Which Nissan Pathfinder Years Have Apple CarPlay? (2013–2025 Guide)
Wondering if your Nissan Pathfinder has Apple CarPlay — and whether it's wireless? Here's a clear, year-by-year breakdown of every Pathfinder from 2013 to 2025, plus how to add wireless CarPlay to the years that don't have it.
● The Short Answer
Most Nissan Pathfinders built between 2013 and 2018 did not come with Apple CarPlay at all. Wired Apple CarPlay started appearing around 2019–2021 on higher trims only, and the newer 2022+ Pathfinder added CarPlay more widely, with wireless on select trims. If your Pathfinder has no CarPlay — or only the wired kind that keeps disconnecting — you can add wireless Apple CarPlay with a plug-and-play head unit upgrade.
● Nissan Pathfinder Apple CarPlay by Year
| Model Year | Factory Apple CarPlay | What you can do |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | None | Add wireless CarPlay |
| 2014 | None | Add wireless CarPlay |
| 2015 | None | Add wireless CarPlay |
| 2016 | None | Add wireless CarPlay |
| 2017 | None | Add wireless CarPlay |
| 2018 | None (most trims) | Add wireless CarPlay |
| 2019 | Wired — higher trims | Upgrade to wireless |
| 2020 | Wired — most trims | Upgrade to wireless |
| 2021 | Wired — most trims | Upgrade to wireless |
| 2022 | Wired standard | Newer generation |
| 2023 | Wired; wireless on some trims | Newer generation |
| 2024–2025 | Wireless on most trims | Newer generation |
Equipment varies by trim, region and options. To confirm exactly what your vehicle has, check your VIN or your NissanConnect settings.
● Why the Year Matters
2013–2018 (4th-gen R52, early): No CarPlay
These Pathfinders launched before Apple CarPlay was common in Nissan vehicles. The factory NissanConnect system has navigation and Bluetooth, but no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. If you have a 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 or 2018 Pathfinder, CarPlay is simply not built in.
2019–2021 (4th-gen R52, refreshed): Wired CarPlay arrives
Nissan added wired Apple CarPlay during this period, first on higher trims (SL, Platinum) and then more widely. It works — but it needs a cable, the screen is small, and the wired connection is the part owners most often complain about dropping out.
2022–2025 (5th-gen R53): Wireless on the way
The redesigned Pathfinder made CarPlay standard and began offering wireless CarPlay on select and then most trims by 2024–2025.
● How to Add Apple CarPlay to an Older Pathfinder
If your 2014–2021 Pathfinder has no CarPlay, or only the wired kind, you don't have to live with it. A direct-fit 14.8" Android 15 head unit replaces your factory screen and adds wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto. It:
● Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2014 Nissan Pathfinder have Apple CarPlay?
No. The 2014 Nissan Pathfinder did not come with Apple CarPlay from the factory. You can add wireless CarPlay with a plug-and-play head unit upgrade.
Does the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder have Apple CarPlay?
No. The 2016 Pathfinder has NissanConnect but no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. It can be added with an aftermarket Android head unit.
Does the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder have Apple CarPlay?
No. Apple CarPlay was not available on the 2017 Pathfinder. Wired CarPlay only began appearing around the 2019 model year.
Is the Apple CarPlay on a 2019–2021 Pathfinder wireless?
No — CarPlay on the 2019–2021 Pathfinder is wired only and requires a USB cable. Upgrading to a wireless head unit removes the cable and the disconnect issues that come with it.
Can I add Apple CarPlay to a Nissan Pathfinder that didn't come with it?
Yes. A direct-fit 14.8" Android 15 head unit adds wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to any 2014–2021 Pathfinder while keeping your factory features. It's plug-and-play with no wire cutting.
● Related Guides
→ How to Add Apple CarPlay to a Nissan Pathfinder (2014–2021)
Add Wireless CarPlay to Your 2014–2021 Pathfinder
14.8" Android 15 · plug-and-play · keeps every factory feature.
See the Upgrade