Free Apple CarPlay Upgrade Coming to Select KIA Automobiles Later on This Summer

We recently heard that Apple’s renowned CarPlay functionality would be landing in a certain high-end German automaker’s court soon. And, while that’s all fine and dandy — at least, for the financially sound among us, perhaps others might understandably be asking themselves something like, well, “what about us?” What about those of us who’d prefer to leave a more economically sound footprint while out on the open road? I’m sure we still wouldn’t mind taking a little taste of life’s sought after luxuries, wouldn’t we?

Well, of course not! And if you just so happen to drive, or are planning on upgrading to a qualifying new KIA automobile anytime soon, then this news goes out to you!

We’ve just received word that the Seoul, South Korea-based automobile manufacturer will be offering a first-of-its-kind upgrade to Apple’s CarPlay (and Android Auto) on select KIA models. What makes this particular upgrade so unique, you may be wondering, is that KIA will be extending the phone/infotainment connectivity functionality to drivers of select older models, as well — making a clear departure from the long-time standard of upgrading forthcoming devices

There is a slight catch, unfortunately: in order to qualify for the upgrade, owners of select KIA models will have to ensure their cars are equipped with either an AVN 4.0 navigation system, or KIA’s UVO3 dashboard interface. However, with that being considered, KIA will be releasing the upgrade for qualified owners within the coming weeks. Those who qualify are being asked by KIA to login to their “MyUVO” dashboard online — at MyUVO.com — to check their eligibility status and find out how to initiate the upgrade process.

A list of KIA’s compatible models include the following:

• 2017 Forte (Forte5)
• 2017 Cadenza
• 2015-16 Optima/Optima Hybrid
• 2015-16 Sedona
• 2014-16 Soul
• 2015-16 Soul EV
• 2016 Sorento
• 2017 Sportage

What might stand out from this short list, in particular, is the mention of KIA’s 2014 Soul being eligible — particularly because very few models (from any manufacturer) offered CarPlay access without an after-market upgrade until recently. Sure, we’ve ben seeing CarPlay popping up, left and right, for what seems like a while now; however, it should be noted that this apparent influx of widespread CarPlay availability didn’t really hit the ground running at full-speed until about a year ago.

Prior to that, either CarPlay wasn’t available — due to technological limitations of existing on-board infrastructure; or, even worse, CarPlay was simply so expensive, as an after-market upgrade option, that the technology frequented showrooms very rarely.

Even still: this should come as great news for owners of the aforementioned KIA automobiles — or, if you’d prefer the Porsche, that’s always okay, too! Either way, it’s simply a great time to have CarPlay functionality installed in your car. Apple will be bringing a number of noteworthy CarPlay upgrades to complement its huge iOS 10 release later on this fall.

In addition to an all-new ‘Parked Car’ feature in iOS 10 Maps — which will work most optimally with Bluetooth-enabled automobiles, Apple will also be releasing a revamped Apple Music app featuring an all-new user interface.

What do you think about KIA’s move to expand CarPlay availability? Let us know in the comments!