Craig Hockenberry

If your significant other has Lightning and you have USB-C, this cable will save your relationship if you share a vehicle with wired CarPlay:

https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=18789

Monoprice Apple MFi Certified USB to USB Micro Type-B + USB Type-C + Lightning 3-in-1 Charge and Sync Cable, 3ft Black - Monoprice.com

You've got an iPhone®, a Google Chromebook™ with USB-C®, and a Kindle Fire™, which means keeping track of three different charge/sync cables and having to make sure y

Sep 25, 2023 at 4:38pmIvory for Mac
Show threadCraig HockenberrySep 25, 2023

Yes, I know about wired -> wireless dongles for CarPlay. My spouse has a charging requirement.

Cables with splitters also don't typically handle USB switching because they are power only. (And do you really want a hub on your dashboard?).

In my experience, a single wired connection is also simpler and avoids an awful (and inconvenient) car manufacturer UI to pick the device.

So yeah, this ugly cable is the best way to go for the next year or so.

Show threadsteve Sep 25, 2023
@chockenberry Wireless dongle and MagSafe is how I’ve been doing it and it’s worked well!
Show threadBill ChildersSep 25, 2023
@chockenberry I use a similar cable in my own car - a thing to note, though, if that little adapter isn't solidly plugged into the MicroUSB end of the cable, you'll see connects/disconnects as the car hits bumps and stuff. Usually just re-seating the connector does the job for another several weeks.
Show threadSean HardingSep 25, 2023
@chockenberry I have two cars with wireless CarPlay (one factory, one aftermarket) and IMHO it's overrated anyway. It's a huge pain if multiple people share the car, and the latency never stops being annoying. If I had the choice to use wired in either of those cars (even if it required an adapter), I would do it.
Show threadShadowbottleSep 25, 2023
@chockenberry kills me that CarPlay doesn’t work over MagSafe
Show threadJonathan FlusserSep 25, 2023
@chockenberry Chubbycable has a nice looking dual cable with Lighting and USB-C if you want something cleaner. I’ve been happy with their cables so far
Show threadCraig HockenberrySep 25, 2023
@osxdude You got me all excited until I realized that this USB-C end won't fit into an Apple case…
Show threadHenrique FelixSep 26, 2023
@chockenberry I have small USB-C to Lightning adapters for my wife in the car, but also a lightning cable in the gloves compartment, just in case. Yeah, it sucks, but next year I believe everything will be sorted out.
Show threadMartin Du4Sep 25, 2023

@chockenberry Very good. Or you can upgrade your car to wireless CarPlay with this. No more cakes.
Own one. Highly recommended.

https://www.ottocast.com/collections/wired-to-wireless-carplay/products/u2-air

U2-AIR Wireless CarPlay Adapter

Show threadCraig HockenberrySep 25, 2023
@martind My spouse charges her phone in the car. I tried going to wireless route 😢
Show threadScott Wright 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️Sep 25, 2023
@chockenberry @martind this is the gotcha with these type of multi tip cables - they often have problems with connecting through cases.
If they fit they’re great!
Show threadKelly GuimontSep 25, 2023
@chockenberry no CarPlay yet at Chez Verso, but solid USB-C cables with lightning adapters have done much to ensure charging harmony here. In fact I just picked up a couple more for automobile purposes! (: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08L1L2WNL
Amazon.com

Show threadKevinSep 25, 2023
@Verso @chockenberry I've found a couple of issues with various small adapters (not just USB-C to Lightning but USB-C to A and USB-C to USB-C (gender changers)). Usually you'll see it in either losing the ability to plug in either way, one way works the other doesn’t, or the charging device dropping down to the absolute slowest charge speed (what you get from a 5W adapter)
Show threadMarcos HuertaSep 25, 2023
@chockenberry I ordered a similar one, but I wish it was just C with an attached lightning adapter, rather than having to two adapters onto a Micro.
Show threadmattlqxSep 25, 2023

@chockenberry Looks like a cable that has spent too much time at a Superfund site.

I'm just biting the bullet on the $29 adapter for the car that only has one USB port and buying cheap USB-A to USB-C cables for my other vehicles that have multiple USB ports.

Show threadCraig HockenberrySep 25, 2023
@matt Having multiple long cables sucks. And you have a problem: which phone gets the data connection to control AirPlay? (Some cars have a UI to switch devices, and it's probably awful and inconvenient). A single wire is simpler and more reliable even if it looks weird.
Show threadAdam Bell Sep 25, 2023
@chockenberry if you buy them something with USB-C then you're just preventing future conflict via selfless acts of kindness 🌌🧠
Show threadyertleSep 25, 2023
@chockenberry I’ve been using these for a number of years now, since @gruber recommended. They work great, except little kids do not understand them. I used to see my kids “charging” their iPads with only the lightning adapter plugged in and not the actual micro cable. They’ve also ripped off the adapters trying to unplug. They are spouse-approved though 😉
Show threadDaniel SchaaffSep 25, 2023
@chockenberry thank you!!🙏
Show threadAndrew GrantSep 25, 2023

@chockenberry see also these things that can be attached to a USB-C cable.

