Which Audi Models Can Get Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Activated?

The key to CarPlay and Android Auto activation is not just the model — it is the infotainment unit inside your car. Audi used two main systems on the C8/4M platform:

• MHI2P — Found on early production A6 C8, A7 C8, A8 D5, Q7 4M (2020), and Q8 4M. These vehicles might not have CarPlay or Android Auto enabled from the factory, but the hardware fully supports it. RetroLab Pro can activate both.
• MIB3 — Found on facelift and later production models (typically 2021+). MIB3 vehicles usually come with CarPlay and Android Auto already enabled from the factory.

If your Audi was built between 2018 and 2020 and does not have CarPlay in the MMI menu, you almost certainly have an MHI2P unit — and activation is possible.

Here is the full breakdown of which models and years support CarPlay and Android Auto activation:

All models require MHI2P infotainment. MIB3 models (2021+) typically have CarPlay from factory.

*Wireless CarPlay requires MHI2P software version 2711 or newer.

Android Auto is wired only on all MHI2P vehicles (hardware limitation).

Yes. The 2019 Audi A6 C8 with MHI2P infotainment is one of the most common vehicles we activate CarPlay on. The hardware is already built into your car — it just needs a software activation.

After activation:

• Apple CarPlay appears in your MMI connectivity menu
• Wired connection works immediately via USB
• Wireless CarPlay also works if your MHI2P software is version 2711 or newer

The same applies to the 2018 and 2020 A6 C8 models. If your A6 does not show CarPlay in the MMI menu, it has MHI2P and can be activated.

Yes. The 2020 Audi Q8 4M with MHI2P is fully supported. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can be activated.

The Q8 was one of the first models to use the MHI2P system, so all 2018–2020 Q8 models are eligible. This includes the SQ8 and RS Q8 variants.

Yes. The Audi A8 D5 flagship (2018–2020), including the A8 L and S8, uses the same MHI2P infotainment as the A6, A7 and Q8 from those model years. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can be activated.

A8 D5 Facelift models (2021+) switch to MIB3 and typically ship with CarPlay and Android Auto already enabled from the factory — check the MMI home screen for a "Phone Apps" tile first.

The Q7 4M is a special case. Only the 2020 model year Q7 4M (the facelift) uses the MHI2P infotainment system. Earlier Q7 4M models (2015–2019) use the older MIB2 system, which does not support this activation.

If you have a 2020 Q7 4M without CarPlay in the menu, activation is possible. If you have a 2021+ Q7, it likely has MIB3 with CarPlay already enabled from the factory.

The easiest way to check:

• Look at your MMI home screen — If you see "Phone Apps" as a menu option with CarPlay or Android Auto inside, you already have it enabled. No activation needed.

• Check the model year — If your car is a 2018–2020 A6, A7, Q8, or 2020 Q7, and there is no "Phone Apps" icon on the home screen, you have MHI2P without CarPlay activated.

• Submit your VIN — We can verify your exact infotainment system and confirm whether activation is possible. This check is free.

The VIN tells us exactly which hardware and software your vehicle has. No guesswork.

• Apple CarPlay activation: €100 — one-time, permanent, VIN-verified
• Android Auto activation: €100 — one-time, permanent, VIN-verified

Both activations are performed using RetroLab Pro with a Windows PC or iPhone and an ENet cable. No dealer visit, no firmware patches, no remote desktop sessions. The activation takes a few minutes and is permanently linked to your VIN.