If you have a car that already has Apple CarPlay available, you can add wireless charging to your car and make your Apple CarPlay wireless, too. All it takes are a few parts and minutes.
Is it possible to add wireless charging and wireless Apple CarPlay to your car? A Mob Armor employee sought to answer this question for their 2021 Ford Ranger. Thanks to the Ford SYNC3 stereo, which supports wired Apple CarPlay, we were confident that we could create a seamless wireless car experience.
With a selection of wireless chargers and adapters from Mob Armor and Amazon, we achieved our goal in just a few minutes. Continue reading to find out how!
Step One: Equip Your Car with a Phone Mount and Magnetic Wireless Charging Pad
First, you'll need a wireless charger robust enough to power your phone while you're using it. The Mob Armor FLEX Magnetic Wireless Charger fits the bill, offering fast wireless charging speeds of up to 15W on MagSafe and Qi Wireless Charging devices.
Given that this charger pairs well with the MobNetic mounting system, incorporating a MobNetic Maxx phone mount was an easy decision. As for aesthetics, the all-black interior and exterior of the truck led us to choose a black MobNetic Maxx, but there are 10 anodized aluminum colors to match your ride.
Finally, to make the most out of the charging speeds, we opted for a 38W Dual-USB Car Charger.
All of the components needed to create a wireless charging and wireless Apple CarPlay setup
Step Two: Finding the Perfect Wireless Apple CarPlay Adapter
The next challenge was identifying a wireless Apple CarPlay adapter compatible with the Ford Ranger. Navigating through the plethora of wireless car chargers and adapters on Amazon was akin to the Wild West of tech shopping.
The Installation Process
Preparing the Mounting Surface
With the Mob Armor magnetic phone mounting solution, installing the charging pad was straightforward. After selecting a safe and accessible placement near the center console, we prepped the area with cleaning wipes.
Finalizing the Installation
After letting the adhesive cure, we turned our attention to the wireless charger pad and the Apple CarPlay adapter. Connecting them to the Ford SYNC3 system was easy. With a USB-C cable and cigarette lighter in place, we had the entire system up and running in no time.
The final wireless product, all connected and in use.
Why Go Wireless?: Benefits of a Cord-Free Setup
Going wireless in your car setup offers a multitude of advantages, making your driving experience safer, more convenient, and far less cluttered. Here are some key benefits:
Safety and Reduced Distracted Driving
One of the key features of a wireless setup is that it significantly minimizes distracted driving. With no cables to plug or unplug, drivers are less likely to fumble with their phones. This also minimizes the clutter around your cup holder and car dashboard, making for a cleaner and more organized driving environment.
Convenience and Accessibility
Wireless setups typically offer far more convenience and accessibility. Once your phone is paired with your vehicle, your device will automatically connect when you start the car. This is incredibly convenient, especially for those who are always on the go.
Aesthetically Pleasing
Wires tend to clutter up space and can even get tangled, affecting the overall aesthetic of your vehicle's interior. With wireless add-ons, you get a sleek, streamlined look that's also easy to manage.
Market Trends
Wireless technology, including Qi wireless charging and wireless Apple CarPlay, is becoming the standard in many new vehicle makes and models. By upgrading now, you're essentially future-proofing your car.
Choosing the Right Wireless Charger: What to Consider
Picking the right wireless charger for your car involves several considerations, ranging from charging speeds to compatibility and placement options.
Charging Speeds
While most wireless chargers offer the convenience of Qi charging, not all provide the fastest charging speeds. If you are a heavy phone user while driving—maybe for GPS or streaming—you'll want to look for a charger that offers fast charge mode.
Compatibility
Always check the owner's manual of your vehicle and phone to make sure they're compatible with the wireless charger you're considering. Whether you're an iPhone or Google Pixel owner, the last thing you want is to buy an incompatible charger.
Placement Options
Different wireless chargers offer various placement options, from suction cups to magnetic mounts. A secure suction cup may be more suitable for windshields, while a magnetic mount may work best on the dashboard.
Additional Features
Some chargers come with key features like induction coils for faster charging, or the ability to switch between portrait mode and landscape mode, so consider what extra features may be beneficial for you.
Cable and Power Requirements
Although the charger is wireless, you will need a power source to plug it in. Make sure to check whether a USB cable or a direct plug into the cigarette lighter is required and whether your vehicle can accommodate it.
Build and Durability
Look for a durable build, especially if you plan to use the charger frequently. The materials used, such as anodized aluminum or sturdy plastic, can often indicate the charger's longevity.
Conclusion: A Seamless and Wireless Driving Experience
Apple CarPlay is an intuitive feature that many drivers find indispensable. With our new wireless car charger setup, we've made driving safer and more convenient. In a world where most wireless car chargers require a tangle of cables, our car dashboard is now refreshingly free of clutter.
If your vehicle is compatible, consider giving yourself the gift of phone wirelessly charging while enjoying Apple CarPlay. Check out the products we used and see if this kind of setup is right for you!
Share Your Setup with Us
If you have a Mob Armor setup you'd like to show off, tag us on an Instagram post or story and we'll share it for all of our fans to see! Keep Mobbin'!