Full Breakdown
Twelve South Launches Airfly Drive, a Dongle That Converts Wired CarPlay to Wireless
By Drooid · · How we work
Product Overview
Twelve South, the accessory maker known for Apple-focused hardware, announced a new Airfly Drive dongle that enables wireless Apple CarPlay (and Android Auto) in vehicles that only support a wired connection. The compact aluminum device plugs into a vehicle’s USB-A data port and includes a USB-C adapter, allowing it to remain permanently installed. Once paired, the dongle automatically reconnects each time the car starts, providing a seamless wireless experience without the need for an app, account, or charging.
Compatibility and Key Features
According to Twelve South, Airfly Drive works with any iPhone running iOS 10 or later and with any car that offers factory-wired CarPlay dating back to 2014, covering more than 75 makes and model years. The accessory also supports Android Auto on the same display. A single button lets users switch between two paired phones, and the device maintains compatibility with the car’s existing screen, steering-wheel controls, and physical buttons. Ongoing software updates are promised to preserve functionality as platforms evolve.
Setup Process
The company describes a plug-and-play setup: users insert the dongle into the vehicle’s USB port, pair the iPhone once via Wi-Fi, and the system handles reconnection automatically on subsequent drives. For initial configuration, Twelve South advises users to “Forget This Device” in the vehicle’s Bluetooth settings before pairing. No additional software or charging is required, and the dongle draws power from the car’s USB port.
Availability and Pricing
Airfly Drive is available for order in the United States in black or white, priced at $39.99. The product ships with the USB-C adapter and is marketed as a quality-of-life upgrade for short trips and daily commutes, offering a wireless CarPlay experience that eliminates the need for a physical cable.