Unlock Fullscreen CarPlay on Your 2021 Porsche 992 PCM5: A Game-Changer Upgrade

Upgrading your Porsche’s infotainment system can feel daunting. Like many, the idea of modifying my 2021 Porsche 992 PCM5 to enable fullscreen Apple CarPlay was initially met with skepticism. Concerns about scams and potential system failures loomed large. However, my experience proved these fears unfounded, transforming my in-car tech experience for the better.

My journey started with Innovative Soft NZ (https://www.innovativesoftnz.com/) and their lead developer, Raymond. Unlike imitators, Raymond’s extensive positive reviews across various forums reassured me of his credibility. After numerous WhatsApp exchanges (+64 21 404 548), Raymond’s expertise became evident, addressing all my queries with detailed insights. Taking advantage of a forum member promotion on their website, I opted for the premium “Whole Screen” CarPlay upgrade (https://www.innovativesoftnz.com/product-page/pcm5-carplay-android-auto-whole-screen).

Innovative Soft NZ offers two CarPlay upgrade versions: basic and premium. While the basic option delivers fullscreen CarPlay, it simply stretches the standard icons to fill the display. For a more refined and visually coherent experience, the premium “Whole Screen” version scales the icons appropriately, maintaining aspect ratio and preventing any distortions. For someone with an eye for detail, the premium option was the clear choice, ensuring a factory-like integrated look.

The hardware requirement was straightforward: a specific USB Ethernet adapter. Attempting to source one locally proved futile; despite trying seven different adapters from major electronics retailers, none featured the necessary AX88772 chip. Ultimately, the recommended adapter from Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MYT481C?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details) was essential for compatibility.

Once the adapter arrived, the remote activation process, guided by Raymond, was remarkably smooth. A Windows laptop (Bootcamp on a MacBook Pro worked perfectly), a battery tender connected to the car to prevent power interruptions, TeamViewer for remote access, a USB drive, and an Ethernet cable were all that was needed. Raymond provided a folder to extract onto the USB drive and clear instructions.

The process commenced with Raymond configuring the USB/Ethernet connector via TeamViewer. I then connected the adapter to the car’s USB1 port, the USB drive to USB2, and initiated PCM restart in engineering mode using the two-finger press method. From this point, the upgrade was remotely executed. The system rebooted a few times, a potentially nerve-wracking experience for the uninitiated, but Raymond assured me this was normal. Importantly, the upgrade solely affects the Apple CarPlay interface, leaving all other PCM functions untouched. Concerns about dealer detection or OTA update conflicts were also addressed; Raymond confirmed the activation is application-level, undetectable by dealers, easily reversible to stock, and non-interfering with over-the-air updates.

Within approximately 20 minutes, the fullscreen CarPlay activation was complete. Raymond then reset network settings and removed temporary files, finalizing the process. The result was precisely as promised: high-quality, fullscreen Apple CarPlay.

This upgrade to fullscreen CarPlay on my 2021 Porsche 992 PCM5 has genuinely transformed my driving experience. For anyone considering this enhancement, especially for a 2021 992 model, Innovative Soft NZ and Raymond offer a reliable and expert solution. The process is seamless, and the result is a significantly improved and modern infotainment interface.