Does the Subaru Forester have wireless CarPlay?
Yes—with caveats. Most newer Forester models that use Subaru’s Starlink infotainment system can support wireless CarPlay, but it’s not guaranteed on every trim or model year. Base or older configurations with the smaller display hardware typically rely on wired CarPlay.
Wireless CarPlay connects your iPhone to the Forester over Wi‑Fi (with the initial Bluetooth pairing), letting you access CarPlay apps without a USB cable. Availability depends on the model year, the specific Starlink hardware in the vehicle, and whether Subaru’s software has been updated to enable wireless CarPlay on that configuration.
What you need to know about compatibility
Subaru has progressively added wireless CarPlay support to Forester models that are equipped with the newer Starlink infotainment hardware (8.0-inch or 11.6-inch displays) and appropriate software. This tends to appear on mid-to-high trims rather than the entry-level configurations, which historically used older hardware that relied on wired CarPlay.
Model years and trims that commonly support wireless CarPlay
Wireless CarPlay availability varies by year and trim, but the pattern described below reflects recent Forester generations. The list highlights typical configurations that have supported wireless CarPlay in practice.
- Recent Foresters (model years roughly 2021–present) with the Starlink infotainment system and a newer display (8.0" or 11.6") often support wireless CarPlay on mid-to-high trims such as Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring. The base model with older hardware is less likely to support it.
- If your Forester has the newer Starlink hardware but is a lower trim, verify with the dealer or by checking the infotainment screen settings, as availability can depend on software updates.
In all cases, the exact feature set can vary by market and by whether the vehicle’s software has been updated to enable wireless CarPlay. Always confirm the specific build with a Subaru dealer before purchase if wireless CarPlay is essential for you.
How to enable wireless CarPlay in a Forester
The steps below describe the typical process for models and trims that support wireless CarPlay. If your vehicle’s menu paths differ, consult the owner’s manual or a local dealer for exact instructions.
- Ensure your iPhone is on iOS 9 or later and that CarPlay is enabled in Settings.
- In the Forester, navigate to the Starlink infotainment system's settings and enable Wireless Apple CarPlay (usually found under Connectivity or Phone settings).
- On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > CarPlay > Available Cars, and select your Forester from the list. If prompted, confirm the pairing code shown on the car screen.
- Once paired, CarPlay should connect automatically whenever you enter the vehicle, provided you have Bluetooth/Wi‑Fi enabled on the phone and the car is in range.
Note: If wireless CarPlay is not appearing, a software update to the Starlink system or a dealer check may be required to enable the feature on your specific vehicle.
What if my Forester doesn’t have wireless CarPlay?
You can still use CarPlay with a wired connection via USB on most Forester models that support CarPlay. If wireless CarPlay is a must-have, you may need to verify the exact model year and trim or consider a software update or hardware upgrade offered by Subaru or a dealer-approved program.
In some cases, dealerships can enable wireless CarPlay through firmware updates if the vehicle’s hardware is already capable. If the hardware isn’t capable, wireless CarPlay cannot be activated on that vehicle without a change to the infotainment system.
Summary
Wireless CarPlay in the Subaru Forester is available on newer Forester models that include the updated Starlink infotainment hardware and software. It tends to be found on mid-to-high trims with the modern display, while base configurations with older hardware typically rely on wired CarPlay. If wireless CarPlay is important, check the model year, trim, and whether the Starlink system has the necessary software update, and confirm with a dealer before purchasing.
