Honda thinks of upgrading the 2018 Accord with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.
It has not been long since CDs, and AUX cables were the standard equipment in cars. Technology keeps updating every year, and the jump in the past few years has been massive. Just when all cars started getting standard Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto emerged.
The issue is you can’t upgrade your car’s infotainment system easily. Even 3-4-year-old cars don’t support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. However, some brands take care of updating existing vehicles, even without a revamp. For instance, the 2021 Honda Accord comes with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support.
However, though, the 2018 Accord didn’t support a wireless connection, making it impossible to provide the same feature since it works with Wi-Fi. Nonetheless, Honda has contacted 2018 Accord owners for a possible wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support retrofit.
Honda said it has been looking into the matter and wanted to know if customers would be interested. The upgrade is sure to cost money, so Honda wants to make sure users would be willing to spend on the installation.
However, if Honda decides to roll out the update, it can only do it on cars with the necessary hardware.
The company values the wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay at $50, which sounds like a no-brainer. Owners can also add an extra Qi wireless charger, costing $150-200. Although wired connections are faster, nothing compares to a seamless wireless connection with a wireless charger.
Honda is also considering various roll-out methods. More specifically, the Japanese manufacturer is thinking about sending pen drives to customers and having a download link on its website. On the other hand, customers who don’t have these options can drive to the nearest dealer and receive the upgrade.
Not all manufacturers support existing customers, though. For instance, GM said they wouldn’t be willing to provide a wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay upgrade to customers, although the cars already have the necessary hardware.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are the easiest and most advanced ways to have mobile functions in a vehicle. Many people would agree it is a necessary part of the driving experience. Thus, Honda going out of its way to allow customers to have this experience is nice to see.
Download your Honda Accord owners manual here!
