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Best Apps for Apple CarPlay You’ll Actually Use

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by

ReciMe Team
in

Let’s be real: not every app you can use with CarPlay is actually worth tapping on. Some of them sound great in theory, but in practice, they just sit there gathering digital dust while you stick to your usual go-tos. If you’ve ever caught yourself fumbling with your phone at a red light or yelling “Hey Siri” on loop with no results, yeah… same. That’s why we pulled together a list of CarPlay apps that are actually useful. Whether you’re stuck in traffic, on a road trip, or just doing the daily commute, these are the ones that make driving a bit smoother and maybe even more enjoyable.

If you’re like us and spend a lot of time in the car, you know how easy it is to let meals become an afterthought. That’s why we built ReciMe – to help make meal planning simple, even on your busiest days. While you’re using CarPlay to get where you need to go, we’ve got your recipes, grocery lists, and weekly meal plans handled. No more guessing what’s for dinner after a long drive.

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1. Apple Maps

Say what you want about Apple Maps, but it’s come a long way since the early days. These days, it’s actually a solid choice if you’re already deep in the Apple ecosystem. You get turn-by-turn directions for driving, walking, biking, and even public transport, and it now supports offline maps, which is a lifesaver if you’re driving through spotty areas. The best part? It just works well with the rest of your Apple stuff. Your Mac, iPad, iPhone, Watch, and obviously CarPlay all play nicely together.

It’s got real-time traffic updates, indoor maps for big places like airports or malls, and you can save your favorite spots for quick access. If you’re into privacy, it leans more on the cautious side compared to other navigation apps. It’s not super flashy, but it does the job without asking you to sign up for anything extra.

Key Highlights:

  • Turn-by-turn directions for driving, walking, cycling, and transit
  • Offline maps and saved favorite routes
  • Real-time traffic reports and user-submitted incident info
  • Indoor maps for large venues like airports
  • AR walking directions and 3D city views

Who it’s best for:

  • People who want a simple, no-fuss navigation app that just works
  • Drivers already using other Apple devices
  • Folks who care about privacy and minimal data tracking
  • Walkers or cyclists exploring new areas
  • Travelers who want offline maps for when signal cuts out

Contact Information:

  • Website: apple.com
  • App Store: apps.apple.com/bm/app/maps/id915056765 
  • Facebook: www.facebook.com/apple
  • Twitter: x.com/apple
  • LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/apple
  • Instagram: www.instagram.com/apple

2. Google Maps

If you’ve ever used Google Maps, you already know it’s kind of the Swiss Army knife of navigation. It does a bit of everything, and for the most part, it does it well. Whether you’re driving, walking, taking the bus, or hopping on a bike or scooter, it’s got you covered. With CarPlay, you get the same familiar setup right on your dashboard, which is super handy when you don’t want to be glued to your phone screen while driving.

One thing that sets Google Maps apart is how much detail it packs in. You can see live traffic, check out restaurants nearby, read reviews, and even get a feel for a place with Street View before you show up. It also lets you download maps for offline use, create lists of places you want to try, and even track crowd levels. The flip side? It collects quite a bit of your data to make all of that happen. But if you’re okay with that tradeoff, it’s one of the most feature-packed apps out there.

Key Highlights:

  • Real-time GPS navigation with automatic rerouting
  • Street View and Immersive View for checking out spots ahead of time
  • Offline maps and custom saved places
  • Live public transport updates and ride-share integration
  • Tons of local info, from reviews to photos to crowd levels

Who it’s best for:

  • People who like having lots of detail when planning a trip or route
  • Drivers exploring unfamiliar cities or areas
  • Public transport commuters who need live updates
  • Travelers who like to preview where they’re going
  • Anyone already using other Google apps and services

Contact Information:

3. TuneIn Radio

If you’re the kind of person who likes to listen to something on the road but can never decide between music, news, sports, or a podcast, TuneIn kind of saves you from making that decision. It pulls everything together in one app, so you don’t have to keep flipping between five different ones while driving. With CarPlay support, it’s easy to tap into live radio, streaming stations, or podcasts without getting distracted behind the wheel.

You can tune into AM/FM stations from just about anywhere, follow live games (NFL, NHL, etc.), catch up on news, or dive into podcasts without missing a beat. And if you’re into extras, the Premium version gives you ad-free music stations and full access to sports broadcasts. It also syncs across other devices like smart speakers and Apple Watch, so your listening doesn’t stop when the drive does.

