Hook up an iPhone, or iPod, to your car

(Credit: Josh Miller/CNET)

In the past, we told you how to ‘iPod your car’, which meant adding some sort of adapter to play music from an iPod through a car’s speakers. With iPhones, we not only play music, but also make handsfree phone calls and use navigation. In this guide, we will show you how to connect your iPhone to your car for sound, which could be music, turn-by-turn navigation, or a phone call. Of course, the solutions for music also apply to iPods. And if you use an Android, check out Car Tech’s guide to using your Android phone in the car.

Native support If you are looking to buy a new car, or bought a car recently, check out our Tech Car Buying Guide. Most new cars come with Bluetooth handsfree calling systems and USB ports that work with your iOS devices for phone calls and music. In the Guide, we cover the different options and how they work. Ford’s Sync system is one of our favorites, as it demonstrates excellent compatibility and capabilities, while being offered in a wide range of affordable cars. It includes advanced voice control for music playback and phone calls, while also supporting integration with some apps.

We have found that iPhones can be finicky about sending an audio signal out through Bluetooth or the cable… [Read more]

Car Tech: An automotive blog from CNET