Alpine first with aftermarket wireless CarPlay head unit

Alpine first with aftermarket wireless CarPlay head unit

Aftermarket head units with Apple CarPlay compatibility are getting more and more popular, as car owners are looking to add such functionality in vehicles that did not originally come with the feature. Like most built-in systems, however, users are required to plug in their iPhones in order for CarPlay to work, so while the user experience might feel as future forward as Cupertino promised, the connection process certainly doesn’t.

Alpine is offering a solution with the iLX-107, the first aftermarket in-dash receiver to feature wireless Apple CarPlay. The Japanese company is actually the second after BMW to allow the feature to be available over the air, enabling drivers to make and receive calls, access text messages, play music and get directions without having to have their phones tethered to the dashboard.

Headline feature aside, the iLX-107 also has a seven-inch WVGA-resolution capacitive touchscreen, three two-volt pre-outs, an auxiliary jack and a rear view camera system input. The privilege of cutting Lightning cables isn’t cheap, however, as the system retails at US$900 (RM3,860) in the United States.

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Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 

Comments

  • Geely Kaur on Jul 07, 2017 at 5:42 pm

    Too expensive, wait some made in chynas unit coming soon at a fraction cost!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • YB Kunta Kinte on Jul 07, 2017 at 7:05 pm

    If it comes to Malaysia, it won’t be RM3860. After taxes and dedak, it will be RM6000

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
    • Anybody that dare price it at that price, will have ZERO sales when kena potong by kenwood, sony, clarion, not to mention those 2nd tier taiwan brands or even 3rd tier china taobao ones. Let the market decide whats fair pricing.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
  • Will MacCormac on Jul 08, 2017 at 12:57 pm

    Pretty sure its basically the sane unit as before, but they have just activated the dormant chip. There are a couple of cheaper alternatives, with wireless. One of the Kenwood’s can be made to be wireless, also isnt the new Sony also wireless?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
 

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