Apple CarPlay uses Bluetooth only to pair your iPhone, then switches to Wi-Fi for faster data transfer and smoother performance.
Apple CarPlay was first introduced back in 2014, and it’s become a staple in so many vehicles in the 11 years since then. Because we’re so indebted to our iPhones for both information and entertainment, it only makes sense that Apple gave us a way to safely use our iPhones while driving. There are many Apple CarPlay apps worth downloading that can help you navigate, put on your favorite podcast for your daily commute, help you find parking, and more.
Car connectivity for cell phones existed well before CarPlay, thanks to Bluetooth. This was how people could wirelessly connect their phones to their cars to make and receive phone calls without having to use their hands or one of those Bluetooth headsets for phones still on the market. You might have assumed that a feature like CarPlay was merely an extension of this Bluetooth technology, using that same linkage to perform all of these other functions on your iPhone. Well, that is partly true and partly untrue, because Wi-Fi also plays a part in the feature.
