The Toyota Camry has long been the gold standard for midsize sedans, a benchmark of reliability, comfort, and efficiency that millions of drivers trust every day. As technology has become increasingly intertwined with our daily drives, features like smartphone integration have shifted from a luxury to a necessity. For iPhone users, Apple CarPlay is the pinnacle of this integration, offering a safe and seamless way to access maps, music, messages, and more. If you’re in the market for a new or used Camry, one of the most pressing questions you’ll have is: which years have Apple CarPlay?
Toyota was notably cautious in its adoption of third-party infotainment software, initially preferring to develop its own Entune system. This approach means the answer isn’t as simple as it is for some other automakers. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every recent model year, clarifying exactly when Apple CarPlay became available, which models have it, and what your options are if you’re looking at a Camry without it.
The Turning Point: When Did the Camry Get Apple CarPlay?
Let’s get straight to the most important answer. The very first model year the Toyota Camry came with Apple CarPlay as a standard feature was the 2019 Toyota Camry. This was a significant update that brought the popular sedan in line with its key competitors. For the 2019 model year, every single trim level—from the base L to the LE, SE, XLE, and the sporty XSE, including all hybrid variants—was equipped with Apple CarPlay right from the factory.
This was part of the Entune 3.0 infotainment system. While the eighth-generation Camry debuted a year earlier with a stunning new design and this new Entune system, CarPlay was the missing piece of the puzzle. Its inclusion in 2019 was a direct response to customer demand and a crucial step in modernizing the Camry’s tech offerings. So, if you are shopping for a used Camry and want to guarantee you have this feature without any potential hassle, your search should begin with the 2019 model year. This is the simplest, most straightforward way to ensure your iPhone integrates perfectly with your car.
The Almost-But-Not-Quite Year: The 2018 Toyota Camry
The 2018 Toyota Camry represents a very specific and often confusing chapter in this story. This model year marked the debut of the sophisticated and aggressively styled eighth-generation Camry. It was a complete redesign from the ground up, featuring a new platform, more dynamic handling, and the brand-new Entune 3.0 infotainment system. It had a beautiful touchscreen and a more modern interface than any Camry before it. However, despite all these advancements, the 2018 Toyota Camry did not have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto when it first rolled into dealerships.
This omission was a point of frustration for many early adopters who expected a brand-new car to feature the latest in-car technology. Toyota heard this feedback loud and clear. In a positive move for customers, Toyota later announced a software enhancement that would bring Apple CarPlay compatibility to the 2018 Camry. This was not an over-the-air update; it required a visit to a Toyota dealership for a technician to install the new software. This retrofit also often included Amazon Alexa integration.
If you own a 2018 Camry or are considering buying one, it is critical to check if this update has been performed. You can do this by plugging your iPhone into the car’s USB data port to see if the CarPlay icon appears. If it doesn’t, you should contact your local Toyota service center, provide them with your vehicle’s VIN, and inquire about the availability and potential cost of the Apple CarPlay enhancement. For many, this dealer-installed update makes the 2018 model a viable and more affordable option for getting a modern Camry with the essential CarPlay feature.
Full Integration: 2019 and Newer Camry Models
Once Toyota crossed the threshold in 2019, Apple CarPlay became a permanent and standard fixture in the Camry lineup. From this point forward, you can be confident that any Camry you look at, regardless of trim level, will support the feature. However, the system and its presentation have evolved over the years.
2019 Toyota Camry
As we’ve established, 2019 is the benchmark year. All models came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen running the Entune 3.0 system, with an optional 8-inch screen on higher trims. Apple CarPlay was the headline feature, but it’s important to note that Android Auto was still absent this year. The connection was, and remains for this generation, a wired connection requiring a Lightning cable.
2020 Toyota Camry
The 2020 model year was another pivotal moment for the Camry’s tech suite. While Apple CarPlay continued as a standard feature, Toyota finally added Android Auto to the mix. This made the 2020 Camry the first model year to offer universal smartphone integration for both major platforms. This is a key consideration for households with both iPhone and Android users. The infotainment hardware and screen sizes remained the same as in 2019, but the added software flexibility made the Camry a more complete and competitive package. The high-performance Camry TRD, focused on driving dynamics, also debuted this year and included the full infotainment suite with both CarPlay and Android Auto.
2021-2024 Toyota Camry
For the 2021 model year, the Camry received a mid-cycle refresh that brought subtle exterior styling tweaks and a significant interior upgrade. The infotainment system was redesigned with a new “floating” tablet-style touchscreen. The base system in trims like the LE and SE now featured a 7-inch floating display, while higher trims like the XLE and XSE received a new, larger 9-inch floating display.
This new hardware improved visibility and gave the dashboard a more contemporary feel. The software was also rebranded from “Entune 3.0” to simply “Toyota Audio” and “Toyota Audio Plus.” Despite the new name and look, the core functionality remained. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were still standard across all trims, providing the same reliable, wired connection drivers had come to appreciate. This excellent system carried over largely unchanged for the 2022, 2023, and 2024 Toyota Camry models, cementing its status as a standard, must-have feature.
