Does the 2025 Subaru Forester have wireless CarPlay?

Yes. The 2025 Forester offers wireless Apple CarPlay on models equipped with Subaru's upgraded Starlink infotainment system (the larger 11.6-inch touchscreen). Models still using the older 8.0-inch screen typically provide CarPlay only via a wired connection.

The question of wireless CarPlay hinges on the Forester's infotainment hardware and trim level. Subaru has gradually expanded wireless CarPlay across its lineup, and for 2025 the feature is tied to the system's screen size and configuration. Below is what owners and prospective buyers should know, including how to check compatibility and how to set up wireless CarPlay if supported in their vehicle.

Infotainment hardware and availability

Wireless CarPlay availability varies by the Starlink setup. If your vehicle is equipped with the 11.6-inch touchscreen (often on higher trims or optional packages), wireless CarPlay is typically available. If your Forester uses the standard 8.0-inch screen, CarPlay is usually wired-only.

Availability by screen size

These factors largely determine whether wireless CarPlay is offered in your Forester. The larger screen is typically paired with wireless CarPlay, while the smaller base screen tends to be wired.

• 11.6-inch Starlink infotainment system commonly supports wireless CarPlay (often on higher trims).


• 8.0-inch Starlink system commonly supports wired CarPlay only (entry-level trims).


• Wireless CarPlay requires an iPhone with iOS 9 or later and a Bluetooth/Wi-Fi connection to the Forester's system.


• Availability can vary by market and model year; confirm with a dealership for your specific vehicle.

In short, check your Forester's screen size and trim to determine if wireless CarPlay is available. If you have the larger screen on a higher trim, you should have wireless CarPlay and can connect without a cable. If you have the base 8.0-inch screen, wired CarPlay is the standard.

Setup: how to enable wireless CarPlay

To use wireless CarPlay in a compatible 2025 Forester, you need to pair your iPhone with the Starlink system and enable wireless CarPlay on the phone and in the car. The setup generally follows these steps:

Steps to connect wirelessly

1. On your iPhone, ensure Bluetooth and Wi‑Fi are on and go to Settings > General > CarPlay. Make sure the Forester appears in the list of available cars.


2. In the Forester, navigate to the Starlink infotainment home screen and select Apple CarPlay or Wireless CarPlay. If prompted, choose to pair or connect wirelessly.


3. On your iPhone, select the Forester from the CarPlay pairing prompt. Accept any on-screen requests to authorize CarPlay usage.


4. Once connected, CarPlay will launch on the Forester's touchscreen and mirror iPhone apps wirelessly.

Note: Specific menu labels can vary by model year and software update. If wireless CarPlay does not appear as an option, check that your Forester is equipped with the 11.6-inch Starlink system or contact your Subaru dealer for a software update or hardware verification.

Summary

For the 2025 Subaru Forester, wireless CarPlay is available on models with the newer Starlink infotainment hardware (typically the 11.6-inch screen) and higher trims, while older base configurations with the 8.0-inch screen may be wired-only. To confirm, check your vehicle’s infotainment display size and trim, and follow the setup steps above to connect wirelessly if supported. If in doubt, a local Subaru dealer can confirm compatibility for your specific vehicle and region.

Does the Subaru Forester have wireless CarPlay?

Now if the pin matches on the screen and on the phone click pair. And then you can allow access to your contacts. And favorites. And it will take just a second to say CarPlay. Here.

Does the 2025 Forester have wireless CarPlay?

There are newly available features like an 11.6-inch high-resolution touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration, wireless device-charging, and a foot-activated, hands-free Power Rear Gate.

Does the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek have wireless Apple CarPlay?

The 2025 Crosstrek features a SUBARU STARLINK Multimedia system with available wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration, which lets you view and control your navigation, music, podcasts, and other content and apps without needing to plug in your smartphone.

How do I know if CarPlay is wireless?

You can tell if you have wireless CarPlay by checking your car's settings for a "CarPlay" or "Phone Projection" option, trying to connect to your car's Bluetooth without a USB cable, or looking for an on-screen prompt to enable wireless CarPlay after connecting with a cable. If you're using it, your phone's battery icon will show when connected, and disconnecting the USB cable will not interrupt the CarPlay session. 
How to check for wireless CarPlay

• Look for a prompt: If you plug in your iPhone with a USB cable, and an alert appears on your phone to connect wirelessly in the future, your car supports it. 
• Check your car's settings: Go to your infotainment system's settings and look for a "CarPlay," "Phone Projection," or "Smartphone Integration" option. If you can set it up by just pairing your phone via Bluetooth, you have wireless CarPlay. 
• Connect and disconnect USB: Connect your phone with a USB cable. If CarPlay works, unplug the cable and see if the connection remains active. If it does, it means your car can switch to or was already using a wireless connection. 
• Check your phone's battery icon: When using wireless CarPlay, your phone's battery icon will be visible on the CarPlay screen, indicating it's connected wirelessly. 
• Consult your car's documentation: Check your car's owner's manual or the manufacturer's website for your specific model's features. Many cars made in 2019 or later with CarPlay likely have wireless capabilities, but this is not guaranteed. 

This video demonstrates how to set up wireless Apple CarPlay: 1mAcura CanadaYouTube · Jun 10, 2024
If you're not sure, verify your car's compatibility

• Visit Apple's CarPlay availability page to see a list of supported vehicles. Note that this list confirms CarPlay compatibility, but may not explicitly state whether the support is wired-only or wireless-enabled. 

You can watch this video to learn about the difference between wireless CarPlay and wired CarPlay: 42sQuality Mobile VideoYouTube · Jun 24, 2019