Why should I use Apple CarPlay when my phone is the screen?

[whitepawn]

I need some clarification on Apple CarPlay in this car. I have never had a car with a huge infotainment screen before and I always thought CarPlay existed to put a simple version of your phone onto a complex factory screen. But this car seems to rely mostly on your actual phone for all the car apps and features. I already have all my music and navigation on my phone's normal user interface. And I can see the vehicle data right through the car's specific app.

So if my phone is already the center of the experience, what is the real purpose of using a separate CarPlay screen? Does it offer some deeper voice control that my phone's normal assistant does not? I am trying to understand the benefit of having this extra layer of smartphone integration.

 

[Jon 5mith]

I would be honest with you, @whitepawn, the main benefit isn't what CarPlay does today, but what it does next year. Your phone gets a major software update (iOS 18, 19, etc.) every single year with new features, better Siri, and app support.
your car's factory infotainment system? It gets an update maybe once every 3-5 years, if you're lucky. CarPlay ensures your car's screen stays current with your phone's tech for the whole life of the vehicle