Experience Wireless CarPlay: A Review of the TERUNSOUI Wireless Adapter
Many modern cars offer Apple CarPlay, but often require a wired connection to your iPhone. This review explores the TERUNSOUI Wireless Apple CarPlay Adapter, promising a cord-free connection for your iPhone. We’ll examine its features, performance, and overall value.
What is the TERUNSOUI Wireless Apple CarPlay Adapter?
The TERUNSOUI Wireless Apple CarPlay Adapter offers a simple way to connect your iPhone to your car’s infotainment system wirelessly. It’s designed for easy use, promising a seamless transition from wired to wireless CarPlay. The adapter boasts a sleek aluminum design and is also available in an Android Auto version. Typically priced around $70.99, it often appears at a discounted price with limited-time offers.
Key Features and Specifications:
The TERUNSOUI adapter boasts several key features that make it appealing to many drivers:
- Simple Plug-and-Play: The adapter connects easily via a USB Type-A or USB-C connection, with an adapter included in the box.
- Automatic Pairing: Once plugged in, your iPhone (iPhone 10 or later) automatically pairs with your car’s infotainment system, requiring no additional apps or complex setup. The pairing process usually involves connecting your iPhone to the adapter via Bluetooth and then accepting a pairing request on the vehicle’s screen.
- Wide Compatibility: It claims compatibility with a vast range of vehicle makes and models (over 800, according to the manufacturer). However, individual experiences may vary, and it’s always recommended to check compatibility specifications.
- Quality Components: The adapter uses A75 chips known for performance and reliability, combined with a durable aluminum casing for long-lasting use.
- Strong Manufacturer Support: It includes a 365-day warranty and lifetime technical support, providing added assurance for buyers.
Setting Up and Using the Adapter
The setup process is straightforward and generally lives up to the plug-and-play promise:
- Unboxing: The box includes the adapter, a quick start guide, a more detailed instruction manual, and a USB-A to USB-C adapter.
- Connection: Plug the adapter into your car’s USB port.
- Pairing: Connect your iPhone to the adapter via Bluetooth. Your car’s infotainment system should then prompt you to accept a pairing request.
Once connected, your CarPlay-compatible apps (like navigation, music streaming, and phone) should appear on your car’s screen, allowing seamless control from both your iPhone and your vehicle’s controls. Switching songs, using navigation, and making calls generally work smoothly.
Performance and Potential Issues
While the initial setup is smooth and the core CarPlay functionality generally works well, our tests uncovered some potential drawbacks.
- Connection Interruptions: While the wireless connection usually functions seamlessly, potential issues include occasional instability or dropouts. This is commonly reported with wireless adapters of this type due to several Bluetooth interference factors.
- Compatibility Conflicts: The most significant problem reported was a conflict in some vehicles affecting features like keyless entry or push-to-start systems. In this particular instance, the car refused to start when the adapter was plugged in. This suggests that certain vehicle systems may be particularly sensitive to the adapter’s interference, highlighting the importance of checking the manufacturer’s specifications and reviews. The product description correctly warns about the potential for interference.
Overall Impression
The TERUNSOUI Wireless Apple CarPlay Adapter is convenient and generally performs well as a way to remove the physical limitation of a wired connection. The plug-and-play functionality is a big plus. However, potential incompatibility issues with certain vehicle systems and occasional connectivity problems highlight the importance of reading the fine print, checking vehicle specifications, and understanding that the wireless connection is an alternative which may not provide the same consistent performance as a wired one.
The 365-day warranty and lifetime tech support do offer a valuable degree of security. However, potential compatibility conflicts with a vehicle’s internal systems necessitate careful consideration before purchasing. If reliability and a consistent connection are paramount, a wired Apple CarPlay connection remains the most dependable option.
Even with these caveats, the adapter’s ease of use and low price may make it an attractive option for those willing to accept the potential risks and minor inconveniences involved in connecting via wireless adapters. Always research your vehicle’s compatibility before buying.
Where to Buy
The TERUNSOUI Wireless Apple CarPlay Adapter (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto versions available) can often be found online or retailers for around $70.99, with sales and discounts periodically available. Always look for the latest deals.