A client recently contacted California Car Sounds and Tint in Campbell about installing an Apple CarPlay upgrade in his 2011 Porsche Cayenne. The client purchased an upgrade module for his Porsche PCM radio that adds Apple CarPlay functionality, as well as including a backup camera input. After inspecting the vehicle and looking through the installation instructions provided with the interface, we agreed to perform the installation for the client.
Porsche Cayenne Apple CarPlay Installation
The project started with a thorough review of the instructions provided with the Porsche CarPlay interface module. We started the process of removing the radio from the dash of the vehicle, taking care not to damage the trim or the dash. Once the radio was removed, we took it to a clean area of the shop to begin the disassembly process.
The CarPlay module requires that one of the daughterboards in the radio be removed and replaced with a new board that includes the added features. We needed to disconnect and replace several flexible PCB cables during the process and run cabling out the back of the factory radio to an external control module.
The control module included with the system requires dedicated power, accessory and ground electrical connections to function properly with the vehicle. Our technician completed those connections and secured all the wiring to prevent any buzzes or rattles while the vehicle is in motion.
The last step was to mount the control module in the vehicle and reinstall the factory radio. We went through a thorough testing process for the audio features, navigation system and Bluetooth before we tested the CarPlay and backup camera functionality of the upgrade. Satisfied with the performance of the enhancement, we reassembled the vehicle.
Once enabled, the Porsche Cayenne Apple CarPlay interface works with the touch screen of the PCM factory radio to provide direct access to CarPlay compatible applications. The factory-installed microphone handles all the voice recognition functions. The result is a system that looks and works as though it came from the factory.
What is Apple CarPlay?
If you aren’t familiar with CarPlay, well, it’s worth explaining. CarPlay is an interface designed by Apple to allow iPhone users access to key entertainment, communication and navigation functions of their smartphone in a way that minimizes distraction. CarPlay uses the Siri Voice Assistant built into the iPhone to convert verbal commands into function requests.
You can ask Siri to send a text message to a phone number or one of your contacts. Siri will listen to what you say, then convert that to text and send the message. Siri will also read out incoming iMessage and text messages. You can place a phone call to any of your contacts, to a phone number you speak or have the system search the internet for the phone number of a business in the U.S., Canada or Mexico.
Regarding entertainment options, Siri can play music stored on your phone as simply as requesting a song title or an artist. CarPlay is directly compatible with music streaming services such as Apple Music, Amazon Music, Google Play Music, SiriusXM Radio, Tidal, Pandora, Radio Disney and Spotify. You can also enjoy audio books from Audiobooks, Audiobooks.com or Audible.
Finally, CarPlay provides several options for turn-by-turn navigation information. You can use Apple Maps, Google Maps or even Waze to get directions to the destination of your choice. All three options include considerations for traffic flow to optimize your commute or adventure. You can provide an address or let the system search the internet for the destination address of almost any business in North America.
Add Apple CarPlay to Your Vehicle at California Car Sounds and Tint
If you are interested in adding CarPlay to your vehicle, drop by California Car Sounds and Tint in Campbell and speak to one of our product specialists. We carry a variety of Apple CarPlay- and Android Auto-equipped source units. Of course, we can also install solutions like the Porsche Cayenne Apple CarPlay upgrade this client brought to us. For more information or to schedule a personal consultation, give us a call at 408-378-0409 or send us an e-mail using our contact page.
That’s incredible. I’d like to do this to my 2016 Cayenne. How much does something like this cost and does this affect the ability to configure any of the other car settings that can be adjusted through the factory stereo?
Hi Chris, cost is about $1100 with installation. You do not loose any features of your current setup but adding car play
To whom it concerns, I see you installed an apple CarPlay for a client and posted a picture indicating the Backing up safely is much easier with the camera integration. I have a 2014 Porsche Cayman and I purchased a Rear-view camera-input coding + VIM Porsche PCM3.0 and PCM3.1for my car which was installed using the female and male harness. (https://pdf.ampire.de/caraudiosystems/RL-PCM3-TF/man_eng_RL-PCM3-TF.pdf) Do you think If I add an apple CarPlay the camera input will still work?
yes, your camera input will still work
So for those that are interested in the kit for their vehicle, who makes the kit? There are multiple companies that make these, and from my research there are only a few that are reputable. I live in Houston and have just started researching these for my wifes car. Any help would be appreciated.
Hi John,
Part is made by NH Automotive. We have been out of stock for a few months (back ordered). We just received some more. During the time that we were back ordered we had some customers come in with their own products. Not sure where they purchased it or from whom as the boxes were not labeled. NH Automotive is by far the best quality product we have seen. Extremely reliable.
How long does the upgrade take?
Depending on what model Porsche you have it takes about 4 hours