CarPlay Gets a Secret Web Browser and Video Player App for Streaming While Parked

CarPlay App with Web Browser for Streaming Video Hits App Store

Overview:

• Date: April 20, 2025
• Event: A new app called Sidecar has been released on the App Store, offering a web browser and video player feature for CarPlay users.

Key Points:

• CarPlay Limitations: Apple restricts CarPlay apps to specific categories, but there is high demand from users for web browsers and video apps, especially while parked.
• Workaround: Users have been using adapters that run Android apps as a workaround.
• Sidecar App: Sidecar is an existing utility app with CarPlay support. A recent update added a browser feature that allows users to load URLs and play videos while parked.
• Usage: Users need to provide the URL on their iPhone, then navigate to the web feature in the CarPlay app to load the website.
• Availability: The app is free to download with a $9.99 in-app purchase to unlock the web browser/video playing feature. Future updates may not pass App Store review, so users are advised to consider this a limited-time offer.

Enhancement Tips:

• USB-C charger
• MagSafe battery
• Wireless CarPlay adapter
• Apple AirTag
• Craft for iPhone, iPad, Mac