Jake’s review · Both of my Jeeps
AWESAFE JK CarPlay radio: my favorite upgrade, in both of my Jeeps
I’ve put an AWESAFE CarPlay radio in both of my Jeeps. CarPlay and Android Auto make an older JK feel new, and the first one got me wireless CarPlay for under $200.
Jake’s photos
Installed, from three angles
Jake’s note
Why this one matters most
I love the JK, but the stock radio makes the inside feel old. CarPlay and Android Auto put navigation, music, calls, and my phone on one screen I already know how to use.
The first one went in my 2007 two-door. It fit that dash perfectly and worked great for years. My wife’s phone pairs wirelessly too—after some Apple updates I’ve had to redo the pairing, but that’s been the only issue. When I got the 2015, I put an AWESAFE in that one too.
In the garage
How the install went
The radio swap itself wasn’t bad. Running the backup camera is the real work. AWESAFE’s install video covers the harness, and this backup camera video covers the panel removal and wire routing.
The unit for my 2015 came with a backup camera. I mounted it through the spare tire with a bracket—my wheel has an odd spoke pattern, so I needed one that angles the camera out. The bracket’s OK quality, and you have to take the spare off to install it.
One tip: the camera video uses Posi-Taps for the reverse wire, but with the AWESAFE unit you can just butt-connect the red wire from the video feed to the red wire on the camera. On the 2007 I already had a backup camera, so I just joined the right wires.
What I used
Videos that helped
- JK radio install and harness — AWESAFE
- JK backup camera install — Infotainment
Heads-up
Fit and speed
It looks seamless in the 2007 dash. In the 2015 it sticks out a little—it looks good, just not as flush. My first unit was 32GB and did OK; I went 64GB in the second Jeep and it’s noticeably faster at everything. I didn’t measure sound quality.
Which Jeep
Fitment
Installed in my 2007 JK and my 2015 JKU, using different AWESAFE listings for each. Most of my steering-wheel controls worked, even voice control. Factory amps, steering-wheel controls, and cameras can change the job, so match the package to your Jeep.
The good stuff
What I like
- CarPlay and Android Auto in an older JK
- Maps, music, and calls on one screen
- My 2015 unit came with a backup camera
- Worked great for years in the 2007
Before you buy
What to know
- Running the backup camera wire is the real work
- Sits a little proud in the 2015 dash
- Pairing sometimes needs a reset after Apple updates
- Get the 64GB—the 32GB was slower
Bottom line
Would I buy it again?
I already did—it’s in both Jeeps. Of all the small upgrades on this site, this is the one that most makes the Jeep feel less old.
Questions I get
Quick questions
Does it support both CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes, it’s listed for both, wireless. Check the listing before you order in case it changes.
Does it come with a backup camera?
The unit I bought for my 2015 did. I mounted it through the spare tire with a bracket.
Should I get the 32GB or 64GB version?
Go 64GB. My 32GB unit was OK; the 64GB in my second Jeep is noticeably faster.
Is it hard to install?
The radio swap wasn’t bad. Wiring the backup camera is the bigger job, and a couple of YouTube videos made it manageable.
Does AWESAFE make one for other cars?
Yes, they sell versions for a lot of older trucks and cars, and I’ve put them in more than my Jeeps. I answered the common non-Jeep questions on Worth a Look, my site for gear beyond the Jeep.