The Apple Car might forever remain a pipe dream, but your iPhone can still turbocharge your driving experience. Here’s how to hit the gas with the best apps, tips, and accessories for safer, smarter journeys.
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Explore CarPlay: If your car supports CarPlay, use it! Connect your iPhone to your car for a dashboard experience designed for driving – way better than your phone wobbling around on a charging stand.
Be prepared: Whatever setup you have, get familiar with it before you hit the road. Set your route. Get your music sorted. Prep your apps ahead of time, because…
Don’t tap and drive: You should focus on the road while driving, not sit there prodding a screen. Even taking calls can slow reaction times, and so keep all distractions to a minimum.
Go local: Fuel prices, charging stations, and parking spots are all regional in nature. So are the apps. When abroad, find apps and websites that direct you to the best prices and places to save time and money.
Use your camera: Renting a car? Snap photos (and a video) from every angle so you can later prove its condition on pick-up. And in your own car, document any prang – big or small – for your records.
Save and share locations: Use Maps or Messages to share your ETA, allowing friends and family to not waste time wondering whether you’re stuck in traffic. Download maps for offline use for when you lose signal. And pin your location in a map app whenever you park so you don’t lose your car.
Download these apps
Weather on the Way (free + IAP): Planning a road trip? This app forecasts weather along your entire route, so you won’t be caught off guard by a surprise deluge.
Waze (free): This driving companion combines real-time traffic, hazard, and speed camera alerts, all powered by fellow road users. (But leave alert-adding to your passengers, eh?)
YouTube (free): Need a DIY fix? Whether your car could do with an oil change or a headlight replacement, YouTube likely has a how-to video for your specific car model.
Reminders (free): Forget expensive vehicle maintenance tracking apps – just set up recurring reminders (tagged #car) to stay on top of services, oil changes, and tax renewals.
Crazy Taxi (free or $1.99/£1.99): Had a day of gridlock hell? Get home and unleash your inner road warrior with this classic and smashy racer. Catharsis!
Connect this hardware
mophie vent mount/charger ($69.95/£69.95): Clip this wireless charger to an air vent and snap on your iPhone with MagSafe. Easy. Just want the mount? That’s available for 30 bucks.
Multi-charger cable (around $12/£10): Different cars and devices have different ports. Cover all your bases with a cable featuring USB-A, USB-C, and Lightning. Brands like Yousams and Raviad offer great options.
mophie dual 32W PD car charger ($29.95/£29.95): Got an old-school car with an old-school 12V port? No problem. Plug in this adapter and you can fast-charge a USB-C device or split output between it and a second device connected via USB-A.
AirTag ($29/£35): Car thieves might be wise to trackers these days, but an AirTag is still a great tool for finding your parked car when memory (or a giant parking lot) defeats you.