OEM Audi CarPlay vs Aftermarket Kits - What's the Real Difference?

When researching an Audi CarPlay upgrade, you'll encounter three options: factory-fitted OEM CarPlay, a dealer retrofit, and an aftermarket plug-and-play kit. This guide compares all three honestly.

Option 1: Factory OEM Audi CarPlay

Available factory on Audi models from approximately 2017+. If your car has factory CarPlay, it's built into the MIB2/MIB3 system and needs no upgrade. Cost: $0 (already fitted).

If your Audi is pre-2017, factory CarPlay was not available - you need an upgrade solution.

Option 2: Audi Dealer Retrofit

Audi dealers offer a factory CarPlay retrofit using genuine Audi parts. The end result is a properly integrated CarPlay system - but at significant cost. Cost: around $2,000 AUD depending on model. Requires booking the car in for 1–3 days.

Option 3: Plug-and-Play Aftermarket Audi CarPlay Kit

Our plug-and-play Audi CarPlay kit integrates at the OEM level using factory harness connectors. The result on screen is identical to a dealer retrofit - wireless CarPlay on your factory MMI display. Cost: $649 AUD. Install time: 60–90 minutes.

• All factory features retained (camera, navigation, steering wheel controls, audio)
• No permanent modifications - fully reversible
• Compatibility verified on every order before dispatch
• 1-year warranty and fault support

Which should you choose?

For most Audi owners with a pre-2017 MMI system, the plug-and-play kit delivers an identical CarPlay experience to a dealer retrofit at a fraction of the cost. The roughly $1,400 price difference buys exactly the same wireless CarPlay on the same factory screen.

Ready to upgrade? Order your Audi CarPlay kit - $649 AUD →