A customer brought his 2012 Audi A6 into our Cardiff workshop. He loved the car, but not the tech. In fact, he had already done his own research into Audi A6 CarPlay, and it hadn’t got him anywhere.
Because he had found only two options, and he didn’t like either of them. So he asked us to help, and he told us money wasn’t the issue. Honestly, that was music to our ears.
Watch the Audi A6 CarPlay Build
First, here is the whole job in 37 seconds, from the screen rising to CarPlay and the parking aid.
The Audi A6 build in 37 seconds.
The Problem: Two Options, Neither Right
Option one was to add CarPlay to the original screen. However, that screen is small. As a result, CarPlay looked small and pixelated on it.
Next, option two was a big aftermarket screen in a fixed position. Of course, that solves the size problem. But it means the screen is always up, and the A6 loses its motorised screen.
Why the Motorised Screen Mattered
After all, on this A6 the factory screen folds away into the dash. So when it is down, the cabin looks clean and uncluttered. For this owner, the motorised screen was a big part of what he loved. So a fixed screen was never really an option.
The Audi A6 CarPlay Answer: A 9-Inch Screen That Still Rises
So we went looking for a third option. Then we sourced a 9-inch screen with a motorised mechanism from our UK supplier, Autostyle. In short, it is the bigger screen he wanted, and it still rises and folds away like the original.
Original Screen vs New 9-Inch Screen
OriginalNew 9-inchFirst, here are the two screens side by side on the bench. On the left is the original Audi unit. On the right is the new screen, with its own motorised mount.
So even on the bench, the difference is obvious. Also, the new one uses the full width, so CarPlay has far more room.
What the New Audi A6 CarPlay Screen Does
Next, here is what he gets on the new screen. Also, every photo below was taken in our workshop.
Factory Parking Aid, Kept
Still worksOn top of that, the factory parking aid still shows on the new screen. So when he reverses, he sees the same Audi sensor display as before.
That matters, because a screen upgrade should add features, not take them away.
Why Fit Audi A6 CarPlay at a Specialist?
Of course, plug-in CarPlay boxes and cheap screens are easy to buy online. However, the hard part is making them work with the car. For example, the motorised mount, the factory parking aid and the car data all have to keep working.
So every screen we fit goes in at our workshop, never on a driveway. Then we test every function with the owner before the car leaves. Find out more on our Apple CarPlay fitting in Cardiff page, or see all our multimedia upgrades.
We have also fitted CarPlay to an Audi S5 and a BMW 5 Series, and we put right a CarPlay unit in a Ferrari California.
As Seen on Our Facebook
Audi A6 CarPlay in Cardiff and South Wales
Our workshop is at Unit C1, West Point Industrial Estate, Penarth Road, Cardiff CF11 8JQ. Also, customers come to us from Penarth, Barry, Newport, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Pontypridd and the Vale of Glamorgan. In short, if you love your car but not its screen, we can help.
Audi A6 CarPlay: Your Questions Answered
Can you add Apple CarPlay to a 2012 Audi A6?
Yes. We fitted this 2012 Audi A6 with a 9-inch screen that runs Apple CarPlay. It also keeps the motorised mechanism, so the screen still rises and folds away. We check your car’s spec when you book.
Will my Audi A6 screen still fold away?
On this car, yes. The new 9-inch screen sits on a motorised mechanism, so it rises and folds away at the touch of a button, just like the original.
Do I lose the factory parking sensor display?
Not on this A6. The factory parking aid still shows on the new screen when the car is in reverse.
Why not just add CarPlay to the original screen?
You can. However, the original screen is small, and on this car CarPlay looked pixelated on it. That is why the owner wanted a bigger screen.
How do I book an Audi A6 CarPlay upgrade?
Call us on 029 2070 7275, message us on WhatsApp, or send your car details through our quote form. We will tell you what your car can take.
In short, you don’t have to choose between CarPlay and the car you love. So if your screen feels dated, give us a ring.
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