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:
- 2014-2018 Mazda3
- 2016-2018 Mazda6
- 2016-2019 Mazda MX-5
- 2017-2019 Mazda MX-5 RF
- 2016-2019 Mazda CX-3
- 2016-2018 Mazda CX-5
- 2016-2018 Mazda CX-9
The retrofit includes installing new software and 2.1-amp USB ports.
