Pioneer becomes one of the first aftermarket manufacturers to support Apple CarPlay with the official release of a compatible firmware update for five 2014 NEX in-dash multimedia receivers, as well as the introduction of the CarPlay-compatible fourth generation AppRadio (SPH-DA120). Pioneer’s CarPlay-compatible in-dash receivers offer consumers the ability to upgrade the vehicles they already own to the smarter, safer and more fun way to use iPhone in the car. Consumers with the latest version of iOS on their iPhone 5 or later, including iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, can use Siri voice control to make and receive calls, compose and respond to text messages, access Apple Maps for navigation, and listen to their music libraries, podcasts and iTunes Radio.

CarPlay is also compatible with the all new AppRadio 4, designed with the smartphone user in mind, offering a simple design, with the majority of functions and control accessible and operated through its 6.2-inch WVGA capacitive touchscreen and providing increased audio performance, inheriting the capabilities of Pioneer’s NEX receiver models.

The CarPlay firmware update is now available at no charge through www.pioneerelectronics.com/firmware. Current NEX owners can load the firmware on a USB memory device and connect it to the receiver’s USB cable input.

The AVIC-8000NEX ($1400 SRP), AVIC-7000NEX ($1200 SRP), AVIC-6000NEX ($900 SRP), AVIC-5000NEX ($750 SRP), AVH-4000NEX ($700 SRP) are currently available. AppRadio 4 SPH-DA120 ($600 SRP) will begin shipping to authorized Pioneer Car Electronics dealers in the u.S., including Best Buy, Crutchfield and Car Toys.