2021 Signature: Why no wireless Apple Carplay?

[2017CX9]

It’s has the WiFi and Bluetooth connections. Why did they not include wireless CarPlay?

 

[markjenn]

Wireless CP is technically a lot more difficult than wired so it has generally been a high-end feature in a few luxury makes. It’s just now starting to trickle into mainstream vehicles.

- Mark

 

[GTEyes]

There's more to this story.
Mazda actually includes wireless carplay in the '21 models (CX5 and CX9) here in Canada...but it's because we didn't get the new Mazda Connect system that is in the 2019 and up 3's. So they've added the feature to the ancient old Mazda Connect system, which seem so strange...but alas, dems the breaks.

 

[Trip CX9]

Same with the 6 for 2021. It has the older infotainment but gets wireless CP.

 

[youri]

And the Miatas now

 

[GregP74]

Wireless Carplay sounded neat but not a big deal until I started thinking about how many lightning cables I've had to replace in the last couple years. Probably a half dozen at least. It's not a deal breaker but between that and not having the XM radio on the Touring model either is really making me have second thoughts about a 2021 CX5 this spring.

 

[youri]

Get a Canadian cx-5

 

[icmp]

This is embarrassing for Mazda -- or, at least it should be. What's more embarrassing is that I just leased a 2021 Signature and wrongly assumed, with all the onboard, included features, that wireless carplay was a no-brainer inclusion at the price point and level of trim/features included. So close, Mazda... but, that's an easily avoided fail. Had I known this, I might have waffled on the acquisition given that other competing 3-row SUVs in this price range DO include this. I'm tired of cables. It's a joke that in a 2021 Signature I have to use a cable for carplay and at a sticker price of $47k, wired carplay in an inexplicable limitation.

Even the dated Durango/Jeep platform has added this in 2021. My 2nd choice 3-row I was debating on getting before leaning into the CX-9 (as a former 2015 Durango owner, and 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee, I love their superior infotainment system -- wins hands down, with or without a cable).

I have a 2nd lease coming up on a Jeep Cherokee... WAS thinking a CX-5 replacement might be in order, but I'll start expanding my search and maybe land back in a jeep with wireless carplay.

 

[tekz]

This is embarrassing for Mazda -- or, at least it should be. What's more embarrassing is that I just leased a 2021 Signature and wrongly assumed, with all the onboard, included features, that wireless carplay was a no-brainer inclusion at the price point and level of trim/features included. So close, Mazda... but, that's an easily avoided fail. Had I known this, I might have waffled on the acquisition given that other competing 3-row SUVs in this price range DO include this. I'm tired of cables. It's a joke that in a 2021 Signature I have to use a cable for carplay and at a sticker price of $47k, wired carplay in an inexplicable limitation.

Even the dated Durango/Jeep platform has added this in 2021. My 2nd choice 3-row I was debating on getting before leaning into the CX-9 (as a former 2015 Durango owner, and 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee, I love their superior infotainment system -- wins hands down, with or without a cable).

I have a 2nd lease coming up on a Jeep Cherokee... WAS thinking a CX-5 replacement might be in order, but I'll start expanding my search and maybe land back in a jeep with wireless carplay.

Technology sure has come a long way to the point that Wireless ACP/AA is now becoming a deal breaker...I have the wired CP/AA in my car but seldom use it as I find it just distracting...too many distractions nowadays but that’s from my personal perspective and preference. I guess you now buy the best infotainment system in the market that comes with the vehicle and not the other way around. Maybe driving doesn’t matter anymore...

 

[GTEyes]

This is embarrassing for Mazda -- or, at least it should be. What's more embarrassing is that I just leased a 2021 Signature and wrongly assumed, with all the onboard, included features, that wireless carplay was a no-brainer inclusion at the price point and level of trim/features included. So close, Mazda... but, that's an easily avoided fail. Had I known this, I might have waffled on the acquisition given that other competing 3-row SUVs in this price range DO include this. I'm tired of cables. It's a joke that in a 2021 Signature I have to use a cable for carplay and at a sticker price of $47k, wired carplay in an inexplicable limitation.

Even the dated Durango/Jeep platform has added this in 2021. My 2nd choice 3-row I was debating on getting before leaning into the CX-9 (as a former 2015 Durango owner, and 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee, I love their superior infotainment system -- wins hands down, with or without a cable).

I have a 2nd lease coming up on a Jeep Cherokee... WAS thinking a CX-5 replacement might be in order, but I'll start expanding my search and maybe land back in a jeep with wireless carplay.

Here, I fixed this for you,

...What's more embarrassing is that I just leased a 2021 Signature and wrongly assumed, with all the onboard, included features, that wireless carplay without doing my homework to ensure the vehicle had the features that were important to me.

 

[TimInNOVA]

Easy solution. No more tears required:

CPLAY2air wireless adapter for factory CarPlay

Convert your factory CarPlay to wireless and skip plugging in your phone when you get in! Supported vehicles Abarth 2017-2020 Acura 2017-2020 Alfa Romeo 2018-2020 Audi 2017-2020 Bentley 2017-2020 Borgward 2017-2019 Buick 2017-2019 Cadillac 2016-2020 Chevrolet 2016-2020 Chrysler 2017-2019...

cplay2air.com

 

[TimInNOVA]

This one is twice as expensive. I'm not sure what the difference is:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08VFBGXCV/?tag=m20b7-20​

 

[markjenn]

I’d like to see wireless CP too, but it is NOT the norm in this segment of vehicle. For example, it’s not available on the Pilot, Highlander, or Telluride to name a few. At least for the next year or two, you’ve got to do your homework on these sorts of features.

- Mark

 

[teknowiz]

I was able to use CarlinKit 2.0 Wireless CarPlay Dongle Adapter linked below to get wireless car play working on my 2018 CX-9. Out of the box it does have random disconnects but after applying all the updates to it including latest one that specifically mentions address Mazda system disconnects it has been working great.

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08T97YLLM/