We’ve privately bemoaned Volvo’s lineup-wide rollout of its latest-generation multimedia system run on Android Automotive OS because it left Apple users with nowhere to turn. The luxury brand was listening, evidently: A new over-the-air software update includes the addition of Apple CarPlay to vehicles equipped with Google Built-In.
Related: All-Electric Volvo XC40 Gets New Android-Powered Infotainment System
Affected vehicles may include the C40 Recharge, XC40 Recharge, and XC60 and XC60 Recharge SUVs; V90, V90 Cross Country and V90 Recharge wagons; and S90 and S90 Recharge sedans. Users need only download the new software via the in-car touchscreen. From there, iPhone users will be able to connect and access all the usual apps that CarPlay provides.
Additionally, Volvo spokesperson Russell Datz confirmed in an email to Cars.com that this latest update includes “improved compatibility” for the iPhone, which includes wireless charging. A reduced rate of false “no entry” traffic-sign alerts and “drivetrain optimization” tweaks round out the bundle of upgrades.
One caveat in Volvo’s official announcement was that the timing of this release and its subsequent OTA availability “may differ between models and powertrains.” Datz, however, clarified that this was merely said to account for a “staggered rollout that occurs over about a week with every OTA. We can confirm that at this time, all models are now eligible for this one.”
Editor’s note: This story was updated July 29, 2022, with further details from Volvo.
More From Cars.com:
Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.
