Apple CarPlay significantly improves driving by enabling the use of the iOS environment through the car’s multimedia system. However, CarPlay has one important limitation: it cannot track the location of your vehicle, as it does not have a self-monitoring function. CarPlay just mirrors the content from the iPhone and leaves the vehicle the moment you get out.
If you want to know where the car is, CarPlay won’t directly help you with that. However, there are two possible ways to partially bypass this limitation: through the factory GPS system in the car or with the help of the Apple AirTag device.
How does CarPlay work and what are the realistic options for finding a car
Many modern cars have built-in GPS with the ability to track location, but this feature is often charged through an additional subscription. It depends solely on the manufacturer and service package.
Apple AirTag can serve as a rough solution, but it is not ideal because it does not have its own GPS. AirTag relies on the Find My network of other Apple devices, so it’s not reliable in emergency situations or provides real-time tracking. However, it can help if you don’t want to pay for a professional security and vehicle tracking system.
When it comes to finding a parked vehicle, Apple Maps and Google Maps offer the convenient option of automatically remembering the last location after disconnecting the CarPlay connection. This is not tracking while the vehicle is in motion, but it is very useful in crowded parking spaces.
Google Maps automatically records the parking location and saves it for 48 hours. Through the search, you can find Saved parking and immediately get directions to the car.
Apple Maps requires an iPhone 6 or later, with options included Location Services i Significant Locations.
- Open it Settings application on the iPhone
- Choose Privacy & Security
- Choose Location Services
- Check if it’s an option Location Services turned on in the next displayed screen
- Go back to Location Services and choose System Services
- touch Significant Locations or Significant Location & Routes and verify that it is turned on in the next displayed screen
When activated i Show Parked Locationthe application can automatically display the location where you parked. In this way, you can get the route to the vehicle or add a note if the parking is more complex.
Although this is not the same as a vehicle tracking system, these options can be a valuable aid when it comes to finding cars in everyday situations, writes BGR.