Today, staying on top of the news while driving is easier and safer thanks to Apple CarPlay integration with your iPhone.This system allows you to enjoy all the benefits of your phone without taking your attention off the road or touching your phone, providing easy access to current affairs summaries, informative podcasts, and radio stations from around the world.
If you want to know how to get the most out of the news listening feature with CarPlay and your iPhone, in this article you will find all the information you need to configure your system, discover compatible applications and take advantage of all the possibilities that Apple offers in terms of news and informative content in the car.Plus, we'll go over best practices and some helpful tips to personalize your driving experience.
What is Apple CarPlay and how does it work?
Apple CarPlay is a technology developed by Apple that integrates your iPhone with your car's infotainment system.This way, your vehicle's screen becomes an extension of your phone, allowing you to interact with apps and access content like music, messages, calls, maps, and, of course, news, all safely and securely using your car's controls, the touchscreen, or your voice thanks to Siri.
The main function of CarPlay is to promote safety and convenience., so all actions can be performed without taking your eyes off the road: from asking Siri to play the latest news to navigating through compatible apps using the steering wheel buttons. Plus, CarPlay includes various menus that let you switch apps or access suggestions without losing focus.
Are you interested in what we have to say? Well, we have a simple guide to help you learn how to do it. How to connect Apple CarPlay to your iPhone step by step.
Requirements for using CarPlay in your car
To take advantage of CarPlay you need to meet certain basic requirements, both at the hardware and software level.:
- A compatible iPhone: From iPhone 5 onwards, with iOS version 7.1 or higher.
- A vehicle with CarPlay built-in: Most 2016 and later models include it, although some manufacturers may require it as an optional item.
- Physical or wireless connectionIf your car doesn't support wireless CarPlay, you'll need to connect your iPhone with a Lightning or USB-C cable, depending on the model.
- Siri activated: It is essential to interact with most functions using voice commands.
Initial setup is usually quick and easy., and once activated, CarPlay remembers your phone for future automatic connections, facilitating instant access to your favorite apps and media as soon as you start the car.
Getting Started: How to Connect Your iPhone to CarPlay
Connecting your iPhone to your car's system is the first step toward accessing news and multimedia features.You have two main options:
USB wired connection
- Start your car and make sure Siri is active on your phone.
- Connect your iPhone to your car's USB port (it may be identified by a CarPlay or mobile icon).
- The car screen should automatically display the CarPlay interface. If it doesn't, select it from the vehicle's audio source menu.
Wireless or Bluetooth connection
- Put your car stereo in wireless or Bluetooth pairing mode.
- On your iPhone, go to Settings → General → CarPlay and choose your car from the list.
- Once connected, CarPlay will automatically activate every time you get in the car.
In both cases, Siri will be your ally to manage the system options with your voice., from reading messages to playing music or streaming the latest news.
CarPlay-compatible apps for listening to the news
CarPlay supports a wide variety of apps to keep you informed while driving.Here are some key options:
Apple News and Apple News+
The Apple News app lets you listen to Apple News Today briefings and, if you subscribe to Apple News+, featured news articles in audio format.For non-subscribers, there's the option to listen to selected excerpts, which is still helpful for quickly staying up-to-date.
- Select and reproduce articles using the car’s built-in controls, the central touchscreen, or even the buttons on the steering wheel.
- Customize your experience choosing from lists like “For You” (recommended based on interests), “Up Next” (articles added to your list), or “Editors’ Picks.”
- If you want to know more about an article before listening to it, you can check the full details on the screen..
To access full audio articles, you need an Apple News+ subscription., although some episodes and excerpts from Apple News Today are available to all users.
Podcasts and news radio stations
In addition to Apple News, CarPlay is compatible with a wide variety of podcast and online radio apps.Among the most commonly used we find:
- TuneIn Radio: Live news, sports, and current affairs stations from around the world, with the option to browse by topic or country.
- Stitcher: Specializing in news and on-demand podcasts.
- Pocket Casts, Overcast and Apple Podcasts: They allow you to download episodes, subscribe to news programs, and set up playlists for easy listening while driving.