Key Highlights:

  • Live radio stations from around the world 
  • Coverage for major sports like NFL and NHL
  • News from local and global sources
  • Huge selection of podcasts by category or trend
  • Works seamlessly with CarPlay, smart speakers, and more

Who it’s best for:

  • Drivers who want a bit of everything in one place
  • Sports fans looking for live audio commentary on the go
  • News junkies who want to stay up to date without watching a screen
  • Podcast listeners who don’t want another dedicated app
  • People who miss old-school radio but want it with modern perks

Contact Information:

4. Deezer

Deezer might not be the first name that comes to mind when you think of music apps, but honestly, it holds its own. It’s got a huge music catalog, tons of curated playlists, podcasts, and even some fun extras like music quizzes and song recognition. It works with CarPlay too, so you can jump into your playlists or catch up on a podcast without fiddling with your phone.

One of its best features is Flow – it basically creates a never-ending mix based on what you like, which is perfect if you don’t feel like choosing every single track. You can also listen offline, skip as much as you want, and personalize your experience with collaborative playlists or custom covers. It’s not just music either – there’s audiobooks, radio stations, and a bunch of content outside the U.S. that you won’t always find on other platforms.

Key Highlights:

  • Personalized music streams with Flow and curated mixes
  • Podcasts, audiobooks, and global radio options
  • Offline playback and unlimited skips
  • Song recognition and collaborative playlists
  • Compatible with CarPlay, smart speakers, and Apple Watch

Who it’s best for:

  • Drivers who like to mix up music, podcasts, and radio in one app
  • People who want an alternative to the big-name streaming services
  • Listeners who enjoy discovering new music with smart recommendations
  • Anyone who wants full control over their playlists, even on the road
  • Users looking for global content or non-U.S. music catalogs

Contact Information:

5. Apple Music

If you’re already in the Apple world, Apple Music just makes sense. It hooks right into CarPlay, so you can scroll through your playlists, albums, or just ask Siri to play something without taking your eyes off the road. The catalog is massive, and you get everything from radio stations to exclusive releases to mood-based playlists that actually kind of get it right.

One of the cooler things is the Spatial Audio and crossfade feature, which makes everything sound smoother, especially if you’re on a longer drive. You can also follow friends, share playlists, and use SharePlay if you want to queue stuff up with passengers. It’s not overloaded with random features either – just a clean setup that works well if you want your music front and center.

Key Highlights:

  • Full song catalog with curated playlists and exclusives
  • Spatial Audio, lossless playback, and crossfade between tracks
  • Real-time lyrics and lyric-based song search
  • SharePlay and collaborative playlist features
  • Tight integration with Siri, CarPlay, and Apple devices

Who it’s best for:

  • Drivers already using iPhones and other Apple gear
  • People who want voice-controlled music without extra steps
  • Listeners into high-quality audio or immersive sound features
  • Friends or families who build and share playlists together
  • Anyone who wants offline access without juggling multiple apps

Contact Information:

6. Overcast

Overcast is one of those apps that doesn’t try too hard but still gets a lot right. If you’re a podcast person, especially while driving, this one’s kind of a no-brainer. It works with CarPlay, so you can quickly jump into an episode or scroll through your subscriptions without any weird menu diving. The interface is super simple, which honestly makes it better while you’re on the road.

It’s also packed with smart little features like Smart Speed, which cuts out awkward pauses without making everyone sound like chipmunks, and Voice Boost, which levels out the audio so you don’t have to keep turning the volume up and down. There’s no tracking, no sketchy ads, and the app is built by an indie developer, which is refreshing. It’s clean, easy to use, and doesn’t overcomplicate things.

Key Highlights:

  • Smart Speed to skip silences naturally
  • Voice Boost for better clarity in noisy environments
  • Offline downloads and sleep timers
  • Custom playlists with priority settings
  • No third-party tracking or invasive ads

Who it’s best for:

  • Drivers who spend their commutes catching up on podcasts
  • People who want clearer, more consistent audio
  • Listeners who care about privacy and clean interfaces
  • Fans of indie-made software with no corporate strings attached
  • Anyone tired of bloated podcast apps with too many distractions

Contact Information:

7. Audiobooks.com

If you’re the kind of person who likes to “read” while driving, Audiobooks.com makes that pretty easy. It’s got a huge selection of titles across all kinds of genres – fiction, nonfiction, true crime, business, the works. You can either stream them or download for offline listening, and yes, it works with CarPlay, so you’re not fumbling with your phone while merging onto the freeway.

