Today’s integration of CarPlay with HomeKit offers users control over garage doors. However, the novel feature from Honda and Acura extends this functionality, even to garage doors that aren’t compatible with HomeKit. This achievement has been possible due to Honda’s collaboration with the Chamberlain Group’s myQ Connected Garage service. Even though there are distinct HomeKit garage door accessories available, the fusion with myQ means many individuals can utilize this new feature without procuring any extra hardware.
For the technology to function seamlessly, Honda stipulates the need for a compatible garage door opener. Fortunately, many door openers available from brands like LiftMaster and other Chamberlain affiliates are myQ compliant. Thus, if an individual already possesses a myQ-enabled opener, the integration is straightforward.
Conversely, for those with more traditional garage openers, Honda offers a solution through the “myQ Smart Garage Control device” to upgrade them. Remarkably, Honda is giving these devices away for free upon registration for their 30-day trial of the smart services. Beyond the trial, the service is priced at $129 for three years or $179 for five years.
To navigate these features, users can resort to the HondaLink and AcuraLink CarPlay apps, both accessible on the App Store. One distinct attribute is the geofence capability, whereby CarPlay intelligently presents notifications to either open or close the garage door based on the user’s proximity.
Furthermore, users retain manual control, allowing them to operate their garage doors through the HondaLink or AcuraLink apps directly on CarPlay.
In terms of compatibility, Honda asserts that its 2023 and 2024 vehicle lineup supports this innovative CarPlay function. Moreover, the automaker suggests that numerous older models of Honda and Acura with CarPlay will be compatible, although specifics remain ambiguous.
The latest versions of the HondaLink and AcuraLink apps can be downloaded from the App Store for further information and configuration of these enhanced CarPlay functionalities.