- Spotify, Amazon Music and YouTube Music: Although more music-oriented, they include catalogs of informative podcasts and current newscasts.
Searching and playing content is simple and accessible using vehicle controls or voice with Siri., allowing you to easily switch between radio stations, podcasts, or news sections based on your preferences or commute time.
Advanced Features: Voice Control and Personalization
One of the great attractions of CarPlay is the advanced integration with SiriYou can, for example, request the latest news bulletin, search for podcasts on a specific topic, or even ask to fast-forward, pause, or rewind the audio—all without taking your hands off the wheel.
- Press and hold the voice command button on the steering wheel to activate Siri and give your orders.
- Use the CarPlay dashboard or the touch screen to search and select the informational content you want.
Siri can also announce important messages and notifications. (feature available on iOS 15 or later), which is ideal for not missing urgent news reports while driving.
Customizing the order of apps and the CarPlay wallpaper is also possible.: Just go to Settings → General → CarPlay on your iPhone, select your car, and drag apps to change their order, or choose from the available dashboard backgrounds.
What kind of news content can you listen to with CarPlay?
The range of news and current events you can enjoy with CarPlay is very wide and customizable.:
- Audio bulletins: Daily summaries of current events, both global and local, offered by Apple News Today and major broadcasters.
- Articles in audio format: Through Apple News+, access readings narrated by professionals.
- Interviews and debates: Podcast and live programs with analysis, interviews, and discussion groups.
- Traditional and online radio stations: Real-time news, sports broadcasts, and international coverage from platforms like TuneIn Radio, Dash Radio, and Mixcloud.
All of this content is accessible both live and on-demand, meaning you can listen to recent bulletins or opt for recorded programs, depending on the day's agenda and your personal interests..
Managing notifications and messages while driving
In addition to listening to the news, CarPlay is designed so you don't miss any relevant communication, but always with maximum security.Siri can announce incoming messages, read notifications, and, if you like, let you respond by dictating your reply without having to touch your phone.
- Set this feature from Settings → Notifications → Announce Notifications on iPhone or from the CarPlay menu.
- Select which apps can announce messages and when they should do so, to avoid unnecessary distractions.
This is especially useful if you follow breaking news through apps that send alerts about important information..
Useful tips and tricks to get the most out of CarPlay
If you are interested in staying informed on each journey, we leave you some simple tips to improve your experience.:
- Always update your iPhone and apps to the latest version. to access the latest CarPlay features and avoid potential connection errors.
- Check that your car appears as compatible on the Apple website or check with the manufacturer to make sure you can use all the features, especially the wireless connection.
- Customize the CarPlay home screen to always have your favorite news apps at hand.
- Schedule listening sessions: You can add episodes and newsletters to your Up Next list to automatically play based on your journey.
If you encounter any operating problems, remember that both the developer of each app and Apple support can help you..
Interesting alternatives and apps to learn about CarPlay
Although Apple News is the official option for news content, there are other equally useful alternatives for users in Spain.. Here are some recommendations:
- National broadcasters through TuneIn or their own applications: Onda Cero, Cadena SER, COPE, RNE and many others have apps compatible with CarPlay or can be listened to via TuneIn.
- Current affairs podcasts from media such as El País, El Mundo or La Vanguardia available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or iVoox.
- International news appsBBC News, NPR One, France Info, and CNN also offer newsletters in English and other languages.
Many of these apps allow you to download content to listen to even when you're offline, perfect for long journeys or areas without mobile coverage..
Listen to news with C and your iPhone is a convenient, customizable, and highly secure experienceBy simply connecting your phone and choosing your favorite apps, you can easily stay informed while driving, avoiding distractions and taking advantage of all the benefits of Apple technology. Whether you're a fan of the news first thing in the morning or prefer to stay up-to-date with podcasts and live broadcasts, an impressive variety of options is available with just a couple of taps or a voice command. Most importantly, always remember to prioritize safety while driving and let technology work for you, so that listening to the news in the car is simple, safe, and always up-to-date. We hope you now know how to listen to the news with CarPlay and your iPhone..