What About Older Camrys? (2017 and Earlier)
If your budget or preference has you looking at a seventh-generation Camry or older, it’s important to be clear: no Toyota Camry from the 2017 model year or earlier has factory-installed Apple CarPlay. During this era, Toyota was committed to its own Entune and Entune Audio Plus systems. While these systems offered features like Bluetooth audio, navigation, and app integration through the Entune App Suite, they did not support Apple’s or Google’s projection systems.
Upgrading an Older Camry: Aftermarket Solutions
This doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. The most effective way to bring Apple CarPlay into a 2017-or-earlier Camry is by replacing the factory radio, or head unit, with an aftermarket one. Reputable brands like Pioneer, Sony, Kenwood, and Alpine offer a wide range of head units that not only feature Apple CarPlay (and often Android Auto) but can also be a significant upgrade in other ways. These units frequently provide better sound processing, more extensive equalization controls, and higher-quality, more responsive touchscreens.
When considering an aftermarket installation, you need to budget for both the head unit itself and the necessary installation hardware. This includes a dash kit to make the new radio fit seamlessly, a wiring harness to connect it to the car’s electrical system, and potentially an adapter (like an iDatalink Maestro) to retain factory features like steering wheel controls, the backup camera, and vehicle settings. While it’s an additional investment, upgrading an older, reliable Camry with a modern CarPlay head unit can give you the best of both worlds: Toyota’s legendary dependability and today’s essential technology.
Wired or Wireless? How to Connect Apple CarPlay in Your Camry
For the entire eighth generation of the Camry that offered the feature (2019-2024), the connection for Apple CarPlay has been exclusively wired. This means you must connect your iPhone to the car’s designated USB data port using a high-quality Lightning cable. While some see this as a slight inconvenience compared to a wireless connection, it has two distinct advantages: the connection is incredibly stable and reliable, and it simultaneously charges your phone, ensuring you arrive at your destination with a full battery.
The future, however, is wireless. The all-new, ninth-generation 2025 Toyota Camry, which transitions to an all-hybrid lineup, is the first to feature standard Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This is enabled by the new Toyota Audio Multimedia system, displayed on a standard 8-inch or an available 12.3-inch touchscreen. This new system allows for a cable-free connection, where your phone automatically connects to the car’s infotainment system shortly after you get in, offering a new level of convenience for Camry drivers.
Toyota Camry Apple CarPlay Availability Summary
| Model Year | Apple CarPlay Availability | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 & Earlier | Not Available | Requires aftermarket head unit installation. |
| 2018 | Available via Dealer Update | Not standard from the factory. Must verify if the software enhancement was installed. |
| 2019 | Standard (Wired) | First year for standard Apple CarPlay on all trims. No Android Auto. |
| 2020 | Standard (Wired) | First year for standard Android Auto, offering universal support. |
| 2021-2024 | Standard (Wired) | Interior refresh introduced new 7-inch and 9-inch floating touchscreens. |
| 2025 | Standard (Wireless) | All-new generation introduces wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. |
Your Guide to a Smarter Camry Experience
Navigating the world of in-car technology can be complex, but for the Toyota Camry, the timeline for Apple CarPlay is clear. If you want guaranteed, factory-installed CarPlay, your starting point is the 2019 model year. For those considering the redesigned 2018 model, a quick check or a call to a dealer can confirm if the crucial software update has been performed. And if you’re a fan of an older, trusted Camry, the robust aftermarket provides a clear path to modernization.
The addition of Apple CarPlay, followed by Android Auto, and now the move to a wireless interface, demonstrates Toyota’s commitment to evolving the Camry. It’s no longer just a car you can depend on; it’s a car that intelligently and safely connects to the center of your digital life. Whether you’re buying new or used, you now have the definitive guide to finding a Toyota Camry that perfectly blends its legacy of reliability with the modern convenience you demand.
Which model years of the Toyota Camry come standard with Apple CarPlay?
Apple CarPlay was first introduced as a standard feature on all trim levels of the Toyota Camry beginning with the 2019 model year. This marked a significant update for the eighth-generation Camry, which had launched a year prior without this highly requested smartphone integration technology. The inclusion of CarPlay was part of Toyota’s move to equip its vehicles with more modern and user-friendly infotainment options, allowing drivers to seamlessly access their iPhone’s apps for navigation, music, calls, and messages directly on the car’s built-in display.
Following its introduction in 2019, every subsequent Toyota Camry model year, including 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024, has continued to offer Apple CarPlay as standard equipment across the entire lineup. This means that any new or late-model used Camry from 2019 or newer is guaranteed to have this feature. For car shoppers, this makes it very straightforward: if you are considering a Camry from these years, you can be confident that Apple CarPlay is included from the factory.
