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Best Apple Car Play Head Unit?

Discussion in '5th Gen 4Runners (2010-2024)' started by smitty93, Jul 10, 2023.

  1. Jul 10, 2023 at 7:43 PM
    #1
    smitty93

    smitty93 [OP] New Member

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    Hello I am looking for the best apple car play head unit, with a clean "stock" look. I have a 2019 4runner. Does anyone have any suggestions of what they might currently have?
     
  2. Jul 10, 2023 at 8:16 PM
    #2
    whippersnapper02

    whippersnapper02 New Member

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  3. Jul 10, 2023 at 8:45 PM
    #3
    kmeeg

    kmeeg New Member

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    I too like to look at newer oem one. I can even play with vehicle settings. Simple as playing with auto headlight sensitivity. I'm not sure aftermarket allows to play with vehicle controls.

    Minor things like using oem mic also my preferred choice.

    However, I'm interested how the steering wheel controls work as they are quite different.

    Edit-
    Maybe aftermarket plugin carplat option might be a good option too (i guess) . I really like the robust old system. This weekend I updated my maps without any trouble and everything in the microsd card. Newer headunit God knows where its stored and I have to pay a subscription. I don't trust Google maps for my trips.
     
    Last edited: Jul 10, 2023
  4. Jul 11, 2023 at 9:16 AM
    #4
    Emmantik

    Emmantik New Member

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    Coquitlam, British Columbia
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    2015 Magnetic Grey SR5P
    I also wanted Carplay/Android Auto but also wanted an OEM look with bigger screen. What I did was upgrade my 2015 headunit with a 2020+ headunit. I then bought a multimedia box that plugs into factory USB media port. This multimedia box actually gives me WIRELESS Carplay AND Android Auto. (I have an Android). It also gives me access to other apps you can find on the Google Play store, Netflix, Youtube, Disney+ etc. Could also watch videos/movies while driving (not recommended obviously!) Cool part is I can switch from OEM headunit to Carplay or Android Auto anytime I want. When you upgrade to an aftermarket headunit, you are stuck with the software of the headunit (which you may or may not like).

    If you want to stick with your current headunit but just want Carplay, you can add something like this as well.

    https://www.beatsonicusa.com/toyotacarplayandroidauto.html
     
    Last edited: Jul 11, 2023
  5. Oct 29, 2023 at 9:47 PM
    #5
    peelxite

    peelxite New Member

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    hey, I have dreaded for years the day I wouldn't be able to install an aftermarket head unit...factory, like nah bro.
    However, what you are describing above, it sounds VERY interesting.
    I am brand new today to the forum, this question might sound like I'm crackin wise...but I'm legit asking and then hoping.

    Why didn't you post the link to the "multimedia box"? I'm not familiar with this term. Could be regional dialect differences, could be you just mean a "tablet"...? In any even, man...if you could post links and photos of what it looks like installed I'd owe you.
    Seriously, the way you describe it above, it's like you watched 30 people push on the same door, and you're all like, well...I'm just gonna call, not even go in and bother with all that...buh bye.
    Like I said, sounds very interesting...I mean, it sounds like you could get mad crazy with it, depending on what options are out there.

    Hope to hear back!
     
  6. Oct 30, 2023 at 5:09 PM
    #6
    Emmantik

    Emmantik New Member

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    Coquitlam, British Columbia
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    2015 Magnetic Grey SR5P
    I think the MMB box only works if you have factory Carplay or Android Auto. What year is your 4Runner?

    Here is the link to the MMB (multimedia box) I purchased.

    https://techwizard-mmb.com/
     
  7. Oct 30, 2023 at 5:54 PM
    #7
    08TXRunner

    08TXRunner New Member

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    Stock is very low, and has been for years, for almost every brand - Pioneer, Alpine, Sony, etc. And what is out there is extremely overpriced. Hold off until stock and prices come back in line.
     
  8. Nov 3, 2023 at 5:52 AM
    #8
    Bhoop

    Bhoop New Member

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    2017 SR5 P
    Bilstein 6112@2", B8 1.5", 5100s, Spidertrax
  9. Nov 3, 2023 at 7:05 AM
    #9
    kcdude

    kcdude New Member

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    How is the wireless connection for CarPlay? I had the same unit from TGP and it was constantly dropping the connection. Problem with the Sony unit is there is no wired option for iPhones as backup.

    I ended up uninstalling and returning it after repeated attempts at them try to fix.
     
  10. Nov 3, 2023 at 7:36 AM
    #10
    Bhoop

    Bhoop New Member

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    Woodbury, MN
    Vehicle:
    2017 SR5 P
    Bilstein 6112@2", B8 1.5", 5100s, Spidertrax
    I have had pretty good luck with mine. I may have to reconnect after starting the vehicle, maybe once a week or so, but it usually hooks right back up. On a cross country trip this summer it lost the connection after being on all day, and it took a little more to get it to reconnect, but I can't remember the exact details. Overall, I would say it has been mostly trouble free. It would be nice to have a wired backup though.

    On a trip last weekend, in my wife's Accord, the factory stereo kept wanting to switch from my phone to my son's while I was using the wired connection. That was particularly aggravating since I was using google maps to navigate at the time.
     
  11. Nov 3, 2023 at 10:08 AM
    #11
    rphillips66

    rphillips66 New Member

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    Charleston SC/ Gastonia NC
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    2017 SR5 Premium
    I have the Sony AX8100, wired. I like the set up and it charges my phone at the same time.
     
  12. Nov 3, 2023 at 10:35 AM
    #12
    UncleShorty

    UncleShorty New Member

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    Go to Crutchfield and check out the Kenwoods.

    I'm strictly an Android user, (due to a BAD experience w/ Apple products in engineering school in1989. Yeah, I hold a grudge...). But all of the Kenwoods have CarPlay capability. Get the whole package and it looks factory. A little reading/studying and it's a 2 hour plug & play swap.

    I put a DNX 577S in my '15 SR5. Great unit. Using the old OEM unit for it's best purpose... a door stop...
     
    FloridaMan4Runner and SlvrSlug like this.

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