Upgrade Your Jaguar Land Rover to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: A Comprehensive Guide
For owners of Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles manufactured between 2017 and 2019, integrating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can significantly modernize your driving experience. While these features are now standard in newer models, upgrading your existing system brings seamless smartphone integration to your fingertips. This guide will walk you through what’s involved in upgrading your Jaguar Land Rover InControl system to enable these popular smartphone mirroring platforms.
What’s in the Upgrade Package?
Typically, an upgrade package to enable Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in your compatible Jaguar Land Rover vehicle includes the necessary hardware to bridge the gap between your car’s system and smartphone integration. A standard package usually contains:
- JLR USB Media Advanced Module x 1
- Connector wiring x 1
These components are specifically designed to be compatible with your existing InControl Touch Pro or Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, ensuring a factory-like integration.
Essential Tools for Installation
While the hardware package provides the physical components, activating the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality requires specific tools and software. Notably, you will need:
- OEM JLR VCI kit: A Vehicle Communication Interface tool, such as the DOIP, is essential. This OEM-level tool allows for deep communication with your vehicle’s electronic systems.
- Pathfinder software: Jaguar Land Rover’s diagnostic and programming software, Pathfinder, is necessary to activate the new features. This software, used by dealerships and certified technicians, is crucial for correctly configuring your vehicle’s infotainment system.
It’s important to note that for newer models (MY2019-2022 and beyond), the activation process might be simpler, potentially not requiring a hardware module upgrade in some cases. However, for 2017-2019 models, this module and software activation are generally necessary.
Understanding Jaguar Land Rover InControl Infotainment Systems
To appreciate the upgrade, it’s helpful to understand the InControl Touch Pro and Touch Pro Duo systems that are the foundation of Jaguar Land Rover’s infotainment.
InControl Touch Pro™:
Introduced in 2016, InControl Touch Pro was a significant leap forward. Key features include:
- 10-inch Touchscreen: A tablet-style interface with all controls integrated into the touchscreen, eliminating physical buttons.
- Powerful Hardware: Built around a quad-core processor, a 60GB solid-state drive (SSD), and a high-speed Ethernet network for rapid response and performance.
- Customizable Home Screen: Users can personalize the home screen with widgets and even add multiple home screens for quick access to preferred functions.
- Advanced Navigation: Fast access to navigation data from the SSD, pinch-and-pan map zooming, and dead-reckoning for navigation even without a GPS signal. It also offered connected features like fuel/charge station search and ETA sharing.
InControl Touch Pro Duo™:
Debuting in the Range Rover Velar in 2018 and expanding to other models, Touch Pro Duo enhanced the user experience further:
- Dual Touchscreens: A minimalist design featuring upper and lower interconnected touchscreens. The upper screen manages infotainment, while the lower screen handles HVAC and other vehicle settings.
- Intuitive Interface: Combines digital touch controls with physical rotary dials for frequently used functions.
- Customizable Driver Display: Behind the steering wheel, a high-resolution interactive display offers various views for driving information, navigation, and media.
- Enhanced User Experience: By separating information and controls across two screens, Touch Pro Duo aimed to reduce driver distraction and improve ease of use.
The Advantages of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Integrating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto into your Jaguar Land Rover unlocks a range of benefits:
- Seamless Smartphone Integration: Mirror your smartphone’s interface directly onto your car’s touchscreen.
- Access to Key Apps: Use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze, streaming services like Spotify or Apple Music, messaging apps, and more directly through the car’s system.
- Voice Control: Utilize Siri or Google Assistant for hands-free control of calls, messages, navigation, and music.
- Up-to-Date Navigation and Services: Benefit from real-time traffic updates, online search, and the latest app features, ensuring your in-car system is always current.
- Familiar User Interface: Enjoy the intuitive and familiar interfaces of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, minimizing the learning curve and making in-car interaction more natural.
Activation Process Overview
While professional installation is recommended, understanding the activation process provides context:
- Hardware Installation: The USB Media Advanced Module is physically installed, often replacing an existing USB port or module in your vehicle. Wiring connections are made to integrate it with the car’s electrical system.
- Software Activation: Using the OEM JLR VCI kit and Pathfinder software, a technician connects to your vehicle’s computer system. The software is used to recognize the new hardware module and activate the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto features within the InControl system. This process often involves software configuration and potentially firmware updates to the infotainment system.
- Verification: After activation, the system is tested to ensure Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are functioning correctly. This typically involves connecting a compatible smartphone via USB and confirming the smartphone mirroring interface appears on the car’s touchscreen.
Conclusion
Upgrading your 2017-2019 Jaguar Land Rover with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is a worthwhile investment for enhanced connectivity and a more modern in-car experience. By adding these smartphone integration platforms, you bring the latest in-car technology to your fingertips, making every journey more connected, convenient, and enjoyable. While requiring specific hardware and professional activation, the upgrade seamlessly integrates with your existing InControl system, preserving the original aesthetics and functionality of your Jaguar or Land Rover vehicle.
