What year did Tahoes get Apple CarPlay?
Apple CarPlay arrived in the Chevrolet Tahoe with the 2016 model year.
Since then, CarPlay has been incorporated into Tahoe models as GM expanded Apple CarPlay (and Android Auto) across its lineup. The feature became part of the Tahoe’s infotainment experience as GM updated the MyLink/Infotainment systems, with broader availability across trims and generations and improvements in integration over time.
Timeline of CarPlay in the Tahoe
Below is a concise timeline for when Apple CarPlay became available in Tahoe models and how the feature evolved with infotainment updates.
- 2016 model year: Apple CarPlay (and Android Auto) was introduced in the Tahoe as part of Chevrolet’s MyLink infotainment upgrade.
- 2017 and later: CarPlay remained available across the Tahoe lineup as GM continued to refresh the infotainment hardware and software, with broader compatibility across touchscreens and trim levels.
In short, CarPlay availability in the Tahoe began with the 2016 model year and has continued to be expanded and refined in subsequent Tahoe generations and software updates.
Hardware and options by generation
Tahoe models use Chevrolet’s MyLink/Infotainment systems, and the exact CarPlay experience depends on the infotainment hardware (screen size and software version) installed in a given model year. Earlier Tahoe models with older MyLink interfaces required newer infotainment updates to access CarPlay, while newer Tahoes with updated systems offer a more integrated CarPlay experience, including potential wireless CarPlay on select trims and configurations.
How to use Apple CarPlay in a Tahoe
To use CarPlay, you generally connect a compatible iPhone to the Tahoe’s infotainment system via USB in most configurations. Some newer Tahoes may support wireless CarPlay, depending on the hardware and software installed in that model year.
- Turn on the Tahoe and unlock your iPhone, ensuring it is CarPlay-enabled.
- Connect your iPhone to the Tahoe via a USB cable (or wirelessly if your vehicle supports wireless CarPlay).
- On the Tahoe’s touchscreen, select CarPlay from the infotainment menu or simply allow CarPlay to launch automatically when connected.
- Use CarPlay apps and features (Maps, Messages, Music, etc.) through the Tahoe’s display and your iPhone’s interface.
If CarPlay does not appear, check that the infotainment software is up to date, the vehicle’s hardware supports CarPlay, and that your iPhone’s CarPlay settings are enabled. Consult your owner’s manual or a dealer for model-specific details.
Summary
The Chevrolet Tahoe first offered Apple CarPlay with the 2016 model year. Since then, CarPlay has become a standard part of the Tahoe’s infotainment experience in most trims, with ongoing improvements through hardware and software updates. For current owners or buyers, the exact CarPlay capabilities—such as wireless support or which trims include CarPlay by default—depend on the specific model year and infotainment system installed.
