Shipping this week is the first aftermarket CarPlay radio to dip below the $300 mark in a new full featured VRCP-65 deck from Soundstream.
The unit includes a built-in DVD player, unlike many lower priced CarPlay decks that are mechless. It also offers SiriusXM capability and a 6.2-inch capacitive screen.
83 million people own CarPlay ready phones in the US, said Paul Goldberg, VP Sales & Marketing for Epsilon Electronics, Soundstream’s parent company. (CarPlay is resident on all iPhone 6 models and higher).
Goldberg said the new VRCP-65 will speed the acceptance of CarPlay. “Suddenly it’s a lot more affordable. When it first came out, it was over $900 I believe…This is every bit as good if not better when you look at some of the lesser featured products out there.”
He added, “We’re stepping into the market and we’re going to do it aggressively.”
The VRCP-65 includes Android PhoneLink to mirror an Android phone, as well as a rear camera input and auto trigger, Bluetooth 4.0 and USB.
Until now, the lowest price for a new aftermarket CarPlay deck was $349 to our knowledge.
Among the other brands offering aftermarket CarPlay car radios are Pioneer, Kenwood, JVC, Alpine, Sony, Clarion and Boss Audio.
once it makes its way to amazon wonder what that price will be…..
It’s a new race to zero. I wonder who won the last one…
can not keep the place open on a $100 profit head unit. install labor is gonna get expensive.
g