How to Get Apple CarPlay on a 2018 Toyota Camry

The Toyota Camry didn’t get Apple CarPlay functionality until 2019, but you can retrofit a 2018 or earlier model with this essential tech. Here’s how.
Written by R.E. Fulton
The 2018
Toyota Camry
doesn’t have Apple CarPlay as a standard feature—but you can add that functionality with a quick trip to your nearest Toyota dealership. 
  • The 2018 Toyota Camry doesn’t offer Apple CarPlay as a standard feature
  • Apple CarPlay didn’t become standard on the Toyota Camry until the 2019 model year
  • There are still several ways you can give your 2018 Camry Apple CarPlay capability if the feature is a must-have for you—such as making a trip to your local Toyota dealership

Does the 2018 Toyota Camry have Apple CarPlay?

The 2018 Toyota Camry doesn’t have Apple CarPlay. 
Since its 2014 introduction, this Apple system, which uses Bluetooth and wifi to allow you to use your iOS device through your car’s head unit or infotainment system, has become a crucial feature for drivers looking to reduce distracted driving.
However, this smartphone-friendly feature only became standard equipment for the Camry in 2019, so any models from 2018 or earlier won’t have CarPlay functionality. 
Android Auto, which typically goes hand-in-hand with Apple CarPlay, isn’t available either. 
You can still plug in your iPhone or connect it via Bluetooth, but it won’t be the seamless integration of CarPlay. 
Instead, the 2018 Camry uses the Toyota Entune 3.0 app suite for audio and navigation:
  • The
    Camry LE
    and
    Camry SE
    , along with the
    base L
    trim, get the trimmed-down version of Entune 3.0
  • The
    Camry XLE
    and
    XSE
    have additional features like a bigger touchscreen, a premium JBL audio system, extra USB ports, and wireless smartphone charging. 

How to add Apple CarPlay to a 2018 Toyota Camry

When Toyota added standard Apple CarPlay to the Camry sedan and the Sienna minivan in 2019, the company announced that 2018 Camry and Sienna owners could get their vehicles retrofitted for free at most dealerships. 
If your 2018 Camry still doesn’t have Apple CarPlay, a trip to your local Toyota dealer is the easiest and most efficient way to get the upgrade. 
The average installation time for the update is about 30 minutes, and while some dealers will charge an installation fee, you might still get this service for free. You can also add Amazon Alexa capabilities to your Camry at the same time! 
If you’re feeling brave and tech-savvy, you can track down the update files online and perform the upgrade yourself. You’ll need a Windows computer and a special USB flash drive, though. Unless you’re confident in your automotive tech skills, it’s a good idea to leave the Camry CarPlay update to a Toyota technician. 

How to enable Apple CarPlay in a 2018 Toyota Camry

Once your 2018 Camry is retrofitted with CarPlay, turning this feature on is fairly straightforward:
  • Connect your iPhone to the Camry using a lightning cable
  • Check the multimedia display to ensure that CarPlay is turned on—you’ll find the option by following Menu > Setup > General > Apple CarPlay > ON

Which Toyota models have Apple CarPlay? 

If you’re in the market for a new or used Toyota and want to be sure it has Apple CarPlay compatibility, you’ve come to the right place. 
Below is a complete list of the current Toyota models with Apple CarPlay: 
  • 2019 – 2022 Toyota Avalon
  • 2019 – 2023 Toyota Corolla Hatchback 
  • 2019 – 2023 Toyota Camry 
  • 2019 – 2022 Toyota C-HR
  • 2019 – 2023 Toyota RAV4
  • 2019 – 2023 Toyota Sienna
  • 2020 – 2023 Toyota GR86 
  • 2020 – 2023 Toyota 4Runner
  • 2020 – 2023 Toyota Corolla 
  • 2020 – 2023 Toyota Highlander
  • 2020 – 2023 Toyota Prius 
  • 2020 – 2023 Toyota Prius Prime
  • 2020 – 2023 Toyota Sequoia
  • 2020 – 2023 Toyota GR Supra 
  • 2020 – 2023 Toyota Tacoma 
  • 2020 – 2023 Toyota Tundra 
  • 2020 – 2021 Toyota Yaris
  • 2021 – 2023 Toyota Venza
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