The News Wheel
No Comments

Mazda Offers Retrofits for Apple CarPlay, Android Auto

Decrease Font Size Increase Font Size Text Size Print This Page

Mazda Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Despite the many good qualities of Mazda’s MAZDA CONNECT™ infotainment system, some consumers have a big problem with it: it doesn’t include Apple CarPlay™ or Android Auto™. Mazda rectified that starting with the 2018 Mazda6. However, those driving older-model-year Mazdas just had to look on with envy.


Speaking of Envy: Which Mazda crossover is best for you?


Not any more, though — Mazda North American Operations announced it would begin offering dealer-installed retrofits for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on Mazda vehicles as old as the 2014 model year, so long as they use MAZDA CONNECT. This retrofit isn’t just a software flash, though. The update includes new, faster-charging 2.1-amp USB ports and the latest edition of MAZDA CONNECT.

According to Mazda, the retrofit takes about 2 hours at your local dealership. MSRP starts at $199, plus labor. Mazda says that adding these systems to more cars serves the automaker’s philosophy of minimizing driver distractions and smooth connectivity features.


Also Safety: These are the systems Mazda uses to help keep you safe


This coincides with a general movement in infotainment systems to give up old, byzantine systems and deliver more intuitive design. Doing just this was one of the recommendations from a J.D. Power study back in August. Essentially, the study found people were using their smartphones more for navigation and music rather than the carmaker’s in-house system. So, J.D. Power argued, automakers would do well to give up the battle. In any case, for Mazda this upgrade offers a more intuitive user experience, and expands access to a highly sought-after feature (just in time for the holidays, too).