Whats the best way to obtain Apple CarPlay for a 2015 Tacoma?

I just purchased my first Tacoma this weekend. Its a 2015 Tacoma TRD. I really want to get Apple CarPlay and from my research I see two paths of getting it...

1. Replace factory head unit with an aftermarket one that has CarPlay
2. purchase a $500 Beat-Sonic Apple CarPlay kit that adds Carplay to your OEM head unit -> https://www.beatsonicusa.com/toyotacarplayandroidauto.html

I am hoping for some guidance on which option is best? If you think going aftermarket is better what head unit do you recommend? I'd prefer not to spend more than $500-$600 for this quest. Thanks for your help.

 

Following.

On my 2015, the "apps" button on the headunit does nothing. I was going to take it to the dealership and see if that was something that was broken or could be 'updated' adn hoped carplay came along as well.

Also any tips for a stuck cd disc. bought it that way. eject does nothing

 

i went with a deck, Alpine ILX-259. love the big screen and Carplay has been a amazing. once the deck started acting messed up i knew it was time to go another route.

 

Thats one vote for after market.

side question... if you do go with an aftermarket that has car play does it even matter how/good or bad the rest of the user interface is on the unit?? I mean if all you will ever use is car play then who cares if navigation outside of car play is bad, am I right? Maybe I just need to get the unit with the highest quality screen that has car play...

 

thats why i went with aftermarket. the Nav is useless, maps are so out of date and frankly just didnt look all that good. Between Waze, Google Maps and an improved Apple Maps the options are far better.

i was considering the

$280 ILX-W650 Digital Multimedia Receiver with CarPlay and Android Auto Compatibility

ILX-W650 but for a couple hundred more i wanted the larger screen. if you really wanted to break the bank but got all the neat features the ILX-F309 with the Maestro plugin is pretty awesome. Vehicle information, programmable switch buttons, dual camera ability.

 

Do yourself a favor and get a new headunit and add the iDatalink Maestro unit.
With CarPlay I am now understood when I want to call someone.
The OEM unit didn't understand a thing I said.
You can also use apps like Gaia GPS on your headunit.

 

I'm liking the Alpine Halo 9 units.

So the ILX-F309 costs $400 more than the ILX-F259 but then you don't get the iDatalink Maestro. Can anyone help me understand why the Maestro is or isn't worth an extra $400?

 

I paid about $150 for the RR model. The iDatalink Maestro RR2 runs about $200. Mine plugs into my OBD2 port and gives me engine info, MPG info and tire pressure. It also retains all my steering wheel controls.

 

As well with the ILX-309 if you add in the

$200 KAC-001 External Accessory Control Module

KAC-001 Accessory Controller you can tie in aux switches into the head unit

 

I installed a Sony headunit in my ‘15. It’s not bad to do. Crutchfield’s website makes it easy to work out what you need

 

I’d definitely go with an aftermarket unit. You can get the maestro unit if you want, or the Crux is fine too if you want to save some money.

the

$280 ilx-w650 digital multimedia receiver with carplay and android auto compatibility

ilx-w650 is a nice unit if all you really care about us CarPlay

there’s quite a few units with wireless CarPlay but they are gonna cost a bit more

 

Retrofit a 2020 Tacoma SR Entune unit that has CarPlay.

 

Aftermarket...

people are going to give you their preference of radio brands/models... mine is Kenwood Excelon. If you’re looking to use CarPlay almost exclusively, pay the premium for wireless CarPlay. DMX957XR. (Yes I like the HD screen over the DMX907s. Get a dash kit, and if you don’t care about gauges, don’t get a maestro. However, it does make it way easier if you have factory backup camera, and all your connections are in the harness.