Indian Motorcycle has announced that it will now incorporate Apple CarPlay into all 2020 models equipped with the 7-inch Ride Command system. Apple CarPlay integrates your Apple iPhone with the motorcycle’s infotainment system, allowing you to use Siri and other iPhone apps. Indian is the third motorcycle manufacturer, after Harley-Davidson and Honda, to bring Apple CarPlay to some of its models.
From Press Release:
Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, announced today the integration of Apple CarPlay® to its model year 2020 lineup of bikes equipped with the 7” Ride Command system. Continuing its mission to further enhance the riding experience, this latest update continues to deliver industry-leading technology which provides riders with a way to stay connected while out on the road.
Apple CarPlay® is now supported on 2020 Chieftain, Roadmaster and Challenger models with navigation. iPhone® users can easily access Apple Music, Maps, send messages with Siri and more through the Ride Command 7” screen and a supported Bluetooth headset (not included) – all on a user-friendly interface that iPhone users will instantly recognize. This integration also increases global accessibility to navigation.
Apple CarPlay is just one of several improvements made to Indian Motorcycle’s leading Ride Command system. Riders can now expect improved navigation location management, improved boot time, audio muting and control improvements (including navigation audio), widget fixes and a new fuel economy widget, and improved search functionality within navigation.
Owners can stay up-to-date with the latest technology by accessing a simple, free software download at home or through their local dealership which can be located on IndianMotorcycle.com.
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Got to love Indian screwing over their customers yet again. You have to have the Navigation package to use CarPlay? What a disgusting money grab. It’s the same dang head unit minus the cellular modem, which CarPlay doesn’t need because it pulls data from the phone.
Disgusting and furious at Indian.
Oh and you need to have a Bluetooth headset connected to use CarPlay. Who came up with that idiotic idea?
Thanks, Indian. Stoked to have the option, this is a deal maker for me.
Agree with A Dubs. Pretty worthless if I need to pair with a bluetooth headset. What’s the point? I want to listen through the bike’s audio not a pair of headphones. I understand if we were to make calls or speak to Siri – but who is going to do that while riding?
I understand your concern about not having navigation to enable this to work. My suspicion is that it is a matter of radio resources in that unit (CPU type, memory, etc.) in order to get Apple Carplay to work. While I understand it’s offputting to many, there is more than likely a technical reason for this limitation. I’m happy to see Indian making upgrades that don’t cost a penny. With luck, they will add Android Auto and make it free as well (Honda just did with the Goldwing). We shall see!
We also are finding it ridiculous you have to pair a Bluetooth. Why not play through the speakers!! We are enroute to Sturgis. Our navigation antennae went down and we can’t use the phone without an unsafe Bluetooth added ?
So I just picked up my new Challenger base model and the new software update includes Apple play. Apple car play needs a microphone to work properly wether you use the microphone or not. Cars already have a microphone hard wired in them. That’s why you need a Bluetooth headset. I really don’t think it’s a money grab as Indian doesn’t make its own and you can choose whatever you like . I think it was more of an after thought. I for one think Indian is working hard to listen to customers not everything is perfect but their trying. Oh and your audio still plays through the speakers it’s just for calls and Siri .
This was apple’s call not Indians. Same on the H-D. Apple made the call based on safety concerns and future lawsuits from distracted riding.