How to Get Apple CarPlay on a 2018 Toyota Highlander
The 2018 Toyota Highlander does not have Apple CarPlay, but make a quick trip to your local Toyota dealer to get it installed.
Written by Olivia Rose
Reviewed by Shannon Martin
The 2018 Toyota Highlander does not have Apple CarPlay, and unfortunately, it is not eligible for a software update to handle this capability. However, Highlander owners can still enjoy Apple CarPlay by swapping out their current radio head with an aftermarket infotainment system—many aftermarket systems support both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Since its release in 2014, Apple CarPlay has been a staple for drivers who use iPhones. While auxiliary jacks and Bluetooth stream audio from your phone, Apple CarPlay completely integrates your phone’s interface with your car’s infotainment system so that you can operate music, maps, and more from your car’s entertainment screen—and avoid distracted phone use while driving.
But even though your 2018 Highlander doesn’t come equipped with Apple CarPlay, you can still get it installed.
Car insurance
super app Jerry
is going to show you how to get Apple CarPlay in your 2018 Toyota Highlander—and while we’re at it, we’ll clue you in on how to lower your Toyota Highlander insurance costs
too. Don't get ripped off!
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Does the 2018 Toyota Highlander have Apple CarPlay?
No—Toyota didn’t start including Apple CarPlay in Highlanders until the 2020 model.
The base trim of the Highlander offers a 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while higher trim levels get you a larger 8.0-inch screen. But the system doesn’t include Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, which usually goes alongside Apple CarPlay.
How to add Apple CarPlay to a 2018 Toyota Highlander
You may have heard the news that several auto manufacturers are offering software upgrades for recent make and model vehicles that just missed the Apple CarPlay integration launch, and Toyota is one of them. Toyota has an
Audio Multimedia Enhancement program
in place, but only the 2018 Toyota Camry
and 2018 Toyota Sienna
are currently eligible. Also, this is not a free service—dealerships are the only place the software update can happen, and they charge around $200 for the service.
If you are an iPhone user and a 2018 Highland driver, don’t worry, you can still have the Apple CarPlay feature by investing in an aftermarket digital multimedia receiver. The average cost of an Apple-compatible receiver is between $400-$1,000, and then you will need to account for the installation cost can vary.
Swapping out the receiver yourself is possible if you have prior car audio experience, but we don’t recommend it. Between finding the correct radio head for your Highlander, knowing which software to use, what tools are needed, and how to install the update, there is plenty of room for error.
A car audio technician can help you pick out a receiver within your budget with the features you prefer and get the job completed within 30 minutes.
Don't get ripped off!
Don't get ripped off!
Estimate repairs near you with GarageGuard™ for free so you KNOW the fair price.
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Which Toyota models have Apple CarPlay?
As of 2021, all new Toyota models have Apple CarPlay, but Toyota was putting Apple CarPlay in some models earlier than that. Here is a complete list of all the Toyota models that come with Apple CarPlay.
- 2019 – 2022Toyota Avalon
- 2019 – 2022 Toyota Corolla Hatchback
- 2019 – 2022Toyota C-HR
- 2019 – 2022Toyota RAV4
- 2019 – 2022Toyota Sienna
- 2020 – 2022Toyota 4Runner
- 2020 – 2022Toyota Highlander
- 2020 – 2022Toyota Prius Prime
- 2020 – 2022Toyota Sequoia
- 2020 – 2021Toyota Yaris
- 2021 – 2022 Toyota Venza
MORE: Toyota Highlander V6
How to lower your Toyota Highlander insurance costs
Not only can Apple CarPlay just make your driving life more convenient—it can help you lower your , too!
Hands-free driving helps promote a
clean driving record
, which is the #1 way to keep your car insurance rates consistently low (and avoid paying for repairs or medical bills after an accident). Plus, if you use your new Apple CarPlay system to install a telematics app, you could earn a safe driver discount
with your insurance provider. But safe driving can only get you so far if you’re stuck in a policy that has you overpaying for coverage—and that’s where
Jerry
comes in. Jerry is a trustworthy insurance comparison app
that sifts through personalized quotes from dozens of providers on your behalf and brings you the best ones. That means you don’t have to do any of the work to find an affordable quote—all you have to do is pick a quote to purchase. “I would 11/10 recommendJerry. I was originally quoted $700+ for insurance for my new car, but by using Jerry I got my payments down to $320 a month. They also have a great support team ready to answer any questions!” —Tobias F.
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