Toyota Cars To Get Android Auto Soon — Currently Come With Only Apple CarPlay

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are two of the leading smartphone connectivity platforms in vehicles. Both platforms enable the seamless integration of various smartphone functionalities and other features (including navigation) on the car's inbuilt infotainment system.

Though most brands offer them to improve the desirability of their models, some have opted not to. The reason for this ranges from promoting their own connectivity features to even endorsing either one of the technology partners: Google (Android) or Apple.

Toyota ‘was' one such brand but not anymore. Most of the recently-launched Toyota products, including the new Yaris, come with a touchscreen infotainment system which supports mobile connectivity via Bluetooth. However, customers have always had a complaint about not getting either Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Toyota customers' demand for the connectivity options has recently increased since many of the brand's competitors, in almost all the market segment, offer Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and even MirrorLink. Convenience is the main highlight of such mobile connectivity options.

Though Toyota is yet to make a formal announcement as to when they will employ Android Auto in their cars, we expect it to happen as early as next month. If that's the case, Toyota will be witnessing better sales soon, especially in urban markets.

On the software front, there are reports that Apple CarPlay will soon support Google Maps. Currently, the American company founded by business visionary, Steve Jobs, come with Apple's dedicated map database. To be honest, Apple Maps are far inferior compared to Google Maps — the one reason why people prefer Android Auto more for navigation

Thoughts On Toyota Bringing Android Auto

As more and more cars on the lower price bracket started offering both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in their infotainment systems, it was high time that Toyota also had to do the same. With Android Auto, living with a Toyota car will be a better experience and one should remember that the brand is doing exceptionally well in India, even without those connecting platforms.