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Top Reasons Apple CarPlay Makes Every Drive Better

July 08, 2026
apple carplay and android auto edmonton

Are you tired of an outdated factory entertainment system that makes your car feel dated and even annoying to use? With Edmontonians commuting more than ever, there’s nothing worse than a drive that feels boring and frustrating because of a lack of connectivity. Before you start stressing over finding the financials to buy a new ride, there’s a far easier way to get your car back on track and up to speed with modern technology. Apple CarPlay (and Android Auto for our non-iOS users) offer the benefits of streamlined connectivity and added safety behind the wheel. Designed to pair your phone with your vehicle and keep you focused on the road, aftermarket CarPlay solutions let you make the most of your ride with ease.

At Certified Radio, we’re here to help you create the ride you deserve with trusted aftermarket head unit solutions that bring CarPlay to your fingertips. If you’re thinking about making the switch to life with CarPlay, here’s what you can look forward to:

Seamless Integration with Your iPhone

Apple CarPlay acts as a secondary display for your phone, optimized specifically for the driving environment. It simplifies the apps you use most into a clean, easy-to-navigate interface. CarPlay makes it easy to access features like:

  • Maps and Navigation: Use Apple Maps, Google Maps, or Waze with real-time traffic updates to navigate through city traffic with ease.
  • Music and Media: Access your entire music library, Spotify, or podcast apps using large, driver-friendly icons.
  • Communication: Send and receive text messages or take phone calls with your voice alone, keeping your focus on the road ahead.

Safety and Voice Control with Siri

Safety is the core reason for CarPlay’s design. By utilizing Siri, you can control almost every aspect of your phone without ever touching the screen. This includes perks like:

  • Hands-Free Operation: Simply say “Hey Siri” to set a destination, change a playlist, or dictate a message.
  • Reduced Distraction: The interface is designed to minimize visual clutter, helping you stay compliant with Alberta’s distracted driving laws.
  • Smart Suggestions: CarPlay uses data from your calendar to suggest destinations based on where you are likely headed next.

Upgrading Beyond the Interface

Adding a new head unit does more than just add CarPlay; it’s a massive upgrade to your vehicle’s audio and utility, and offers:

  • Improved Audio Quality: Aftermarket head units often feature superior internal amplifiers compared to factory systems, resulting in crisper, more dynamic sound.
  • Expanding Your Views: Most modern CarPlay units feature inputs for backup cameras or even dash cams, providing better visibility and safety.
  • Customizable Displays: You can choose from a range of screen sizes—from standard 7-inch displays to massive floating screens—to match the aesthetics of your dashboard.

Why Choose Certified Radio for Your Upgrade?

For over 70 years, Certified Radio has been one of Edmonton’s most trusted teams when it comes to aftermarket car upgrades. Built on a dedication to our local community and exceptional customer service, our crew is here to help you find the right fit and get it installed properly. When you partner with us, you get:

  • Experienced Integration: Our installers have decades of experience ensuring new head units communicate perfectly with a vehicle’s existing electronics.
  • Control Retention: We use specialized interfaces to ensure your factory steering wheel buttons and USB ports continue to work with your new stereo.
  • The Certified Guarantee: We stand behind the quality of our work with a lifetime warranty on every professional installation.

Ready to Connect Your Ride?

Contact our team today to discuss the best CarPlay options for your vehicle, or visit our Edmonton location at 18550 104 Ave NW to see these units in action!