Does the 2018 Toyota Camry have Apple CarPlay?
The 2018 Toyota Camry did not come with Apple CarPlay installed from the factory when it was originally sold. Although it was the first model year of the completely redesigned eighth generation and featured the new Entune 3.0 infotainment system, it initially lacked both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This was a common point of criticism from customers and reviewers at the time of its release, as many competing sedans already offered this feature.
However, in 2019, Toyota announced a complimentary software update for owners of the 2018 Camry to add Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa compatibility. This enhancement had to be performed by a certified Toyota dealership. Because of this, many 2018 Camrys available on the used car market today will have Apple CarPlay, but it is not guaranteed. It is essential for a potential buyer to verify that this specific software update has been installed by either testing it directly or checking the vehicle’s service history.
Can I get Apple CarPlay on a Toyota Camry older than the 2018 model year?
No, it is not possible to get an official, factory-supported version of Apple CarPlay on any Toyota Camry model from 2017 or earlier. These vehicles, which belong to the seventh generation and prior, are equipped with older infotainment systems (such as Toyota’s Entune or Entune 2.0) that lack the necessary hardware and software architecture to support the CarPlay platform. Toyota does not offer any software updates or retrofit kits for these older models.
The only viable method for adding Apple CarPlay to a pre-2018 Camry is to completely replace the factory-installed radio and display with a compatible aftermarket head unit. Many well-known car audio brands, such as Pioneer, Kenwood, Sony, and Alpine, manufacture modern infotainment systems that are designed to fit into the dashboard of older Camrys. These aftermarket solutions not only add Apple CarPlay functionality but often include other upgrades like a better touchscreen, improved sound processing, and Android Auto compatibility.
Is Apple CarPlay on the Toyota Camry wired or wireless?
For the majority of model years, Apple CarPlay in the Toyota Camry requires a wired connection. From its introduction in the 2019 model year up through the 2022 model year, a physical connection is necessary. To use the feature, you must connect your iPhone to the car’s designated USB data port using a high-quality, MFi-certified Lightning cable. This direct connection ensures a stable and responsive experience while also charging your device.
Wireless Apple CarPlay functionality began to be introduced on the Camry starting with the 2023 model year, but it was not standard across all trims. It was typically included with the upgraded Audio Plus package, which features a larger 9-inch touchscreen display. Base models with the standard 7-inch screen in these newer years may still require a wired connection. Therefore, if wireless connectivity is a priority, it is crucial to verify the specific trim level and optional packages of the Camry you are considering.
If a Camry has Apple CarPlay, does it also have Android Auto?
Not always. Toyota introduced support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in different model years for the Camry, so the presence of one does not automatically guarantee the other. Apple CarPlay became standard on the 2019 Toyota Camry, but that model year did not include support for Android Auto. Owners of a 2019 Camry have access to Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa but cannot connect an Android device for a similar integrated experience.
Toyota added Android Auto as a standard feature on the Camry beginning with the 2020 model year. From 2020 onwards, all Toyota Camry models come equipped with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features. This means that if you are looking for a Camry that supports both major smartphone platforms, you should focus your search on models from the 2020 model year or newer.
How can I confirm if a used Toyota Camry has Apple CarPlay before buying it?
The most definitive way to confirm the presence of Apple CarPlay is to test it yourself during an inspection or test drive. Bring an Apple iPhone and a compatible Lightning-to-USB cable with you. Start the car, plug your iPhone into the main USB data port (usually located in the front of the center console), and observe the infotainment screen. If the car is equipped, a prompt to enable CarPlay will appear on the screen, or the CarPlay icon will automatically be displayed on the system’s main menu.
If you cannot test it directly, you can visually check the infotainment system’s menus. Navigate to the main menu or setup screen and look for an option related to apps or smartphone projection. The system should explicitly list “Apple CarPlay” as a feature. This step is particularly important for the 2018 model year, as CarPlay availability depends on whether the previous owner had the dealership software update installed. Simply relying on the model year for a 2018 Camry is not sufficient; always verify its presence on the device.
My Camry is supposed to have Apple CarPlay, but it’s not working. What should I do?
First, troubleshoot the most common points of failure. The primary culprit is often the connection cable, so ensure you are using a high-quality, MFi-certified (Made for iPhone) Lightning cable that is in good condition. Low-quality or damaged cables can fail to establish a stable data connection. Also, verify that you are plugging the cable into the correct USB port; most cars have a specific data-enabled port, often marked with a USB or smartphone icon, while other ports may be for charging only.
If the connection is secure, check your iPhone’s software settings. Navigate to Settings > General > CarPlay on your phone and make sure your Camry is not listed under a “restricted” or “forgotten” list. You should also check for any restrictions under Settings > Screen Time. As a final simple step, try rebooting both your iPhone and the car’s infotainment system (by turning the car off and on again) to clear any temporary software glitches. If these steps do not resolve the issue, consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual or contact a Toyota dealership for technical support.