Does Lexus 460 have Apple CarPlay?

In brief, no. The Lexus LS 460 did not come with Apple CarPlay from the factory. Apple CarPlay appeared in many newer Lexus models years after the LS 460 was first introduced, so to use CarPlay in an LS 460 you would need an aftermarket head unit or upgrade to a newer Lexus that includes CarPlay.

Background: Apple CarPlay and the Lexus lineup

Apple CarPlay is Apple's in-car interface that mirrors select iPhone apps on a car’s display. Lexus began offering CarPlay in newer models and through later infotainment updates; the LS 460’s system predates CarPlay and uses older hardware and software that did not include official CarPlay support. Note that CarPlay requires a compatible iPhone (for example, iPhone 5 or later) with a recent iOS version to work, so an iPhone alone does not guarantee CarPlay compatibility without the appropriate vehicle hardware.

LS 460 infotainment timeline

The LS 460 was produced with several iterations from around 2006 to 2017. It relied on legacy infotainment hardware (often Mark Levinson or early Lexus Display Audio) that did not offer native CarPlay integration. If you own an LS 460 today, it will not have built-in CarPlay unless you upgrade the system with aftermarket solutions.

Options to add Apple CarPlay to an LS 460

There are a few practical routes if you want CarPlay in an LS 460. Each has different costs, compatibility considerations, and installation requirements.

• Install an aftermarket CarPlay-enabled head unit that fits the dash and connects to the vehicle’s speakers. Popular brands include Pioneer, Kenwood, Alpine, and Sony. This is the most common approach for older vehicles.


• Use a CarPlay retrofit kit designed for older Lexus models. Retrofit modules connect to the existing display or audio system while aiming to preserve steering-wheel controls, though compatibility varies by model and year.


• Upgrade to a newer Lexus model that includes CarPlay as standard or available. This option provides native CarPlay integration with OEM-level fit and controls, but it requires trading or financing a newer vehicle.

Before committing to an installation, consider fit, wiring complexity, potential warranty implications, and whether you want to retain any existing factory features (such as navigation or premium audio).

What to check before you install CarPlay

If you’re exploring aftermarket options, use this checklist to assess compatibility and feasibility:

• Confirm dash-width and mounting compatibility for a new unit or retrofit module.


• Ensure the chosen solution supports Apple CarPlay (and optionally Android Auto) and integrates with your car’s steering-wheel controls and audio system.


• Assess installation complexity and whether a professional installer is needed to avoid dashboard damage.


• Check warranty and resale implications; aftermarket installs can affect warranties or service plans in some markets.


• Verify whether the upgrade affects other features (e.g., factory navigation, camera systems, or sound tuning).

In practice, retrofitting CarPlay into an LS 460 is feasible but involves cost, compatibility checks, and careful installation to preserve the car’s interior aesthetics.

Summary

The Lexus LS 460 does not come with Apple CarPlay by default. If you want CarPlay in this older model, you’ll typically pursue an aftermarket head unit or retrofit, or you may opt to upgrade to a newer Lexus that includes native CarPlay. Consider fit, cost, warranty, and how you value OEM integration versus a newer infotainment experience. Consulting a reputable installer or dealership can help you gauge the best path for your specific LS 460 configuration.

How to set up Apple CarPlay in Lexus GX 460?

To install Apple CarPlay in a Lexus GX 460, you'll need an aftermarket integration kit, as there is no factory-installed option for all model years. The installation involves disconnecting the battery, disassembling the center console and dashboard to access the radio, connecting the new kit's wiring harnesses to the factory connectors, mounting the interface boxes, and reassembling the vehicle's interior. Finally, connect your iPhone via USB or Bluetooth, set the audio source, and test the new interface.
 
This video demonstrates the entire installation process of a CarPlay kit in a Lexus GX 460: 42sJonathan MorganYouTube · Apr 1, 2025
Before you begin

• Disconnect the negative battery terminal: to prevent damage to electrical components. 
• Acquire an aftermarket kit: designed for your specific GX 460 model year (e.g., models from 2010-2013 have different kits than 2014-2021 models). 