The app comes with a bunch of helpful features too, like adjustable speed (for when the narrator’s just a bit too slow), sleep timers, bookmarks, and syncing across devices. There’s even a section of free content, which is nice if you’re just getting into audiobooks. Premium users get one credit each month plus access to some VIP titles, and there’s a referral system where you can earn extra credits just by getting friends to sign up.

Key Highlights:

  • Big audiobook library with both free and paid options
  • Speed controls, bookmarking, and offline listening
  • Syncs across devices like your phone, smart speaker, or watch
  • Personalized recommendations and wishlist tools
  • CarPlay support for safer, hands-free use while driving

Who it’s best for:

  • Drivers who’d rather listen to a book than the radio
  • People who want to download books for offline road trips
  • Folks who love customizing their listening setup
  • Audiobook fans who like the credit-per-month model
  • Anyone who switches between devices and wants their place saved

Contact Information:

8. Spotify

Spotify’s kind of the all-in-one spot for audio these days. Music, podcasts, audiobooks, it’s all there in one app, which makes it pretty convenient, especially when you’re driving. With CarPlay, you can easily jump into your favorite playlist, switch to a podcast, or browse something new without digging through your phone.

If you’ve used it before, you know Spotify is big on personalization. It constantly throws together playlists it thinks you’ll like based on your listening habits, and honestly, it usually gets it right. You can also share playlists with friends, listen together in real-time, and explore editor picks or curated collections. Premium gives you the extra perks like offline listening, no ads, and as many skips as you want. And yep, audiobooks are in the mix too now in some regions.

Key Highlights:

  • Music, podcasts, and audiobooks all in one app
  • Smart recommendations and custom playlists
  • Offline listening with Spotify Premium
  • Collaborative playlists and shared sessions
  • CarPlay-ready and works across tons of devices

Who it’s best for:

  • People who don’t want to juggle multiple audio apps
  • Drivers who like switching between music and podcasts
  • Friends who make and share playlists together
  • Listeners who want discovery features without doing all the digging
  • Anyone already using Spotify on their phone, TV, or laptop

Contact Information:

9. Waze

Waze is like the friend who always knows a faster way to get somewhere, and isn’t afraid to shout “police ahead!” when needed. It’s all about real-time info from other drivers, which makes it especially useful if you’re dealing with daily commutes, road trips, or just trying to dodge traffic jams and surprise road closures.

What’s great is that it doesn’t just get you from point A to point B. It warns you about things like speed traps, potholes, stalled cars, or even gas prices at nearby stations. You’ll get voice directions, live rerouting if something changes, and alerts for things like tolls or speed limits. It works with CarPlay, so you can see the map and get updates right on your dashboard without messing around on your phone. Plus, you can still listen to music or podcasts since it integrates with most audio apps.

Key Highlights:

  • Real-time alerts for traffic, hazards, and police
  • Live rerouting to help avoid delays
  • Speed limit warnings and toll cost info
  • Gas station and parking suggestions along your route
  • Full CarPlay integration and audio app compatibility

Who it’s best for:

  • Drivers who want more than just basic directions
  • People commuting through busy areas or unpredictable routes
  • Anyone who appreciates speed and hazard alerts
  • Travelers who like seeing what’s ahead in real time
  • CarPlay users looking for a more interactive map experience

Contact Information:

10. Castro

Castro’s kind of a hidden gem if you’re big on podcasts, especially if you follow a ton of them and hate the feeling of being buried in episodes. It uses this inbox-style setup where all the new stuff lands in a “New” tab, and then you decide what makes it into your actual listening queue. It’s a simple idea, but it makes managing your subscriptions way less overwhelming.

The app works great with CarPlay and Apple Watch, which means you can queue stuff up before your drive and just hit play when you’re in the car. And if you want a bit more control, Castro Plus adds nice extras like silence trimming, voice boost, chapter skipping, and even lets you import your own audio files. It’s pretty clean-looking, easy to use, and doesn’t try to be anything it’s not – just a solid, focused podcast player that keeps you in charge.

