Does CarPlay let you watch movies?

Answered by Jeremy Urbaniak

CarPlay, the infotainment system developed by Apple, does not natively support video playback while the vehicle is in motion. This restriction is put in place to prioritize driver safety and minimize distractions on the road. The main focus of CarPlay is to provide a seamless integration between your iPhone and your car’s display, allowing you to access and control various apps and features in a hands-free manner.

However, there are a few workarounds and alternative solutions that may allow you to watch movies or videos on your CarPlay-enabled system. One option is to use third-party apps that offer video playback capabilities. These apps may require some tinkering or modifications to bypass CarPlay’s restrictions, so it’s important to be mindful of any potential legal or safety implications.

Another option is to utilize the screen mirroring feature available on some CarPlay systems. This allows you to mirror the content from your iPhone’s screen onto the car’s display. By doing so, you can watch movies or videos that are playing on your iPhone directly on the CarPlay screen. However, it’s worth noting that this method may not be available on all CarPlay systems, as it depends on the specific hardware and software capabilities of your car’s infotainment system.

If you’re an Android user, you may be pleased to know that Android Auto, the Android equivalent of CarPlay, does support video playback. This means that if your car’s infotainment system supports Android Auto, you can connect your Android phone and use the Android Auto interface to watch movies or videos on the car’s display. Android Auto offers a range of compatible apps that support video playback, including popular streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, and Hulu.

It’s important to keep in mind that watching movies or videos while driving can be extremely dangerous and is often illegal in many jurisdictions. It’s always recommended to prioritize safety and focus on the road when operating a vehicle. If you want to enjoy multimedia content, it’s best to do so when parked or as a passenger.

CarPlay does not officially support video playback while driving, but there are potential workarounds and alternative solutions available. However, it’s important to exercise caution and prioritize safety when using any multimedia features in the car.