[flux_capacitor]

Thanks for all that effort. Same car, but I’ve moved on to a wireless CarPlay unit and the phone stays in my pocket. Your hard work is still impressive.

I understand. But with your iPhone staying in your pocket now, don't you have any issue with the battery being drained by navigation (GPS positioning consumes a lot of power)? At least on long trips, say more than 45 mn.

That's why Apple delayed Wireless CarPlay for two years, until iPhone models have induction charging capabilities (Qi standard), and ask automotive makers to include wireless charging pads in newest cars.

 

[flux_capacitor]

I agree, but my commute is 20 minutes. My solution, for longer trips, is nowhere near as elegant as yours. I used Velcro to hold a Qi charger on top of my ashtray and had an electrician wire it into the cigarette lighter.

Lucky time commute Indeed Qi chargers cannot be better integrated in older vehicles due to their larger size (due to the smartphone surface in a flat position) but I find your installation quite neat nonetheless. Good matching colors and good cable management without a wire popping out here and there. Congrats

 

[flux_capacitor]

I drive by this thread to let you know guys that the 2020 Carplay docks for Audi TT are available, including compatibility with iPhone SE2 and iPhone 11 Pro (but no compatibility with iPhone XR/11 nor Max versions as those are too wide for the ashtray).

PS: A few people experienced issues with previous docks being -sometimes- a bit too tight for the iPhone, and they needed some sanding work with a metal file and sandpaper inside the slit to get a smooth fit. Indeed, additive manufacturing (3D-printing process) does not have as much "low-tolerance" margins than subtractive manufacturing (typically CNC machining with a router) or injection molding. As a result, two identical docks 3D printed from the same file may have some small dimensional discrepancies. While I personally preferred the behavior of a tight fit for my iPhone after some sanding, I understand not all people want to tune their dock on the bench before use, as the majority wants a "plug & play" product. That's why newer CarPlay docks take this into account with a greater margin of error, at the price of a slight wobble of the iPhone (don't worry, we are talking about a fraction of a millimeter!).

 

[flux_capacitor]

Late-2020 CarPlay docks now available

Warning: T-adapters that were used in CarPlay docks until now do not work anymore. The Chinese have changed the chip inside without warning. Even if some sellers still advertise these adapters as capable of "data transmission", this is not the case anymore, period. They only charge the phone, so no more sync with iTunes, and above all: CarPlay functionality is broken. I confirmed this with several models purchased from various sellers.

Solution: I have just redesigned the CarPlay docks around a new solution, a USB to Lightning cable from manufacturer McDODO. This solution is way better as this cable is:
• MFI Certified by Apple (works flawlessly with iPhone)
• angled 90° (L-shaped, space saving)
• sturdy (nylon braided cord)
• available worldwide
• and cheap!

——— The 90° angled McDODO cable ———

The McDODO cable should be available at your local Amazon warehouse. You can also purchase the cable from anywhere in the world at the McDODO official store on AliExpress at a bargain, for a few bucks only. All details and links in the new INSTALLATION section at https://carplaydock.com/#install

Also, no more glueing! The cable now simply attaches to the dock with a 2.5mm zip tie, like this:

The Late-2020 CarPlay docks are now back online on the web site and at the Shapeways store.
One more thing: Stay tuned for the upcoming iPhone 12 lineup!

 

[flux_capacitor]

I prefer something within a budget of <$500. Is there anything great that I can get in this price?

Today, as for me and for your budget I'd recommend the Sony XAV-AX5000. Good Bang for the buck.

 

[flux_capacitor]

Thanks for the recommendation. What do you say about Pioneer AVH series?

They seem to be quite capable too. The question is: do you need a CD drive, and do you need a GPS navigation system independent of CarPlay/Android Auto? Personally I didn't want these additional features, but your mileage may vary. It is true also that I bought my CarPlay head unit at a time (circa 2014) when these devices were much more expensive.