JLR Special - CarPlay & Android Auto for Jaguars and Range Rovers
- Naviplus
- Jul 4, 2021
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 23
We’ve been getting a surge of Jaguar and Range Rover owners visiting the Naviplus workshop for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration upgrades.
Just last week, we worked on a Jaguar F-Pace (MY16) and a Range Rover Sport L494 (MY14). Both of these models were never factory-equipped with CarPlay or Android Auto, as Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) only introduced smartphone integration around 2018–2019.
For the Jaguar F-Pace, the vehicle came with the InControl Touch audio system (not the Pro version). This meant the official JLR smartphone retrofit service wasn’t an option. In this case, our Naviplus CarPlay & Android Auto retrofit solution was the perfect fit, adding modern smartphone connectivity while keeping all the original functions intact.
If you own a Jaguar or Land Rover without CarPlay or Android Auto, we can integrate the system seamlessly into your existing display. This gives you access to Google Maps, Waze, Apple Maps, Spotify, YouTube Music, phone calls, messages, and more—all controlled through the factory screen and buttons
How the CarPlay / Android auto works within the original audio
The simplest way to describe the CarPlay & Android Auto retrofit process is to think of it like adding a new component to your computer.
While the actual installation involves more than just removing a few bolts and plugging in, it’s still a non-invasive procedure. There’s no cutting, soldering, or permanent modification required. Everything is designed to integrate with your vehicle’s existing wiring and systems.
Our retrofit system connects directly to the factory display and sound system, delivering clear audio through an external audio input. This allows you to enjoy Apple CarPlay and Android Auto features without sacrificing your vehicle’s original functions or design
Almost every Jaguar and Range Rover model from 2013 to 2016 came with an AUX input that our retrofit system can utilize – and even some 2017 Jaguar models, like this F-Pace, still had AUX available.
To clarify, your phone doesn’t need to be plugged into the car’s AUX port. Instead, our system connects from behind the head unit. It intercepts the AUX output wiring and seamlessly transfers the sound signal between the speakers and our CarPlay & Android Auto module. This means the AUX channel becomes a dedicated sound source for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
For video, the system bypasses the factory video signal from the head unit, overlaying CarPlay and Android Auto directly onto the original display. In our latest setup, you no longer need to rely on AUX mode at all
we now use the car’s original Bluetooth audio mode for clearer sound quality, stronger volume, and no echo issues
The factory audio system in your Jaguar or Range Rover will continue to function as normal, whether it’s the native radio, navigation, or other original features. CarPlay and Android Auto only appear when you choose to activate them.
To switch modes, simply press and hold the NAV button. This brings up the CarPlay / Android Auto interface on the factory screen. A single press still brings up the original navigation system. In other words, the button isn’t replaced, it simply gains an additional role when you press and hold it.
With the Range Rover Sport (L494) we recently worked on, the retrofit didn’t replace the native navigation. Instead, it added CarPlay & Android Auto as an extra option, fully integrated while keeping all original features intact
The previous product we used for Land Rover models (2013–2016) worked by replacing the factory navigation system. While there was still a good chance to retrieve the original NAV when uninstalling the unit, some customers preferred to keep their factory navigation as a backup—especially those with an off-road navigation package installed.
To meet this demand, we introduced a new CarPlay & Android Auto integration unit that allows you to retain the original Sat Nav while adding smartphone connectivity. The only difference is that it requires a press and hold of the NAV button to trigger CarPlay / Android Auto. A quick press still brings up the factory NAV.
This approach is more beneficial long-term, as not a single factory function gets removed or replaced. Your vehicle keeps everything it originally had, while seamlessly gaining the convenience of CarPlay and Android Auto.
You can see how it works in the video below:
And here is the one from the Jaguar F-Pace also -
Product link:
Get in Touch: 📞 03 9546 0452 ✉️ sales@naviplus.com.au 🌐 www.naviplus.com.au
