Introduction
For the past few years, CarPlay and Android Auto screens for motorcycles have flooded the market. Promising a large, modern screen at an affordable price, they have won over many motorcyclists. But today, the situation is changing.
In this article, I'll review the evolution of CarPlay motorcycle screens and give you my verdict after testing several models.
The Beginnings: A Brilliant Idea
Initially, the concept was excellent: a waterproof screen mounted on the motorcycle, connected to your smartphone. You could access:
- Apple CarPlay
- Android Auto
- Google Maps and Waze
- Spotify
- Phone calls
And above all, you avoided investing in a motorcycle GPS, which is often very expensive.
For many motorcyclists, it was **the ideal solution**: large screen, modern, simple, and affordable.
Today: CarPlay screens are becoming more ambitious
Manufacturers haven't stopped there. They've added more and more features:
- Built-in GPS
- Full Android system
- Internal memory
- Front and rear cameras
- Tire pressure monitoring
- Handlebar controls
- Installable apps
The problem? **The more features they become, the higher the prices.** At €400 or €500, is a CarPlay screen really still a cost-effective alternative?
Dedicated GPS devices have responded
For a long time, it was thought that smartphones would replace GPS devices. But manufacturers took a different approach: they made their GPS devices **connected**.
Today, a good motorcycle GPS offers:
- Wi-Fi for updates
- Smartphone connectivity for real-time data
- Apps for planning and synchronizing routes
- Bluetooth for helmet connectivity
The smartphone provides connectivity. The GPS provides the tool specifically designed for motorcycling.
My personal experience
I've tested several solutions:
- BMW Navigator VI
- CarPlay screens (Carpuride, CARabc, GS Goods)
- BMW Connected Ride Navigator
My conclusion: A CarPlay screen remains an excellent solution for a large display and a lot of freedom. However, a dedicated GPS is still superior for long journeys: better ergonomics, deeper integration, and a design optimized for motorcycles.
What's the future for CarPlay screens on motorcycles?
They're not going to disappear overnight. They'll remain relevant for:
- Motorcyclists who want a simple solution
- Those who ride occasionally
- Those who still prioritize price
However, their historical advantage (price) is gradually disappearing. They risk finding themselves caught between smartphones and increasingly sophisticated connected motorcycle GPS devices.
Conclusion
CarPlay screens have been a **key step** in the evolution of motorcycle navigation. They forced GPS manufacturers to modernize and demonstrated that motorcyclists wanted larger, more connected, and simpler screens.
The future will likely belong to a new generation of **dedicated connected GPS devices**, capable of leveraging the power of smartphones while retaining the essential features for motorcycle travel.
Ride Safe
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