Hyundai says that wireless CarPlay is coming to the 2021 Santa Fe, allowing drivers to connect an iPhone to the car’s infotainment system without the need for a Lightning cable.
Wireless CarPlay seems to be coming standard in more vehicles in 2021, including the Honda Accord and the Hyundai Santa Fe.
According to Hyundai, CarPlay will be in all 2021 Santa Fe models with wireless CarPlay specific to models without the additional navigation option. If you opt for the included navigation package you’ll only get standard CarPlay.
Wireless CarPlay has been exclusive to high-end head units and from the factory on just luxury models of vehicles until now. Third-party manufacturers have created workarounds for standard CarPlay systems to become wireless, like this dongle.
The Digital Key standard created by the Car Connectivity Consortium will be included with the 2021 Santa Fe as well. The information provided by Hyundai indicates that an app will be made available for Android device to remote start the car and use the phone as an NFC key.
Apple has worked with the CCC to create CarKey, which takes advantage of this same system. It is unknown if Hyundai will support CarKey in the future, but the technology required to do so is there. If implemented, iPhone users will be able to unlock their car using NFC and control the car remotely using a digital key found in the Wallet app.
BMW has already promised CarKey support in a range of models coming in 2020 and 2021.
The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe will be available for purchase this fall with a hybrid model launching in 2021.