How much does it cost to upgrade a car to Apple CarPlay?
Costs vary widely depending on the route you choose. A basic aftermarket CarPlay head unit with professional installation typically runs about $200 to $700, while higher-end or wireless-capable units can push the total to roughly $800 to $1,500. A dealer-installed, OEM-style retrofit tends to cost between about $1,000 and $3,000 or more, depending on the vehicle and labor. Some new cars already include CarPlay as standard, which means no upgrade is needed.
Two main routes to Apple CarPlay
Below are the common paths drivers take to add CarPlay, along with typical price ranges and what drives the cost.
Aftermarket CarPlay head units
These are standalone radios from third-party brands that replace the factory head unit. Costs include the unit itself and installation, with a wide range based on features.
- Head unit price range: typically $100–$800 depending on brand and features.
- Professional installation: usually $50–$150.
- Typical total installed cost (basic units): about $150–$950.
- Wireless CarPlay or premium displays: head units often $400–$1,000, with installation still often $50–$150, bringing totals to roughly $450–$1,150 or more.
For many drivers, aftermarket options offer the most budget-friendly path, especially if the goal is to add CarPlay without altering the rest of the factory system.
Dealer-installed OEM CarPlay retrofit
A dealer retrofit attempts to add CarPlay while preserving the original vehicle’s hardware and controls. This route is generally more expensive and model-dependent.
- Cost range: typically $1,000–$3,000+ (including parts and labor).
- Cost influencers: vehicle make/model, required adapters/hardware, warranty considerations, and labor time.
- Notes: Not all models are eligible for a retrofit; in some cases, a full replacement of the head unit or infotainment module may be recommended.
OEM retrofits offer tighter integration with factory interfaces and steering-wheel controls, but they come with higher price tags and variable feasibility depending on the car.
What to consider before upgrading
Compatibility is the key: not every car’s existing system will support CarPlay through a retrofit, and some dashboards require dash kits or harnesses. Installation quality matters for things like touchscreen responsiveness, Bluetooth connections, and steering-wheel control compatibility. If you’re price-conscious, an aftermarket head unit is usually the most economical route; if you want factory-level integration and resale value, a dealer retrofit might be worth weighing—though it will cost more.
Summary
In short, upgrading to Apple CarPlay ranges from a few hundred dollars for a basic aftermarket installation to several thousand for an OEM-style dealer retrofit. Your best option depends on the age and model of your car, your desired features (wired vs. wireless CarPlay, screen size), and how much you’re willing to spend on installation. For many drivers, aftermarket head units provide a strong balance of cost and functionality, while a dealer retrofit should be considered when factory integration is a priority.