Still ugly, but less ugly!

https://a.co/d/ftq7jbf

Amazon.com

Show threadDoug TabaccoSep 26, 2023
@chockenberry yess thank you!
Show threadSloan StudioSep 30, 2023
@chockenberry I’ve been happy with these cables that are USBC on both ends, and at iPhone charging watts, I think fairly safe. 2Pack USB C Multi Fast Charging Cable PD 60W Nylon Braided Cord 5-in-1 3A USB A/C to Type C/Micro USB Charger Adapter Compatible Samsung Galaxy S20 LG Sony iPad Pro 2018 Android(3.3FT) https://a.co/d/7L74PlI
Amazon.com

Show threadGavin McKenzieSep 30, 2023
@chockenberry OMG Thank you!
Show threadJustin WeissSep 30, 2023
@chockenberry @gruber These are awesome — the only cable I buy if I don’t need PD.
Show threadzachSep 30, 2023

@chockenberry or go wireless. This thing is shockingly good I have one for both my cars and have bought them as gifts too. You’ve got to try it.

https://cplay2air.com

CPLAY2air wireless adapter for factory CarPlay on CARPLAY2air.com

Connect wirelessly to your factory Carplay in your Audi, VW, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo or Porsche vehicle what was not possible before. Wired Android auto module inside. Convert wired CarPlay connection to the wireless one!

CPLAY2air.com
Show threadCraig HockenberrySep 30, 2023
@zjp Can it charge the phone (most that I have seen cannot)? That’s a requirement for both of us.
Show threadDavid LynchSep 30, 2023
@chockenberry I got this one, which makes the trade-off of not having micro USB, but does let the other end switch between USB-A and USB-C. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08PVLGWQY/
Amazon.com

Show threadDavid LynchSep 30, 2023
@chockenberry I tried a wireless CarPlay adaptor, but my partner can't stand it. (It's a pain if you're both in the car and it connects to the wrong phone, with no way to switch besides unplugging the whole thing. Plus the slight control-lag is irritating.)
Show threadCraig HockenberrySep 30, 2023
@kemayo Yeah, wireless is not as great as you first think (no charging, either). Eventually we’ll both use a USB-C wired connection.
Show threadDavid LynchSep 30, 2023
@chockenberry I’m open to the possibility of built in wireless CarPlay being better, just because if nothing else they’d surely *have* to have worked out something for the disconnect-your-phone need.
Show threadRob ShearerSep 30, 2023
@chockenberry This guarantee needs more caveats.
Show threadCraig HockenberrySep 30, 2023
@rvcx ... and drive a Honda.
Show threadRob ShearerSep 30, 2023
@chockenberry She slept with my brother, Craig. *And* the cable thing.
Show threadbenostranderSep 30, 2023
@chockenberry I was just thinking of upgrading my wife’s phone to avoid this. But this is a much less expensive option!
Show threadRyan JonesSep 30, 2023
@chockenberry why does it need the micro usb though? Should be either lightning or usbc, with 1 adapter? Instead of 2
Show threadCraig HockenberryOct 1, 2023
@rjj Handy for charging Kindle and old power bricks.
Show threadRGOct 1, 2023
@rjj @chockenberry Found something - https://www.amazon.com/Lightning-Certified-Carplay-Charging-Connectors-dp-B0C23CT5M7/dp/B0C23CT5M7?th=1
Amazon.com

Show threadCraig HockenberryOct 1, 2023

@ravigupta @rjj It looks like there is no data on the USB-C port.

That’s the general problem with all of these cables: they’re for charging, not CarPlay.

Show threadRGOct 1, 2023
@chockenberry @rjj Yep, weird combo…
Show threadBasheerOct 2, 2023

@chockenberry We tried a cable like that for our car but attaching the adapters can get frustrating quick. We’ve been loving this pricey cable from Native Union: https://www.nativeunion.com/products/belt-cable-duo

No adapter! They have a clever little sliding metal tab to prevent anyone from accidentally using both ends at once, which means each side is fully data+power capable.

Belt Cable Duo (USB-C to USB-C & Lightning)

Show threadBasheerOct 2, 2023
@chockenberry and yes, if your car is like mine, CarPlay does still work if you connect this through a USB C Female to USB A Male adapter
Show threadCraig HockenberryOct 2, 2023
@basheertome That looks great. Will definitely check it out. Thanks!