CarPlay options for 2013 model

[Yank24]

Hi there,

New member, and just picked up a 2013 GX 460 with the "premium" infotainment system. The Bluetooth works well, and the USB connector treats my iPhone like an iPod. Not the greatest experience, but it works. 

That being said, I'd really prefer to get a good CarPlay experience like we have in my wife's car. I've seen some examples of add-ons that appear to only work with 2014 models and newer. Search results suggest that there is a solution for 2013s, but I can't seem to find one. Tried looking at options to replace the entire infotainment system with an after market product, but it's been hard to ensure fit for the double din nav system that is already in place.

Any 2013 owners out there who have successfully navigated this? Or is it simply something that can't really be solved? I'm assuming that the resolution of the screen (and maybe colors) might make it a non-option, but hoping.

-Ryan

[Bykfixer]

Carplay was introduced in March 2014. So perhaps what you seek is akin to converting a dvd player to blu ray. 

In other words it would be likely you need to buy an 014 or later infotainment system. 

[Yank24]

Thanks for the reply. I understand that CarPlay came after, but it seems like a number of people have explored solutions that add a module (or new brain) to the system and you can switch over to that one instead (maybe some kind of phone mirroring). Or is there an after market product that people have found works well in the space and retains the steering wheel controls or backup camera?

[Yank24]

It also sounds like Toyota/Lexus hasn't really tried to adopt CarPlay until very recently, so it would probably have to be an after market fix. Unfortunately I haven't really looked at after market stereo solutions in about 15 years 😞