Lexus today announced that CarPlay and Android Auto will be standard features in its new 2020 Lexus RX in the United States, marking the first time that either software platform is available in the luxury crossover SUV.
CarPlay and Android Auto will be accessible through an 8-inch touchscreen display that is standard in all models of the 2020 Lexus RX. A larger 12.3-inch split-screen touchscreen is available as an upgrade option. CarPlay appears to be wired, so the iPhone will have to be connected with a Lightning to USB cable.
The new RX will enter production in the third quarter of 2019, according to Lexus. Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date.
CarPlay provides convenient access to frequently used iPhone apps such as Phone, Messages, Apple Maps, Google Maps, Waze, Apple Music, and Spotify directly from the dashboard. The platform was introduced in 2014 and is now available in over 500 vehicle models in the United States, according to Apple.
Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by Joe Rossignol
We are still waiting for the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate to come out, so the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week or two away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April.
Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far.
iOS 26.3
iPhone to Android Transfer Tool
iOS 26.3 makes it easier...
Sunday February 1, 2026 12:31 pm PST by Joe Rossignol
The calendar has turned to February, and a new report indicates that Apple's next product launch is "imminent," in the form of new MacBook Pro models.
"All signs point to an imminent launch of next-generation MacBook Pros that retain the current form factor but deliver faster chips," Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said on Sunday. "I'm told the new models — code-named J714 and J716 — are slated...
Tuesday February 3, 2026 8:55 am PST by Joe Rossignol
In 2022, Apple introduced a new Apple Home architecture that is "more reliable and efficient," and the deadline to upgrade and avoid issues is fast approaching.
In an email this week, Apple gave customers a final reminder to upgrade their Home app by February 10, 2026. Apple says users who do not upgrade may experience issues with accessories and automations, or lose access to their smart...
Sunday February 1, 2026 10:08 am PST by Joe Rossignol
Last year, Apple launched CarPlay Ultra, the long-awaited next-generation version of its CarPlay software system for vehicles. Nearly nine months later, CarPlay Ultra is still limited to Aston Martin's latest luxury vehicles, but that should change fairly soon.
In May 2025, Apple said many other vehicle brands planned to offer CarPlay Ultra, including Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis.
In his Powe...
Tuesday February 3, 2026 12:45 pm PST by Joe Rossignol
Apple recently acquired Israeli startup Q.ai for close to $2 billion, according to Financial Times sources. That would make this Apple's second-biggest acquisition ever, after it paid $3 billion for the popular headphone maker Beats in 2014.
This is also the largest known Apple acquisition since the company purchased Intel's smartphone modem business and patents for $1 billion in 2019....
Many automakers systems are better without CarPlay, mainly in the luxury market. Audi’s MMI is extremely handicapped when CarPlay is enabled, for instance.
Until CarPlay/Automakers can take full advantage of both cockpit and center-stack LCD’s, CarPlay is just an inconvenience on vehicles with ConnectedDrive, MBUX, MMI, and Enform.
I feel it's more about ease-of-use than anything else. I want a system that's functional, fast, and keeps my eyes on the road. Both Apple and Google have achieved this at a level FAR higher any automaker. And it makes sense that they did.
Frankly, if I was running a car company, I would get rid of my entire infotainment division, put in a simple touchscreen, and require the owner to bring their smartphone for NAV, music, etc.
The front grill on Lexus is something to behold. :p More grill than hood. It rivals the Tesla Model 3 for weirdness. :D
Agreed. The Lexus grills alone are enough for me to look elsewhere for my next ride. The latest Acura RDX grill is more my speed. Just waiting for Wireless CarPlay to drop!
Many automakers systems are better without CarPlay, mainly in the luxury market. Audi’s MMI is extremely handicapped when CarPlay is enabled, for instance.
Until CarPlay/Automakers can take full advantage of both cockpit and center-stack LCD’s, CarPlay is just an inconvenience on vehicles with ConnectedDrive, MBUX, MMI, and Enform.
It sounds like it's their fault for poorly implementing it then. FCA's Uconnect has a fantastic, essentially seamless implementation where you're always one click away from being in, or out of CarPlay.
The front grill on Lexus is something to behold. :p More grill than hood. It rivals the Tesla Model 3 for weirdness. :D