Installation steps

1. Disassemble the center console: Remove the shift knob, center console cover, and any surrounding trim panels to access the radio and control unit. 
2. Disconnect the control unit: Loosen and remove the bolts securing the lower control unit, then carefully lift it out. 
3. Remove and access the radio: Disconnect any harnesses connected to the radio and carefully pull it out of the dash. Take care not to scratch the screen. 
4. Connect the new harnesses: Connect the main, power, and data harnesses from the new kit to the corresponding factory connectors. For example, for 2014-2021 models, you will connect the long interface connector and the two GVIF cables. For older models, the connections may vary. 
5. Route and connect wiring: Run the power wire, USB cable, and other necessary wires to the bottom of the center console. Connect the appropriate cables to the interface boxes. 
6. Mount the interface boxes: Find a suitable location to mount the interface boxes, such as behind the radio or inside the center console, and secure them with double-sided tape or other mounting hardware. 
7. Reassemble the vehicle: Reinstall all the trim panels, control unit, and shift knob in the reverse order of removal. 

Post-installation and setup

1. Reconnect the battery: Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
2. Turn on the vehicle: Power on the car to allow the new system to load. 
3. Test the system: Go to Settings > Audio and select the USB source. 
4. Connect your iPhone: Connect your iPhone via a USB cable or pair it with the car's Bluetooth. The system should automatically detect and launch Apple CarPlay. 
5. Pair your phone: If this is the first time, you may need to go to Settings > General > CarPlay on your phone and select your car to complete the initial pairing. 
6. Switch between systems: To switch back to the factory screen, you can typically press and hold the Home or Climate button for a few seconds. 

This video shows how to set up and use the Apple CarPlay system after installation: 57sBeat-SonicYouTube · Apr 8, 2024

Does the 2017 Lexus GX 460 have Apple CarPlay?

No, the 2017 Lexus GX 460 does not have factory-installed Apple CarPlay, as this feature was not available until the 2022 model year. However, you can add it through various aftermarket upgrade kits that install the functionality onto the factory touchscreen.
 
This video demonstrates a wireless CarPlay upgrade for the Lexus GX 460: 20sBeat-SonicYouTube · Feb 9, 2023
Aftermarket upgrade options

• Kits: Companies like Beat-Sonic, Hamilton Motor Company, and Merge Screens offer kits for the 2014-2021 GX 460 that add both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 
• Features: These kits typically allow for both wired and wireless connections and preserve your car's original functions, including the steering wheel controls, factory microphone, and backup camera. 
• Installation: While some kits are designed to be plug-and-play, professional installation is recommended due to the complex nature of the GX 460's video setup. 

What year does the Lexus GX 460 have Apple CarPlay?

The first Lexus GX 460 with built-in Apple CarPlay is the 2022 model year. However, models from 2014-2021 can have Apple CarPlay retrofitted through an aftermarket adapter or kit, as described in this YouTube video from Bside and this other YouTube video from Bside. 
This video demonstrates the installation of a wireless CarPlay and Android Auto retrofit kit in a 2014-2021 Lexus GX460: 58sBeat-SonicYouTube · Apr 8, 2024

• 2022 and newer models: Come with Apple CarPlay from the factory. 
• 2014-2021 models: Do not have factory Apple CarPlay but can be upgraded with an aftermarket kit, such as those from Hamilton Motor Company or other brands like Beat-Sonic, notes Hamilton Motor Company and Lexus Parts. These kits often add Apple CarPlay functionality to the existing factory system. 

This video shows how a 2014-2021 Lexus GX460 upgrade kit can be installed to add Apple CarPlay functionality: 18sHamilton Motor Company YouTube · Dec 31, 2024

Which Lexus models have Apple CarPlay?

Most Lexus models from 2019 and newer have Apple CarPlay, including the ES, LC, LS, NX, RC, RC F, RX, and UX. Many 2021 models onwards have it as a standard feature, and some older models like the 2019 ES may require an upgrade or were built with it as standard depending on production date. 
Lexus models with Apple CarPlay

• Most models from 2019 onwards: You can expect Apple CarPlay to be a standard or available feature on most newer models. 
• Models from 2019 to present:
  • ES 
  • LC 
  • LS 
  • NX 
  • RC 
  • RC F 
  • RX 
  • UX 
• Specific examples:
  • 2022 models: All 2022 models were equipped with Apple CarPlay. 
  • 2021 models: Apple CarPlay was standard on the 2021 IS, ES, UX, NX, RX, RC, RC F, LC, and LS. 
  • 2020 models: Apple CarPlay was standard on the 2020 ES, UX, NX, RX, RC, RC F, LC, and LS. 
  • 2019 models: Apple CarPlay was standard on the 2019 UX, RC, LC, and LS. Certain production runs of the 2019 ES also had it standard. 

What if my Lexus doesn't have it?

• Upgrades are available: You may be able to add Apple CarPlay to some older Lexus models from 2014 to 2019 through an interface kit, according to this YouTube video. 
• Check with a dealership: For specific model years or to confirm features, it's best to check with your local Lexus dealership or your vehicle's documentation.