Guide · Common Jeep topics
Adding CarPlay to a JK: what people ask, and what I found in two Jeeps
Once JK owners fix the headlights, the radio is next. The questions are always the same: what head unit should I get, can I add CarPlay to an ’07, and how bad is the backup camera? I’ve put an AWESAFE CarPlay radio in both of my Jeeps.
Can you add CarPlay to an older JK?
Yes. My first unit went into a 2007 two-door. It fit the dash perfectly, worked great for years, and got me wireless CarPlay for under $200. When I got the 2015 JKU, I put one in that too.
Is it worth it?
It’s my favorite JK upgrade. Nothing else I’ve done changes the Jeep as much from the driver’s seat. Maps, music, calls and your phone end up on one screen you already know how to use.
Does it do wireless CarPlay and Android Auto?
Mine is listed for both, wireless. My wife’s phone pairs wirelessly too. After some Apple updates I’ve had to redo the pairing, and that’s been the only issue. Check the current listing before you order in case it changes.
32GB or 64GB?
Go 64GB. My 32GB unit was OK; the 64GB in my second Jeep is noticeably faster at everything.
Does it look factory?
In the 2007 dash it looks seamless. In the 2015 it sticks out a little. It looks good, just not as flush.
How hard is the backup camera?
The radio swap wasn’t bad. Wiring the backup camera is the bigger job, and a couple of YouTube videos made it manageable.
The unit for my 2015 came with a camera. I mounted it through the spare tire with a bracket that angles the camera out, because my wheel has an odd spoke pattern. You have to take the spare off to install it.
One tip: the camera instructions use Posi-Taps for the reverse wire. With the AWESAFE unit you can just butt-connect the red wire from the video feed to the red wire on the camera.
Will it work with my factory amp and steering-wheel controls?
Most of my steering-wheel controls worked, even voice control. Still, match the package to your Jeep. Factory amps, steering-wheel controls and cameras can all change the job, and I used different AWESAFE listings for the 2007 and the 2015.
Is the sound better?
I didn’t measure sound quality, so I won’t claim it.
Read the full AWESAFE review →
The parts behind these answers
AWESAFE wireless CarPlay & Android Auto radio
My favorite JK upgrade—I have one in both Jeeps. CarPlay and Android Auto bring modern maps, music, and calls to the older dashboard. The backup camera wiring is the real work.