Researched from automaker information, owner forums and Amazon listings. Not a hands-on install.
Short answer: No Toyota Camry from 2017 or earlier has factory Apple CarPlay. The 2018 Camry launched without it, though Toyota later offered a dealer-installed upgrade for eligible 2018 cars. CarPlay became standard on every Camry for 2019, and Android Auto followed for 2020. For older Camrys, our main pick is the IIWEY iK7 10-inch screen, a wide, low-profile unit that suits a midsize dash. If you want CarPlay built in with your steering wheel buttons working, a vehicle-specific head unit is the better choice.
Does the Toyota Camry have Apple CarPlay?
Toyota was late to CarPlay. The Camry did not get it until the 2019 model year, after the 2018 redesign introduced the Entune 3.0 hardware that could support it. Here is the year-by-year picture for US models, based on Toyota press releases, Toyota support documents, and owner forums.
| Model years | Factory CarPlay | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 to 2011 | No | No CarPlay or Android Auto on any trim. |
| 2012 to 2017 | No | No CarPlay on any trim, including Entune-equipped models. |
| 2018 | Not at launch | Shipped with Entune 3.0 without CarPlay. Toyota later offered a dealer-installed Audio Multimedia enhancement that adds CarPlay to eligible 2018 Camrys. Ask a dealer with your VIN. |
| 2019 | Yes, standard | Toyota added Apple CarPlay as standard on all Camry models. No Android Auto yet. |
| 2020 and newer | Yes, standard | Android Auto joined Apple CarPlay for 2020. |
If you own a 2019 Camry and use Android, note that Android Auto was not offered that year. A portable screen can add it, since the screens we cover support both systems.
Your options for adding CarPlay
For a Camry without CarPlay, there are three paths. The right one depends on your model year and how long you plan to keep the car.
Portable dash or windshield screen
A portable CarPlay screen is a standalone display that mounts on the dash or windshield, draws power from the 12V socket, and connects to your phone wirelessly. Audio goes to the car stereo through Bluetooth, an AUX cable, or an FM transmitter, depending on the model. These screens are car-agnostic, so nothing about them is designed for the Camry specifically. Setup takes a few minutes and leaves the factory radio untouched.
Aftermarket head unit
This replaces the factory radio. For the 2012 to 2017 Camry, there are standard double-DIN receivers from the major car audio brands as well as vehicle-specific units with larger screens built to fill the Camry dash. A standard receiver needs a Camry dash kit, a wiring harness, and usually a steering wheel control adapter. Several vehicle-specific kits for this generation advertise keeping steering wheel controls and the factory backup camera. There are also plug-in upgrade modules for 2015 to 2017 models that add CarPlay while keeping the factory screen, microphone, and controls. A head unit is the better pick if you want a clean, built-in look and plan to keep the car for years.
Factory (OEM) retrofit
This exists only for the 2018 Camry. Toyota announced that 2018 Camry and Sienna owners could get Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa added at a dealer through an Audio Multimedia enhancement. Owner forum reports show that results vary, so confirm with your dealer that the update was applied and then turn CarPlay on in the settings menu. There is no Toyota retrofit for 2017 and older Camrys.
| Option | Effort | Reversible | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portable screen | Low, about 15 minutes | Yes, fully | Leased cars, short ownership, anyone avoiding dash work |
| Aftermarket head unit | Medium to high, dash removal and wiring | Yes, if you keep the factory radio | 2012 to 2017 owners keeping the car long term |
| Toyota dealer enhancement | Low, dealer visit | Not applicable | Eligible 2018 Camry owners only |
Our top picks for the Toyota Camry
The Camry is a midsize sedan, so its dash has more room than a compact car. That gives you more freedom on screen size, but a screen that is too tall can still block part of your view. These picks come from the screens we cover. For the full field, see our roundup of the best wireless CarPlay screens.
IIWEY iK7 10-Inch Wireless CarPlay Screen
Our main pick for the Camry. IIWEY lists the unit size as 9.45 by 3.7 inches, which makes it wide and short. That shape gives you a large map view without rising far into the windshield. It includes a 4K front dash cam, a 1080p backup camera that switches on in reverse, and a 64GB memory card. Audio can go out by Bluetooth, AUX, or FM. Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto are both supported, which also helps 2019 Camry owners who want Android Auto.
The catch: to use the dash cam, the unit has to sit where the lens has a clear view of the road, which narrows your mounting choices.
