2018 Mazda6 gets Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both the sort of features in a car that you don't miss if you have never used them. Once you have used them, it's hard to do without. Mazda has announced that the 2018 Mazda6 will get a dealer installed upgrade to bring CarPlay and Android Auto to the Touring trim and higher at no cost.

Once installed the Mazda Connect infotainment system will give the driver and passengers access to phone apps and other content. This free update will be offered on the 2018 Mazda6 Touring, Grand Touring, Grand Touring Reserve, and Signature models. Owners of these models can take their car to their local Mazda dealership for the service starting in September.

Mazda says that the service will take two hours to perform and will cost the owner nothing to have done. Along with installing CarPlay support and Android Auto, the updated models will also gain a faster-charging 2.1-amp USB port in addition to the latest software for Mazda Connect.

Mazda's integration will allow drivers to use the Commander Knob and buttons to switch between user interfaces and manage the capabilities of the device. Mazda also notes that its integration sticks to its Heads-Up Cockpit philosophy and was designed to reduce distractions.

This makes the 2018 Mazda6 the first car in North America to offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via dealer installation. If Mazda can do this as a dealer add, perhaps other manufacturers can too.

SOURCE: Mazda