Twelve South’s AirFly Drive Makes Apple CarPlay Wireless

Twelve South has launched AirFly Drive, a new compact adapter designed to turn a car’s wired Apple CarPlay or Android Auto connection into a wireless one. AirFly Drive joins the company’s AirFly lineup, which began with the AirFly Bluetooth transmitter for wired headphone jacks, saw an updated model in 2022, and later added the AirFly Pro 2.

Priced at $39.99 USD, AirFly Drive plugs into a vehicle’s existing USB connection. After pairing a phone once, Twelve South says the adapter will reconnect wirelessly within seconds of starting the car.

That means drivers can access Maps, music, calls, messages and voice controls through their car’s built-in display without plugging their phone in every time they get behind the wheel.

AirFly Drive also supports two paired phones, with a single button press used to switch between them. That could be useful for households where more than one person regularly drives the same vehicle.

According to Twelve South, the adapter works with iPhones running iOS 10 or later and Android devices running Android 11 or later. Vehicle compatibility covers models with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto from 2016 onward.

There is no app or account required, and AirFly Drive does not need to be charged. It supports both USB-A and USB-C connections, with a USB-A to USB-C adapter included in the box.

Once connected, the adapter continues to work with the vehicle’s existing touchscreen or display, physical buttons and steering-wheel controls. Twelve South has packaged the hardware in a compact aluminum housing designed to remain plugged into the car. It is also available in white.

Twelve South currently lists AirFly Drive for $39.99 USD, which works out to roughly $57 CAD at today’s exchange rate. Its website offers regional storefronts for the USA, Australia, Europe and UK, but does not show Canadian pricing.

The company offers free shipping on orders over $85, along with 30-day returns and a two-year warranty.

AirFly Drive targets drivers who already have wired CarPlay or Android Auto and want to stop connecting a cable every time they get into the car.