Key Highlights:

  • Inbox-style episode management with custom queue
  • CarPlay and Apple Watch support
  • Optional features like silence skipping and voice boost
  • Per-show playback settings and chapter navigation
  • Minimal design with sleep timer and dark mode

Who it’s best for:

  • Podcast fans who like to pick and choose what they listen to
  • Drivers who want a no-fuss podcast setup in the car
  • People managing lots of shows and episodes
  • Users who want deeper control over playback speed and audio
  • Anyone who’s tired of cluttered, over-complicated podcast apps

Contact Information:

11. PlugShare

PlugShare is one of those must-have apps if you drive an EV. It shows you where to charge up, whether you’re in the middle of a city or way out on a road trip, and the map is crowd-sourced, so you’re getting real updates from other drivers. You can filter by plug type, charging speed, or even which network you prefer (like Tesla Superchargers or ChargePoint), and it’ll show you which ones are available in real time.

One of the best parts? It works with CarPlay, so you can browse nearby stations right on your dashboard. There’s also a built-in trip planner that helps you figure out charging stops ahead of time, and you can even check for stuff like nearby restrooms or food. You can save multiple EVs to one account, and at some stations, you can even pay through the app itself. It’s not flashy, but it’s super practical, especially if you rely on public chargers often.

Key Highlights:

  • Filter by plug type, charging speed, or network
  • Real-time availability updates from other drivers
  • Trip planning tools with multi-stop routing
  • CarPlay support for hands-free access
  • In-app payment available at select locations

Who it’s best for:

  • EV drivers who rely on public chargers
  • People planning longer trips and need to map out charging stops
  • Anyone juggling more than one EV
  • Folks who like checking reviews or photos before picking a station
  • Drivers who want to see stations right on their car screen

Contact Information:

12. Google NotebookLM

NotebookLM is kind of like having a smart assistant that actually reads your stuff. You can upload PDFs, links, YouTube transcripts, whatever you’re working with, and it breaks everything down into summaries and bite-sized notes. Then, if you have a question, you just ask it like you’re chatting, and it pulls the answer straight from your files. It even tells you where it found the info, which is super helpful if you’re double-checking something.

There’s also an audio feature that basically talks through the content like a podcast, which is surprisingly handy during commutes or while you’re doing something else. It doesn’t technically support CarPlay, but if you’re using your phone, it works fine in the background. You can also download notebooks to review stuff offline, which is great if you’re trying to catch up on reading without needing a screen in your face the whole time.

Key Highlights:

  • Turns documents, videos, and links into searchable notes
  • Chat with your files and get answers with citations
  • Listen to summaries in audio mode
  • Works offline and in the background for on-the-go learning
  • Clean mobile interface that keeps it simple

Who it’s best for:

  • Students trying to break down long, dense readings
  • People who like listening over reading
  • Drivers wanting to review material during commutes
  • Anyone juggling multiple sources and trying to stay organized
  • Folks who want a smarter way to take notes and revisit them

Contact Information:

13. MyRadar

MyRadar is one of those apps that’s super handy to have, especially if you’re the type to check the weather before getting in the car. It gives you real-time radar with those animated weather maps that actually show what’s coming your way. You can zoom in, move around, and check conditions just about anywhere, even spots like Hawaii or Puerto Rico. And the best part? You don’t have to dig through a million menus to get to the info you want.

There are extra layers too, like temperature maps, satellite views, and even storm tracking tools if you want to go full weather nerd. If you’re into aviation, it even has flight overlays and charts. It works with CarPlay, Apple Watch, and Apple TV, so you can stay updated wherever you are. Oh, and there’s a community photo map too, people share pics of what the sky looks like around them, which is a fun bonus when storms roll in.

Key Highlights:

  • Real-time, high-res radar with animated maps
  • Optional overlays like clouds, temps, and wind
  • Aviation tools and storm tracking features
  • Push alerts for severe weather
  • Works across devices including CarPlay and Apple Watch

Who it’s best for:

  • Drivers who want to see what the weather’s doing before hitting the road
  • Travelers checking conditions in different places
  • Storm watchers and aviation fans
  • People who want simple, fast access to weather updates
  • Anyone who likes a good radar map with a bit of extra detail

Contact Information:

14. Audible

If you’ve ever tried getting into audiobooks, chances are you’ve already heard of Audible. It’s kind of the go-to app for everything audio, from bestsellers and memoirs to podcasts, sleep sounds, and some really well-done original content. You can stream stuff or download it to listen offline, and yeah, it plays nice with CarPlay, so you can queue up your next listen without taking your hands off the wheel.

One nice thing is the membership setup. You get a credit every month to pick any audiobook you want, and you keep it, even if you cancel. There’s also a rotating catalog of stuff you can listen to at no extra cost. Plus, it syncs across devices, so you can start on your phone and pick up later on your tablet or watch. Families can even make kid profiles for age-appropriate content, and if you’re into switching between reading and listening, the WhisperSync feature has your back.

Key Highlights:

  • Huge library of audiobooks, podcasts, and originals
  • Offline listening with custom playback speed and sleep timer
  • Monthly credit system for keeping books
  • CarPlay, Apple Watch, and WhisperSync support
  • Family-friendly features like kids’ profiles

Who it’s best for:

  • Drivers who want something to listen to during long commutes
  • People who like having ownership of what they buy
  • Anyone who prefers audio over reading
  • Parents looking for safe, kid-appropriate listening
  • Listeners interested in wellness, education, or fiction on the go

Contact Information:

15. BBC Sounds

BBC Sounds is kind of a one-stop shop for all things audio if you’re into British radio, podcasts, or curated music shows. You can stream live radio from all the BBC stations or go back and catch past episodes if you missed something. It’s got everything from daily news and true crime to quirky comedy and chill music mixes. And yep, it works with CarPlay, so it’s easy to jump into a show or skip around while you’re driving.

The app keeps track of what you’re listening to, so you can pick up right where you left off, even if you switch devices. There’s also a sleep timer, autoplay, and it’ll suggest stuff based on what you’ve been into lately. You can follow shows and get notified when there’s something new. It leans heavily on BBC content, obviously, but honestly, the variety’s solid, and it’s super user-friendly once you get the hang of it.

Key Highlights:

  • Live streaming from all BBC radio stations
  • Download shows for offline listening
  • Playback sync across devices
  • Personalized suggestions and subscriptions
  • CarPlay support plus Spotify and Apple Music integrations

Who it’s best for:

  • Fans of BBC radio, documentaries, and UK-based podcasts
  • Drivers who want hands-free access to live news or music
  • Listeners who hop between phone, tablet, and car
  • People looking for curated, updated content
  • Anyone into radio-style audio without endless scrolling

Contact Information:

16. SiriusXM

SiriusXM is kind of like the deluxe buffet of audio apps. You’ve got ad-free music channels, live sports coverage, talk shows, comedy, podcasts – all packed into one place. If you like flipping between genres or catching a live game while you drive, it’s got you covered. And with CarPlay support, it’s easy to control everything from your car’s screen without missing a beat.

You can save your favorite channels, follow your team or go-to host, and even get alerts when something you care about is live. There’s also exclusive content you won’t find anywhere else – stuff like artist-only channels, interviews, and live studio performances. And for the visual folks, some tiers include video too. It works across home devices and smart speakers, but depending on your subscription, there might be a few limits when it comes to streaming on multiple devices at once.

Key Highlights:

  • Tons of music, talk, sports, and podcasts in one app
  • CarPlay and smart home compatibility
  • Alerts for live games, shows, or events
  • Exclusive content from artists and major broadcasters
  • Some video features like interviews and studio sessions

Who it’s best for:

  • People who like jumping between music, sports, and talk radio
  • Drivers who want nonstop entertainment on the road
  • Fans of live events and exclusive content
  • Listeners who want everything bundled in one place
  • Users who stream at home and in the car and want it all synced up

Contact Information:

17. Weatherology

Weatherology is kind of a lifesaver if you want weather updates but don’t want to stare at a screen, especially while driving. Instead of making you scroll through radar maps or decipher weird icons, it just tells you the weather. Like, an actual human voice gives you a forecast for wherever you are. No robotic Siri vibes – these are real meteorologists doing the talking.

It works with CarPlay, but it sticks to audio only, which is honestly a smart move. No distractions, just helpful updates while you keep your eyes on the road. Of course, if you want the usual stuff like radar, storm tracking, or a 7-day forecast, that’s all in there too. You can even pick your favorite voice to read the weather, kind of fun, right? It’s also got alerts for storms and warnings, and it works with Apple Watch if you’re more of a tap-the-wrist-for-info type.

Key Highlights:

  • Real voices from meteorologists, not computer-generated stuff
  • Hands-free CarPlay support that’s strictly audio
  • Storm warnings and real-time weather alerts
  • Radar maps and visuals for when you do want to look
  • Works with Apple Watch and home widgets

Who it’s best for:

  • Drivers who want weather info without looking at a screen
  • People who prefer a real voice over a robot
  • Commuters dealing with unpredictable weather
  • Folks who like hands-free updates at home or in the car
  • Anyone who wants weather that feels a little more personal

Contact Information:

18. WhatsApp

WhatsApp’s one of those apps that pretty much everyone has, and for good reason. It’s super simple to use, works across pretty much every device, and it’s free. You can send messages, photos, voice notes, videos, make calls, and start group chats without dealing with SMS fees or weird international charges. As long as you’ve got Wi-Fi or data, you’re good to go.

It also has end-to-end encryption, so your private convos stay private. That said, some folks are still iffy about how much metadata gets collected, especially since it’s owned by Meta now. But if you just want a no-fuss way to stay in touch with people, whether they’re across town or across the world, WhatsApp gets the job done. Plus, it syncs between your phone and computer, which is super handy if you’re juggling chats during the workday.

Key Highlights:

  • Free messages, calls, and media sharing over the internet
  • End-to-end encryption for your private chats
  • Group chats, voice notes, and video calls included
  • Syncs across your phone, tablet, and desktop
  • Works internationally without extra charges

Who it’s best for:

  • People keeping in touch with friends or family abroad
  • Anyone who wants simple, encrypted chats
  • Users who text from both their phone and laptop
  • Groups coordinating events, travel, or just daily chaos
  • Folks who want a messaging app that just works

Contact Information:

19. Zoom Workplace

Zoom’s not just for video calls anymore – Zoom Workplace pulls everything together into one spot, so you don’t have to juggle five different apps to get through your day. You can chat, schedule meetings, manage files, share whiteboards, even handle your email and calendar if you want. And yeah, it still does video really well, but now there’s a bunch of extra tools baked in to help teams stay on the same page.

One of the cooler features is how easily you can switch between devices. Start a call on your laptop, finish it on your phone – it’s smooth and actually works like it should. It also supports CarPlay, so you can join meetings or take calls without fumbling with your phone in the car. If you’re on a paid plan, you also get access to their AI Companion, which can summarize meetings or help with writing stuff. It’s definitely aiming to be your all-in-one work hub.

Key Highlights:

  • Messaging, meetings, docs, whiteboards, and more in one place
  • AI features for meeting recaps, writing help, and summaries
  • Switch calls between phone and desktop without dropping
  • CarPlay and Siri Shortcuts for hands-free stuff
  • Built-in phone, calendar, and file tools

Who it’s best for:

  • Teams that want fewer tools and more everything-in-one
  • People who hop between devices all day
  • Professionals who need voice access while driving
  • Folks who like having AI do the boring bits
  • Anyone using Zoom for both personal and work life

Contact Information:

20. Telegram

Telegram’s kind of a messaging app for people who like options. You can use it on your phone, your tablet, your laptop, whatever, and everything syncs instantly, so you’re never stuck wondering where that last message went. It’s great for regular chats, but it also handles giant group chats, massive file sharing, and even channels where you can follow news or content creators.

Privacy-wise, your regular chats are encrypted, and if you want full end-to-end encryption, there’s a “Secret Chat” option that keeps things extra locked down. You can delete messages from both sides without a trace, customize the app with themes and animated emojis, and even sideload your own stickers or files. There’s a paid version if you want bonus stuff, but the free version does more than enough for most people.

