Does the 2016 Lexus have Apple CarPlay?
Apple CarPlay was not available on the 2016 Lexus lineup from the factory. In other words, a 2016 Lexus did not include native CarPlay support out of the box.
Apple CarPlay is a system that mirrors certain iPhone apps and features to a car’s infotainment screen. Lexus gradually added CarPlay in later model years, with broader availability appearing in the late 2010s and into the 2020s. This article explains what was true for 2016, outlines the timeline for Lexus CarPlay, and describes options if you want CarPlay in a 2016-era Lexus.
What Apple CarPlay is and why it matters
CarPlay lets you access iPhone apps, navigation, messages, and music through a car’s display and controls, typically via a USB connection or wireless link. It’s valued for keeping iPhone functionality hands-free and safe while driving. For 2016-era Lexus vehicles, this feature was not part of the standard or optional equipment from the factory, so drivers would rely on Bluetooth or USB-only phone integration available at that time.
2016 Lexus lineup and CarPlay status
Below is a quick look at representative 2016 Lexus models and whether CarPlay was available at the time. None of these 2016 models offered Apple CarPlay as part of their factory equipment.
- 2016 IS (IS 200t/IS 350) — No Apple CarPlay
- 2016 RC (RC 200t/RC 350/RC F) — No Apple CarPlay
- 2016 ES (ES 350/ES 300h) — No Apple CarPlay
- 2016 NX (NX 200t/NX 300h) — No Apple CarPlay
- 2016 GS (GS 350/GS 450h) — No Apple CarPlay
- 2016 LS (LS 460/LS 460L) — No Apple CarPlay
- 2016 CT 200h — No Apple CarPlay
Conclusion: If you owned a 2016 Lexus, CarPlay was not an available feature from the factory across the model lineup.
When Lexus introduced CarPlay: a timeline
Before exploring options for older Lexuses, it helps to understand the general rollout. The following timeline captures the broad pattern of CarPlay introduction for Lexus vehicles as the brand moved from early adapters to broader availability.
- Late 2010s: Apple CarPlay began appearing on select Lexus models through software updates or optional packages.
- 2020 onward: CarPlay became more widely available across a growing slate of Lexus models, with Android Auto also expanding in parallel.
- Early 2020s: CarPlay became standard or broadly available on many new Lexus models, and some older models gained retrofits via official programs or dealer enhancements where offered in specific regions.
Note: Availability and retrofit options vary by model, year, and region. Always check with a local Lexus dealer for the exact applicability to your vehicle.
How to get CarPlay in a 2016 Lexus
If you own a 2016 Lexus and want CarPlay, there are a few routes to consider, though success depends on your exact model and market.
- Official retrofit program (where offered): Some regions and models had dealer-supported CarPlay retrofit options in later years. Check with your Lexus dealer whether a model-specific retrofit is available for your vehicle.
- Aftermarket head-unit replacement: Replacing the factory infotainment with a CarPlay-enabled aftermarket unit is a common approach. This can provide CarPlay, Android Auto, and updated navigation, but may require professional installation to preserve steering-wheel controls and fitment.
- Alternative integrations: If a full head-unit swap isn’t desirable, some owners explore compatible adapters or integration kits offered by third-party vendors. These vary in compatibility and reliability, so research is essential.
Bottom line: For a 2016 Lexus, CarPlay options revolve around official retrofit availability or an aftermarket head-unit installation. Consult a qualified installer or your local dealership to discuss the best path for your exact vehicle.
Summary
In short, no, the 2016 Lexus lineup did not come with Apple CarPlay. CarPlay was introduced gradually in later model years, with broader support arriving through the late 2010s and into the 2020s. If you want CarPlay in a 2016 model, your options include official dealer retrofit (if available for your model and region) or installing an aftermarket CarPlay-enabled head unit. Always verify compatibility for your exact year, trim, and market before making changes.
