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If you need USB-C to USB-A cable to use CarPlay and iPhone 15., make sure it is a data cable.
There are some USB-C to USB-A cables that is designed for one way charging, which will not work for CarPlay.
I prefer thin and braided USB-C to USB-A cables.
Now I want Wireless CarPlay.
I just received a few UGREN UGREEN USB-C to USB-A Cables today.
UGREEN USB 3.0 Fast Charging Cable, 3.3ft
UGREEN USB A to USB C Cable, Type C Fast Charger Cable 6.6ft
UGREEN USB C Cable 2 Pack USB C Fast Charging Cable 3A USB Cable 6.6 ft
All of the cables are braided and thin, as the 6.6ft versions are thinner than its 3.3ft counterpart.
All 3 cables can be used with iPhone 15 and CarPlay in cars that only have USB-A ports.
In previous post, I tested an Anker PowerLine II UGREEN USB-C to USB-A Cable for iPhone 15 and CarPlay compatibility. Yes it is compatible, but the cable itself is thick and a bit too stiff. I’ll be using this cable as USB-C data-transfer cable with computers.
I received an email on Monday, November 19, 2018 from our local Mazda Dealer that Apple CarPlay® and Android™ Auto available as a dealer-installed update.
One short phone call later, the installation as scheduled for Wednesday, November 21, 2018. As mentioned in the email, the dealer pricing was $399.95 plus tax. I assumed that the pricing includes the $199 for the parts and software, and the labor cost.
I dropped off my 2014 Mazda3 early in the morning and was given a loaner 2018 Mazda3. I was hoping that the loaner Mazda3 would have CarPlay installed, but it did not. I was told that November 21, 2018 was the first day the dealer starts providing the upgrade.
Around 3:00 pm, I received a notification that my car was ready. I left for the dealer to pickup my car. After signing the paperwork and making the payment for the installation, I finally got into my Mazda3.
I connected my iPhone to the newly upgraded 2.1-amp USB port and turned the car on. There it is, Apple CarPlay in my Mazda3.
One thing I noticed is that I also have the latest version of Mazda Infotainment system. According to Mazda, the latest version available for the OS was version 59; my Mazda3 had OS version 55.
After the CarPlay installation, the car now has OS version 70.
I only had Apple CarPlay in my Mazda3 for 2 days. The $399.95 + tax seems a bit high according tony colleagues. To me it is a worthy upgrade.
Mazda models compatible with Apple CarPlay™ and Android™ Auto upgrade:
The retrofit includes installing new software and 2.1-amp USB ports.
Mazda has announced the availability of Apple CarPlay™ and Android™ Auto retrofit on select models.
The retrofit includes installing new software and 2.1-amp USB ports. The retrofit costs 399.95 USD + Tax in the United States.
Apple has officially released iOS 7.1 (build 11D167) with CarPlay support and other enhancements.
iOS 7.1 is available for:
iPad:
iPhone:
iPod touch:
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iOS 7.1 update is a 1+ GB download.
iOS 7.1 beta was first seeded back in November 18, 2014. The fifth and the last iOS 7.1 beta was released on February 4, 2014. Notably, all builds of iOS 7.1 betas contain the SSL/goto fail vulnerability.
From Apple.com:
iOS 7.1 is packed with interface refinements, bug fixes, improvements, and new features. Apple CarPlay introduces a better way to use iPhone while driving. And you can now control exactly how long Siri listens and more. Getting the update is easy. Go to Settings. Select General. And tap Software Update.
Apple rebrands “iOS in the Car” as “CarPlay“.
From Apple Press Release:
GENEVA―March 3, 2014―Apple® today announced that leading auto manufacturers are rolling out CarPlay, the smarter, safer and more fun way to use iPhone® in the car. CarPlay gives iPhone users an incredibly intuitive way to make calls, use Maps, listen to music and access messages with just a word or a touch. Users can easily control CarPlay from the car’s native interface or just push-and-hold the voice control button on the steering wheel to activate Siri® without distraction. Vehicles from Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo will premiere CarPlay to their drivers this week, while additional auto manufacturers bringing CarPlay to their drivers down the road include BMW Group, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai Motor Company, Jaguar Land Rover, Kia Motors, Mitsubishi Motors, Nissan Motor Company, PSA Peugeot Citroën, Subaru, Suzuki and Toyota Motor Corp.
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I don’t see Mazda on that list and that is such a disappointment to me. I drive a 2014 Mazda 3 which in my humble opinion has an unreliable Infotainment System. I wish that Mazda would offer software crossgrade to Apple CarPlay.
Should you have further inquires about your 2014 Mazda 3 and Mazda 6, contact Mazda Connect team at (800) 430-0153. Ask them politely to consider adding Apple CarPlay support to your favorite Mazda cars.