Apple CarPlay and Android Auto won’t become available in the Leapmotor C10 – the Chinese auto brand’s debut model in Australia – in its current generation.
Leapmotor’s answer to the top-selling Tesla Model Y, the mid-size electric SUV was launched locally in late 2024 without the popular smartphone mirroring technology because it’s based on the company’s older LEAP 3.0 architecture.
At the time, Leapmotor Australia said Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity wouldn’t be added to the C10’s infotainment system until a mid-life update or new-generation model, when the SUV’s architecture upgrades to the latest LEAP 3.5 platform.
Officially launched this month after going on sale in September 2025 and commencing first deliveries last November, the smaller B10 electric SUV rides on the newer LEAP 3.5 architecture and gained both wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via an over-the-air (OTA) software update in January.
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Speaking at the launch of the B10, Stellantis Australia senior product manager Rick Crichton ruled out the addition of these connectivity systems to the C10 via an OTA update – and for the foreseeable future.
“As it stands, the hardware in the C10 doesn’t support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto,” he said.
“Leapmotor C10 is on the 3.0 architecture, and it’s that half an evolution forward that the B10 brings with the 3.5 architecture that opens us up to the functionalities of CarPlay and Android Auto.
“I guess we’ll just have to wait. I don’t want to talk about future C10 product when we’re here to focus on B10.
“We’re aware that customers would love to have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in the C10, so we’ll do what we can to make it happen.”
Asked whether that meant current and future owners of the existing C10 would never have access to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Mr Crichton said: “I didn’t say that. I’m not confirming anything today, but it’s something I’m very acutely aware of.”
The Leapmotor C10 features an Android-based 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system powered by a Snapdragon 8195 chip and running on an operating system called LeapmotorOS, which is the company’s own creation.
As with the new B10, it incorporates a voice assistant triggered by the phrase ‘Hey Leapmotor’ that can perform a wide range of tasks like navigation, adjusting the climate control, and opening the sunblind and windows, among others.
Also like the B10, the C10 has a built-in SIM you can use to download apps like Spotify, TuneIn and TikTok, among others, directly to the infotainment system from an app store.
The car comes standard with connected satellite navigation (but at this stage doesn’t support Google Maps) and a variety of Tesla-style modes accessed using the touchscreen, such as ‘Camp’ mode and ‘Nap’ mode.
A September over-the-air update brought updates for the navigation and voice assistant, as well as an integrated dashcam using the surround-view camera, plus QDLink screen projection for Android devices.
It’s not unheard of for a new model to be launched without Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. All Tesla vehicles continue to go without them and, instead, you must rely on the built-in apps that are connected to the internet via a built-in SIM.
However, even Tesla is reportedly working on a software update to retro-fit Apple CarPlay in its Model Y SUV and Model 3 sedan, and the vast majority of new vehicles available today come standard with both systems, which have become the gold standard for in-car connectivity.
While he lamented the lack of Apple and Android connectivity in the C10, Mr Crichton said that, more generally, Leapmotor has been responsive to local requests for model enhancements.
“They are constantly asking for our feedback,” he said. “Us being the closest to the ground, we’ve got a pretty good handle on the Australian automotive landscape, so they are always curious for my feedback.
“They want my input and we put requests into them, and they’re super-responsive because, you know, they are geared for success.
“So they’re super-responsive. Even in some of the requests I’ve made for simple feature changes via OTA, they’re coming through lightning-quick. So I’ve been super-impressed with their responsiveness, and they’re willing to take requests and feedback for sure.
“I just want to make sure that Australian customers get the best experience. So they’ve been responsive to making adaptations specifically for Australia.”