Wireless Carplay upgrade?

[chopperman]

I know there are many aftermarket units, but of all the reviews I read, they are spotty. However, I know infiniti recently issued an update and users were able to go from wired to wireless. Any one hear anything about Kia issuing an update?

https://usa.infinitinews.com/en-US/...able-for-most-2020-and-2021-infiniti-vehicles

 

[Mech Aggie 76]

From my understanding this is not a software issue meaning a firmware upgrade would make the Kia entertainment system capable of wireless CarPlay. The car must have the right type of hardware (a router) and the Kia does not come with this. Aftermarket adaptors are external hardware that connects to one of your built in USB ports.

 

[Odkf]

The salesman for mine told me last week that Kia will issue a software update making wireless CarPlay available in my 2022.

I’ve not seen or heard this anywhere else so I’m skeptical.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[hoppyjr]

As I understand it, wireless CarPlay uses a wifi connection to the vehicle. The CarPlay2Air dongle I was using required that you keep both Bluetooth and wifi turned on in the device. You pair the device to the dingle via Bluetooth, then it hands off to the wifi in the dongle to route the signal to usb, then to the vehicle infotainment unit.

This said, my 2022 EX does have an onboard modem [EDIT: apparently the modem is for the UVO system, not a hotspot. It would seem Kia could still update the firmware to repurpose the existing hardware.]

Depending on how it’s configured I would assume it’s possible to install firmware via a dealer terminal, which could at least theoretically enable wireless CarPlay.

The big question is; for a brand like Kia who is selling like hotcakes already, is there the willingness to even mess around with it.

I hope the answer is yes, but I think it’s not likely.

PS: automotive salespeople have been saying untrue stuff since the beginning of time, so I’d put zero faith in their statements.

 

[CaliTelli21]

As I understand it, wireless CarPlay uses a wifi connection to the vehicle. The CarPlay2Air dongle I was using required that you keep both Bluetooth and wifi turned on in the device. You pair the device to the dingle via Bluetooth, then it hands off to the wifi in the dongle to route the signal to usb, then to the vehicle infotainment unit.

This said, my 2022 EX does have an onboard modem [EDIT: apparently the modem is for the UVO system, not a hotspot. It would seem Kia could still update the firmware to repurpose the existing hardware.]

Depending on how it’s configured I would assume it’s possible to install firmware via a dealer terminal, which could at least theoretically enable wireless CarPlay.

The big question is; for a brand like Kia who is selling like hotcakes already, is there the willingness to even mess around with it.

I hope the answer is yes, but I think it’s not likely.

PS: automotive salespeople have been saying untrue stuff since the beginning of time, so I’d put zero faith in their statements.

It boggles the mind to think my wife drives a kia seltos 21 lx basic model and it comes with wireless play and not even the telluride top trims have that yet. what the heck is up with that Kia .

 

[hoppyjr]

It boggles the mind to think my wife drives a kia seltos 21 lx basic model and it comes with wireless play and not even the telluride top trims have that yet. what the heck is up with that Kia .

It’s not just Kia.

Keep in mind that vehicles are designed long before production begins, so trends like wireless CarPlay may not have been driving factors at that time. Then consider how well these things are selling, so Kia may see no urgency in redesigning the infotainment system to offer that feature.

I’m sure it’ll happen eventually.


That said, with continued rumors of Apple eventually losing the Lightning port, I’ll bet they develop their own plug & play adaptor for CarPlay, or at least an officially licensed one. It would make sense and would enable those with older vehicles to use a port-less iPhone.

 

[blacklaw89]

As posted above, there are a few wireless CarPlay adaptors on the market. Amazon, EBay or a google search can find them.
I use an aftermarket wireless adaptor and it seems to do the job.