How To Get Apple CarPlay on a Saab 9-3

The Saab 9-3 doesn't support Apple Carplay, so you'll have to get creative if you want to enjoy advanced functions like maps and messages.
Written by Jasmine Kanter
Reviewed by Brenna Swanston
background
Whether you own a sedan, convertible, or wagon, the Saab 9-3 doesn't come with Apple Carplay—unless you're willing to put in some elbow grease. 
Nothing goes better with a sunny drive than a playlist of upbeat tunes. Many drivers also rely on Siri for navigation, answering calls, and previewing upcoming tasks on their calendars. For all these reasons, Apple Carplay is now an essential feature for most modern cars—but what if you have an older vehicle?
Jerry
’s goal is to make driving and shopping for
car insurance
easier for car owners, which is why we created a guide on how to get Apple CarPlay on a Saab 9-3. We’ll cover every official and unofficial solution before revealing how to reduce your
Saab insurance costs

Does the Saab 9-3 have Apple CarPlay?

No, Apple Carplay isn't available in the Saab 9-3 as is. The system lacks the hardware to support it or its features. You're not without entertainment options, however.
The Saab 9-3 comes standard with a seven-speaker CD stereo with satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack.
Plugging your phone into the aux jack is the easiest way to listen to tunes without purchasing a SiriusXM subscription or digging out your old CD folio. If your Apple device doesn’t have an audio jack, don’t fret. You can pick up an
aux to Bluetooth receiver on Amazon
for a little over $10. However, you won't be able to draft messages or check your calendar with this method.
The higher trims come with Bose speakers and Bluetooth so that you can stream music wirelessly. Again, you can't use maps or make phone calls, but it's better than nothing. 
Still unsatisfied? The next section is for people who aren't afraid of a little DIY.
Jerry sends free alerts to keep your car up-to-date so you can avoid costly repairs
* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score
Get ahead of my car maintenance
* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score

How to add Apple CarPlay to a Saab 9-3

The only way to get the real, 100% genuine Apple CarPlay on your Saab 9-3 is to purchase an aftermarket product.
First, you’ll need to find a new radio or head unit. You must be willing to put in a lot of research to find the right unit. Because modern car electronics are so tightly integrated, you could lose access to your cabin lights, radio, and other perfectly fine features if you choose the wrong one! The key is to look for a product with the same wiring harness as your car’s original radio.
Pioneer
offers quality consoles with Apple Carplay support. One online user successfully installed the
SPH-DA120 in a Saab 9-3
. Amazon also sells CarPlay-compatible consoles from
Kenwood
. The price ranges from $300 to over $1,000, and that’s before installation fees.
We recommended that you hire a professional to complete the installation. Car electronics are a delicate affair. An expert can not only make sure that you've purchased a compatible unit but also keep your car’s existing features intact while they install your new radio.

Which Saab models have Apple CarPlay? 

Apple CarPlay is not supported by any Saab model. The
2014 Kia Soul
was the first car to receive Apple CarPlay. Saab released the last 9-3 in 2012, which means it just missed out on the new technology. 

How to lower your Saab insurance costs

If you want to save up for a new radio for your Saab,
Jerry
can help. Thousands of customers have saved over $800 per year using the App Store's #1
trusted super app
. And they did it in fifteen minutes or less!
Jerry is available for download on Android and iOS. After you sign up, you'll receive five to seven quotes selected from thousands of products for the best value and protection. Since we only partner with top providers like
State Farm
,
AAA
, and
Progressive
, any plan you buy is guaranteed to be a good one. Tap the one you want to save time and money!
“I have been with the same insurance provider for over 10 years.
Jerry
found me a new policy with Travelers that is $107/month cheaper. The pandemic has made finances tight, but Jerry helped me out.” —Gabriel T.
RECOMMENDED
Haven’t shopped for insurance in the last six months? There might be hundreds $$$ in savings waiting for you.
avatar
Judith switched to Progressive
icon savingsSaved $725 annually
avatar
Alexander switched to Travelers
icon savingsSaved $834 annually
avatar
Annie switched to Nationwide
icon savingsSaved $668 annually
Estimate your repair costs for free with GarageGuard™
Simplify your car maintenance with Jerry.
Try GarageGuard™

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings