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With Subaru, the model year tells you less than the Starlink generation. The 2019 Forester picked up CarPlay after its redesign, and the rest of the range followed in 2020. Cars on older Starlink versions have no CarPlay, and a dongle cannot add it.
Where Subaru stands
| 2019 Forester onward | Redesigned Starlink with CarPlay. A dongle converts it to wireless |
|---|---|
| Most other models, 2020 onward | Updated Starlink with CarPlay |
| Earlier Starlink | No CarPlay. A dongle will not help |
Because Subaru rolled the newer Starlink out model by model rather than across the range at once, two cars of the same year can differ. Check the car rather than a chart.
One Subaru specific advantage
Newer Subarus have over the air update capability, with the car pulling firmware through its built in communication module. That means the infotainment software on a recent Subaru can change without a dealer visit, so a feature list from launch is not always the current state of your car. Worth checking the system version in settings before concluding anything.
Not sure what your car has?
Three questions, about 30 seconds, and you will know whether an adapter helps before spending anything.
Check my car →The 30 second test
Plug your iPhone into the USB port with a proper data cable. If CarPlay appears, you have wired CarPlay and a dongle will make it wireless. If nothing happens, the car has no CarPlay and no dongle can add it.
If your car does have wired CarPlay, these are the adapters we rate. Prices move, so check before buying.
CarlinKit Mini Ultra 3 →OTTOCAST Mini Cube 3.0 →AAWireless TWO+ →Frequently asked questions
Does my Subaru have CarPlay?
It depends on the Starlink generation rather than the badge. The 2019 Forester got the updated Starlink with CarPlay after its redesign, and the rest of the range followed in 2020. Earlier Starlink versions have no CarPlay.
Can I add CarPlay to an older Subaru?
Not with a dongle. A dongle only converts existing wired CarPlay to wireless. Older Starlink head units have no CarPlay to convert.
Will a wireless adapter work on a 2020 Subaru?
Yes, if CarPlay currently appears when you plug your phone in. That is the test that matters.
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