CarPlay Certification Guide

  Apple announced its iOS in the Car initiative in 2013, commencing the rollout of in-car connectivity solutions, which it formally named CarPlay in 2014. 

Following years of product iteration and market development, CarPlay has achieved substantial market share internationally. It boasts a rich ecosystem of 

partners, comprehensive tools, and rigorous certification testing procedures, consistently setting the industry benchmark for in-car connectivity solutions.

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CarPlay Certification Guide (Figure 1)


• Apple CarPlay once commanded over 50% global market share, with over 98% of vehicles in the US supporting the system. 79% of American consumers 

stated they would only purchase cars compatible with CarPlay;


• Following the announcement of Apple's vehicle manufacturing initiative and the CarPlay 2.0 phase's takeover of all in-car displays, Apple's solution required 

manufacturers to open extensive vehicle data access. This led to fluctuations in CarPlay's market share;

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CarPlay Certification Guide (Fig. 2)


• The legacy CarPlay focused on infotainment via the central display, primarily offering communication, entertainment, and navigation functions.


• The new CarPlay evolves towards vehicle control domains, enabling access to instrument cluster data (e.g., speed, RPM, fuel level, climate control) 

and control over systems like air conditioning and seats.

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CarPlay Certification Guide (Figure 3)


Partnership Access: Become a member


Integration Development: Create project, obtain ID and documentation, develop product


Testing & Certification: Pass self-testing + certification


Mass Production & Sales: Procure chips, mass produce, integrate and sell • The end-to-end process from application to commercialisation typically takes 1-2 years; 


• Although CarPlay is a software connectivity solution, integration requires adherence to MFi programme requirements and procurement of chips;


• Applying for MFi factory certification involves system audits and on-site factory inspections to ensure partners meet Apple's procurement and production standards; 


• MFi members must submit quarterly reports detailing chip usage in Apple CarPlay-equipped vehicles. Failure to submit timely reports may result in additional audits 

or account suspension;


• Packaging requires authorised logo usage and design material review;


• Apple typically accepts membership applications from vehicle manufacturers. Software developers or certification bodies cannot apply on behalf of automakers but may 

provide guidance and assistance;


BlueAsia Automotive Connectivity Laboratory Services and Scope

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CarPlay Certification Guide (Figure 4)


BlueAsia Automotive Connectivity Laboratory currently provides: HUAWEI HiCar certification testing; APPLE CarPlay bench pre-testing and road pre-testing; GOOGLE 

Android Auto bench pre-testing and road pre-testing; Baidu CarLife pre-testing services.


Extended Connectivity Services: Beyond connectivity testing, we integrate resources to provide in-vehicle functional software development: CarPlay and Android Auto 

development outsourcing services, alongside software acceptance testing outsourcing for OEMs.