CarPlay is coming to the Hyundai Sonata in 2016, but you'll have to pay

Apple Car
Apple Car (Image credit: Hyundai)

It looks like Hyundai will finally be bringing Apple's CarPlay to its vehicles with an update for the infotainment system of the 2015 and 2016 Sonata. While the vehicles already carry Google's Android Auto system, the arrival of CarPlay is a bit later than Hyundai had originally announced. Now, Apple's dashboard system will be available to Sonata owners in the first few months of 2016 with the purchase of an SD card with the software on it, another change from Hyundai's original announcement.

From Detroit Free Press:

Hyundai says owners will have to buy an SD card with new software to get the system. That contradicts the company's earlier assurance that the system would be a free download for customers who bought a properly equipped 2015 or '16 Sonata midsize sedan. Hyundai already offers Android Auto in the cars for Google phone users at no additional charge.

The Free Press didn't say how much the update might cost. Hyundai's update for Android Auto on the 2015 Sonata was free for customers.

CarPlay was originally to be integrated with certain models of the 2015 Sonata, as announced in early 2014.

CarPlay allows users to connect their phone to their car in order to access features like Siri, Music, and select third-party apps while driving. It requires an iPhone 5 or newer, running iOS 7 or later.

Source: Detroit Free Press; via MacRumors

Joseph Keller

Joseph Keller is the former Editor in Chief of iMore. An Apple user for almost 20 years, he spends his time learning the ins and outs of iOS and macOS, always finding ways of getting the most out of his iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Mac.