4 causes I at all times select Android Auto over Apple CarPlay (and why you need to, too)

As somebody who travels so much for work, I take my in-car expertise extremely severely. Whether or not it is ensuring I’ve one of the best apps for my listening or that my consumer interface fully matches the vibe I am on the lookout for, I am a bit explicit about something associated to my automobile and the way I get pleasure from utilizing it. A lot in order that I’ve each a piece cellphone, which is an Android, and a private iPhone. Every has its personal makes use of, and I will save debating between the 2 as telephones for one more day, however I am right here to say one factor that is grow to be essential to me — Android Auto beats CarPlay in an enormous method.

From usability to the big selection of apps accessible through the Google Play Retailer to the settings that may be manipulated with ease, there are a number of explanation why I select to run Android Auto over Apple CarPlay extra occasions than not. Nonetheless, we do not have that form of time or area, so I’ve chosen to placed on paper (or display, I suppose) the 4 most important explanation why I will at all times select Android Auto over Apple CarPlay.

Customization is king

One of many largest Apple gripes makes its method to your automobile display

Merely put, you possibly can customise nearly all the things in the case of Android Auto, particularly for those who turn on developer settings. As an example, I can swap the perimeters of my display the media choice and maps seem on. The far facet of the display is a little bit of a attain for me, and will be distracting. Nonetheless, how typically do you alter your maps on street journeys? Now, take into consideration how typically you alter your media software program. I think about you, like me, fiddle together with your media a couple of extra occasions.

Not solely that, however your Android Auto app choice display background can also be your cellphone’s background extra occasions than not. For years, folks have been wanting Apple CarPlay so as to add picture backgrounds, however as a substitute, they simply preserve churning out the identical fashion of gradient backgrounds that do not actually add a private contact to your automobile. It makes zero sense why this merely hasn’t been finished, however alas, it is one other space the place Android Auto beats CarPlay.

Google Maps interfaces significantly better

You do not really feel such as you’re committing taboo by utilizing the superior map

I’ve a little bit of a secret to inform you, expensive reader — even after I did or nonetheless do use CarPlay, I be sure Google Maps is my solely navigation companion. Nonetheless, you possibly can at all times inform that Google Maps wasn’t precisely made to cater to CarPlay customers, given the native OS at all times steers you again to Apple Maps. As an alternative, Android Auto makes use of Google Maps as its native navigation system, making synchronization rather more seamless.

Along with the software program working smoother, issues like satellite tv for pc viewing can be found to assist customers get a greater sense of the place the following flip is. Talking of performance, Google Maps is jam-packed with extra useful options than Apple Maps. I can save my parking spot with only a faucet (Apple is meant to do that routinely, but it surely misses), filter eating places by dietary wants — which is tremendous useful when my vegan in-laws go to us — and usually navigate any space significantly better. Google has been on the Maps recreation for lots longer than Apple, and it actually reveals.

Gemini leaves Siri within the mud

On the subject of AI assistants, Apple is way behind

Credit score: Google

If Apple customers are bored with listening to how significantly better Gemini is than Apple Intelligence or Siri, simply cowl your ears now, as a result of I am right here to inform you that the distinction is genuinely astounding. Siri was extremely cool when it first launched, and I will admit that it’s not fully ineffective. Nonetheless, in the case of in-car private assistants, Gemini beats it handidly. The perfect utilization of AI that we’ve got in our non-autonomous automobiles proper now’s letting it deal with imprecise duties like, “Inform my spouse I am coming dwelling, after which share my ETA along with her.”

Now, for those who instructed Siri this, it would be capable of deal with maintain the primary half, however in the case of linking instructions collectively? Overlook about it. Gemini can do all of this and extra rather more simply. There is a purpose why a number of the high automakers are ditching CarPlay for Android-based methods. They’re widespread all around the globe as a substitute of simply within the U.S., and there is a good purpose for that.

A Sensible Dwelling consumer’s greatest good friend

Controlling my dwelling from the automobile is a recreation changer

As somebody whose house is plagued by Google Smart Home devices, being able to regulate all of them from my automobile has been an entire game-changer. As an example, say you wish to save in your energy invoice by turning up the thermostat in your method out the door within the mornings — a totally regular factor to do. With Android Auto’s Sensible Dwelling compatibility, you possibly can inform Gemini to show down your thermostat whenever you get into your automobile after work. Then, after your night commute, you possibly can come dwelling and never have to fret about letting the home cool off earlier than you get snug.

Apple has made some strides in direction of this with iOS 26, positive, however as I’ve already mentioned, there’s actual worth within the native capabilities of an Android system versus Apple’s shortcuts. I am positive iPhone customers will probably be a bit perturbed that their beloved CarPlay OS is actually being stacked up in opposition to Android Auto, however the actuality is that it is for good purpose. Apple can sustain in loads of departments, however in-car leisure merely is not one in all them.