Aux/USB not work.
    BUT what I do like about the car unit is that I have CD player (still a lover of my cds) And the announcement that I’m over the speed limit which is useful.
    Faulty unit is a known Issue with Hyundais of that era.

    I got a quote to to replace with a CarPlay unit and was $1000.
    I’d lose CD and “over speed limit” announcement.
    Seemed a lot of money so I didn’t replace.

    I learned about portable car players and did a forum post back in May this year.

    I love it. The unit is 1 ph only. Just reset and pair of you want to change to someone else’s ph.
    I love having WAZE open on one half of screen and podcast on the other… sound connected to car stereo and volume controls work on steering wheel.

    I like the dashcam - need a micro Sd card. I have not installed the Reverse camera as car has that, not rear dashcam as accidentally sent those lead’s with a gift of same CarPlay unit to brother overseas. (Unboxed to reduce weight and thought my spare leads belonged with them).

    There is slight inconvenience of unit taking a minute when automatically connects when you start engine every time . The benefit of that though is that one day I drove to shop few minutes from home and noted didn’t connect- discovered it’s because I left ph at home … so if happens again I’ll turn around less that 2 mins from home discovering it’s left behind rather than much later.

    Nano connect is the name of unit. I was fortunate there was a sale on and got it for $250 instead of $350. With front and rear dashcam included it was bargain and no regrets.

    As mentioned i bought one for my brother who driving 2015 Honda Civic.

  • mess2023 on 15/08/2023 - 15:14

    Is there any limitation on Ozbargain if I was an online store owner and post my website here? or some sales information if anyone may be interested?
    Anyone knows if any rules about this :)

    • jackary on 15/08/2023 - 18:26

      Yes, literally the rules

      Can we report this as spam yet???

      • mess2023 on 16/08/2023 - 17:29

        lol, someone already share the product link under my post, why you dont report that ?

    • capslock janitor on 15/08/2023 - 19:24
      -1

      if you make new forum about website asking for feedback , i believe its fine
      ive seen it done here before

      dunno about sales info thho

      • mess2023 on 16/08/2023 - 17:25

        I would try that lol, I believe my store's products have competitive prices.

    • zonra on 15/08/2023 - 21:02

      If you believe you can offer an actual bargain (not an advert) then feel free to post as a deal, be ready to cop a neg or ten if it’s not a bargain though.
      Please don’t post a “Check out my store” in the forum or the equivalence (e.g., wherever this post is heading) because then it’s just spamming.

      • mess2023 on 16/08/2023 - 17:28

        Sure, I would do that. But one question is how to define the ”bargain“ or a good deal, like what kind of discount is lower enough? 10%? 20%?

        • zonra on 16/08/2023 - 21:24

          It’s not difficult. A bargain would be when you’re cheaper than everywhere else for the same or equivalent product.
          Percentages mean nothing. If your 90%-off price is still dearer than what it costs elsewhere then it’s clearly not a bargain, and you’ll also be (rightfully) accused of setting fake RRP/ pre-sale price.

          • mess2023 on 17/08/2023 - 16:42

            @zonra: That makes sense, thanks so much for your explanation.

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