I just bought a 2020 NX 300h with in-built Carplay. I don't currently have an iPhone but am considering upgrading to one. Does anybody know if the in-built buttons on the NX (map, media etc.) will operate the carplay apps? For example, pressing map button will open google maps instead of the default Lexus maps. I know Mazdas can do this.

 

Seriously doubt that they do. And I’m surprised Mazda does as you claim. CarPlay is closed/sandbox system and don’t think it can play with any external inputs (other than the button on the steering wheel for Siri). CarPlay is basically just an external touchscreen connected to your phone.

 

No. The map, media, and other radio buttons will not work with Carplay. Only exceptions to this are pause/play and the forward/back track selection buttons.

 

Just get an android navigation screen replacement for your NX300 from Canada 4x4, and you won't regret it. It's completely reversible and doesn't void any warranties.

It was best upgrade i have EVER made on my 2018 NX300h F sport.
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Thanks for the input. I very much wanted to avoid using the trackpad as much as possible in order to control Carplay but it sounds like I'll have to do that.

 

What's the appeal for doing this? If I do upgrade to an iPhone I won't be needing android auto anyway. Are there other benefits to the system?

 

I connect ACP with our 2020 ESh to use Waze. Then I open the Lexus Navigation Map.
When Waze sounds an alert it plays over the speakers and I can tap open the App to
see what & where something is happening. Feedback the Thanks or Not There button
to add to the collective. While ACP does permit the Map of choice to share the screen
with the ACP media sources, we like the native Lexus Map display for a couple of reasons.
You can "pinch or spread" the map to zoom it, flick across the pad to scroll it and it has a
pretty nice traffic density graphic (although not as detailed as Waze). You can pair the
native map with any media source, not just the phone based ones.