What you need to know
- Both Honda and Hyundai are bringing wireless CarPlay to new models.
- The 2021 Honda Accord will feature wireless CarPlay on higher trim models.
- The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe is also adding the feature.
Reported by MacRumors, Honda has announced that it is bringing wireless CarPlay to the 2021 Accord in its higher-end EX-L and Touring trims within a new 8-inch touchscreen display.
Wireless CarPlay allows you to connect your iPhone to your car over Bluetooth and enjoy streaming music, maps, Siri, and more without having to plug in with a lightning cable. While some may hesitate to drop the cable because of the charging benefit, Honda has reportedly added wireless charging to the car as well.
Wireless CarPlay works over Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, eliminating the need for the iPhone to be connected to the infotainment system with a Lightning cable. Together with wireless charging, these features free up the USB ports in the vehicle, which have been moved to the front of the center console for easier access.
Honda isn't the only car company to bring wireless CarPlay to one of its models lately. Hyundai has also added wireless CarPlay to the 2021 Santa Fe for the trim models not equipped with its own navigation system. Hyundai has also upgraded its car to an 8-inch touchscreen display to take advantage of the new feature.
Hyundai has also added wireless CarPlay and Android Auto to the 2021 Santa Fe, on models that are not equipped with navigation. Wired CarPlay and Android Auto remain standard on navigation-equipped models. The vehicle is now equipped with a larger 8-inch touchscreen, an upgrade from the 7-inch display in previous models.
According to the report, the 2021 Honda Accord has already gone on sale in the United States this week, with the Hyundai Santa Fe coming by the end of the year.
The 2021 Accord went on sale at Honda dealerships in the United States earlier this week, with pricing starting at $31,090 for a trim equipped with wireless CarPlay. The 2021 Santa Fe will arrive at Hyundai dealerships in the United States by the end of the year, but pricing was not disclosed in the press release.
Most vehicles that support CarPlay still do so through a Lightning cable, but wireless CarPlay will continue to roll out as time goes on and, with the addition of wireless charging, wired CarPlay will eventually become a thing of the past.
