I have a 2016 Mk4 and whilst the Mazda satnav is ok I want to install the Apple system. New models allow this easily but The age of the car suggests I need a specialist. Any recommendations please?
Roger
It isn’t a difficult installation, but be aware the software MUST be upgraded before the upgraded hardware is fitted (if the car isn’t on a 70.* firmware already). The physical installation on a 2016 is no different from a 2019.
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I have a stock 2015 Mk 4. My local Mazda main dealer, Snows of Portsmouth did the job. All straightforward. I actually approached Cannon Car Audio (Waterlooville) - I haven’t been there, but he was recommended to me. He said yes, he could do it but I would be better off going to a Mazda main dealer. I think it was about £250. Phone is physically wired into a USB port on the centre console, so, although I can bluetooth my phone to the car for hands free operation through the car audio, the phone needs to be wired for Apple Carplay. The mod does support Android Auto, although I haven’t checked that out myself.
I have a 2016 ND and have had the CarPlay upgrade installed. I’m very glad that I did as it significantly enhances the infotainment’s capability, in my opinion.
I saw the car in bits when it was being done and wouldn’t fancy tackling it myself, but if you’re experienced at taking trim parts off then I’m sure you’d be fine. I had a problem with the wrong cables being used to begin with as a specialist did the install, not Mazda, and it looks like a compatible (not genuine) kit was used. Make sure you have a hub and cables set that have the Mazda logo on the parts and are ideally the latest part numbers used by Mazda main dealers. In the end, between myself, Brindley Mazda in Wolverhampton, and the specialist providing different parts, Brindley Mazda completed the upgrade. Brindley were very accommodating and reasonable with what was charged. If I had to do another, I would go straight to a main dealer.
Hi Roger Richard had one of his cars done my a company in Portsmouth . Sextons car Audio Po35rq . 02392738262 ask for Joe he’s the Owner mate
Thanks everyone for this helpful advice and recommendations.
Best wishes
Roger
HI Roger,
Just doing a bit of Solent Area Admin and wondered if you had solved the Apple CarPlay issue on your Mk4 now?
Wishing you and Lynn and wonderful Christmas and New Year and look forward to catching up with you both on the 8th January 
Warm Regards
Mal
Hi Mal,
Yes I have thank you. The overwhelming opinion from feedback to this and other research led me to conclude that a Mazda dealer was the best way forward. So, as the car has its MOT in January before the one year warranty expires, the 5 is booked into Magna Mazda, Canford Cliffs, who sold it to me earlier this year. They are loaning me a car for the day so I/we will re-explore Dorset whilst they do all the work.
Merry Christmas,
Roger
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Magna Southampton have really looked after us over the last 10 years or so, albeit with 5 x cx5’s not MX5’s, so I hope your experience with them goes as well…