Key Highlights:

  • Syncs messages instantly across all your devices
  • Share huge files without worrying about space
  • Secret Chats for extra privacy
  • Custom themes, animated emojis, and tons of stickers
  • Channels and public groups for content or communities

Who it’s best for:

  • People who switch between devices and want seamless messaging
  • Anyone sending large files or videos regularly
  • Group organizers, communities, or fan bases
  • Users who like customizing their chat experience
  • Folks who want control over what stays in a conversation

Contact Information:

21. Bloomberg

If you like staying on top of business news, Bloomberg is kind of the go-to. It covers everything from global markets and finance to politics and tech, and it’s updated constantly. You can set up alerts so you don’t miss any big headlines, or just scroll through when you’ve got time. There’s also a watchlist feature where you can track stocks, funds, or currencies you care about, and it pulls in news that actually connects to what you’re following.

It’s not just reading either – there’s Bloomberg TV, live radio, podcasts, and even audio versions of some articles, which is great if you’re on the go. The app works with CarPlay, so you can listen during your commute without messing with your phone. Some content needs a subscription, but there’s a decent amount you can access for free. Just a heads-up: ads can be a bit much sometimes, and the tablet version can lag here and there.

Key Highlights:

  • Real-time global news on finance, business, and more
  • Customizable watchlists and market tracking
  • Live radio, podcasts, and audio articles
  • CarPlay support for news on the road
  • Offline reading and personalized alerts

Who it’s best for:

  • People who follow financial markets closely
  • Commuters who prefer audio updates over reading
  • Business pros who need to stay informed
  • Investors tracking specific stocks or trends
  • Anyone who wants serious news without flipping between apps

Contact Information:

22. Panera Bread

If you’re a regular at Panera, this app definitely makes things easier. You can order ahead for Rapid Pick-Up, get your food delivered, or just skip the line altogether, which is huge if you’re in a rush or just not in the mood to wait. It also remembers your past orders and customizations, so if you’re the type who always gets “half soup, half sandwich, no tomato,” you don’t have to punch it in every single time.

The app ties into Panera’s rewards program too, so you can rack up points and choose your perks. If you’re part of their Unlimited Sip Club, you can use the app to manage your drinks and track when it’s time for another refill. There’s also support for Apple Watch and Wallet, which is nice when you want to just tap and go. It’s not perfect, sometimes it logs you out or defaults to the wrong café, but overall, it gets the job done.

Key Highlights:

  • Order ahead with Rapid Pick-Up or delivery
  • Save custom orders and reorder in a few taps
  • Track and redeem MyPanera rewards
  • Works with Apple Watch and Wallet
  • Access seasonal menus and Sip Club perks

Who it’s best for:

  • Regular Panera fans who want to skip the line
  • People who love racking up rewards and freebies
  • Anyone who always orders the same thing
  • Sip Club members grabbing drinks on the go
  • Folks who like managing food orders from their phone

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23. iHeart: Play & Listen to Music

iHeartRadio is great if you like flipping between live radio, podcasts, and music without jumping across different apps. You can stream AM/FM stations from all over, check out curated playlists, or listen to artist-based radio channels depending on your vibe that day. There are also weekly mixtapes and genre-based picks, so you’ll probably stumble across something new without even trying too hard.

You can listen on your phone, Apple Watch, or right in your car with CarPlay. Podcasts come with playback speed options, and there’s even a lyrics display for some music tracks if you’re the sing-along type. The free version has ads – and yeah, they can be a little annoying, especially in the car – but you can upgrade for offline listening, unlimited skips, and on-demand songs. It’s not perfect, but it’s one of the easiest ways to stream a bit of everything in one spot.

Key Highlights:

  • Live radio, podcasts, and music all in one place
  • Create or save playlists by mood, artist, or genre
  • CarPlay and Apple Watch compatible
  • Podcast controls and lyrics for certain tracks
  • Weekly updates with trending charts and new mixes

Who it’s best for:

  • People who like a mix of live and on-demand audio
  • Commuters using CarPlay for music or talk radio
  • Podcast listeners who want more control over playback
  • Music fans exploring new genres or artists
  • Anyone who wants an all-in-one audio app

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Conclusion 

At the end of the day, CarPlay isn’t just about convenience – it’s about making the time you already spend in the car work better for you. Whether that means having your favorite playlists lined up, catching the latest episode of a podcast, or getting a head start on what you’ll cook later, the right apps make a difference.

Of course, no app is going to magically fix traffic or make your commute shorter, but if it helps the drive feel smoother or more productive, that’s already a win. Try out a few of these, see what sticks, and ditch the ones that don’t feel right. It’s your car, your ride, and your routine – you get to decide what actually earns a spot on your dashboard.