Surcsa 9-Inch Wireless CarPlay Screen
A good middle choice if you want broad audio options. The Surcsa lists Bluetooth, FM transmitter, AUX, and a built-in speaker, so it can work with an older Camry stereo whether or not it has Bluetooth audio. It comes with both a suction cup mount and an adhesive dash mount, an 11.5 ft power cable, and a backup camera with a 19.7 ft cable. The listed operating range of -4°F to 167°F is worth noting for Camrys parked in hot climates.
The catch: the 1024 by 600 resolution is lower than the iK7, and there is no dash cam.
IIWEY IK11 Pro 11-Inch Wireless CarPlay Screen
For drivers who want the biggest display, the IK11 Pro has an 11-inch laminated IPS touchscreen, 5GHz Wi-Fi, a 4K front dash cam, and a 1080p backup camera. The Camry's wider dash is a better home for a screen this size than a compact car. Audio options include Bluetooth, AUX, and a built-in speaker.
The catch: IIWEY itself warns that this screen is large and can block your view. The brand suggests taping a 9.45 by 5.83 inch piece of paper to the dash to preview the fit, and mounting it low beside the steering wheel.
Installation tips for the Toyota Camry
- Check your year and trim. If you have a 2018 Camry, ask a Toyota dealer whether the CarPlay enhancement is available for your VIN before buying anything. It may save you the cost of a screen.
- Locate power and audio inputs. Camrys of this era have a 12V accessory socket and, on many trims, USB and AUX ports in the lower center console area. Check your owner's manual for the exact spots, since they vary by year and trim.
- Choose the audio connection. Pair the screen to the Camry stereo over Bluetooth if your car supports Bluetooth audio. Otherwise, use the AUX port. Use FM only on screens that list it, and pick an empty frequency.
- Preview the size. Tape a paper cutout of the screen to the dash and check the view from your normal seat position, including the right side of the road.
- Prepare the mounting spot. Clean the area with rubbing alcohol before using an adhesive base. If the dash top is curved or textured where you want the screen, use the adhesive mount or a windshield suction mount.
- Route the backup camera cable if used. Run it along the headliner or door sill trim to the trunk. This is the most time-consuming step, so leave the camera off if you do not need it.
- Plan for summer heat. Suction cups and adhesive pads can loosen in high heat. Remove or shade the screen when the car sits in the sun.
Frequently asked questions
What year did the Toyota Camry get Apple CarPlay?
CarPlay became standard on all Camry models for 2019. Toyota also offered a dealer-installed upgrade for eligible 2018 Camrys. Android Auto arrived for 2020.
Does the 2017 Toyota Camry have Apple CarPlay?
No. The 2012 to 2017 Camry has no factory CarPlay and Toyota offers no retrofit. You can add it with a portable CarPlay screen or an aftermarket head unit.
How do I get CarPlay on a 2018 Camry?
Contact a Toyota dealer with your VIN about the Audio Multimedia enhancement for eligible 2018 Camrys. After it is installed, connect your iPhone by USB and enable CarPlay in the setup menu.
Will a portable screen play through the Camry's speakers?
In most cases, yes. The screens we cover can send audio over Bluetooth to the car stereo, through an AUX cable, or, on some models, through an FM transmitter.
Should I get a head unit instead of a portable screen?
If you plan to keep your 2012 to 2017 Camry for years and want a built-in look, a vehicle-specific head unit is worth considering. A portable screen makes more sense for a quick, reversible upgrade.
Bottom line
If your Camry is a 2017 or older model, it has no factory CarPlay and no Toyota upgrade path. A portable screen such as the IIWEY iK7 adds wireless CarPlay and Android Auto in minutes, and its wide, short shape suits the Camry dash. Owners of a 2018 Camry should check the dealer enhancement first. If you want a fully integrated setup, a vehicle-specific head unit is the better long-term route.
CarPlay guides for other cars
- How to Add Apple CarPlay to an Older Chevy Silverado
- How to Add Apple CarPlay to an Older Ford F-150
- How to Add Apple CarPlay to an Older Honda Accord
- How to Add Apple CarPlay to an Older Honda Civic
- How to Add Apple CarPlay to an Older Honda CR-V
- How to Add Apple CarPlay to a Jeep Wrangler JK
- How to Add Apple CarPlay to an Older Nissan Altima
- How to Add Apple CarPlay to an Older Ram 1500
- How to Add Apple CarPlay to an Older Toyota Corolla
- How to Add Apple CarPlay to an Older Toyota Tacoma