The Apple CarPlay home page with the Domino Pizza app present
Regular readers of these pages know the basics around the Apple CarPlay infotainment system that was introduced with much gusto at the 2014 Geneva International Motor Show, so from now, we’ll dive into specific new features and functionality without repeating the basics.
CarPlay has many uses beyond navigation, entertainment, news and messaging. A driver can find a nearby EV charger with apps like ChargePoint and PlugShare and find a garage with SpotHero. You can join a Zoom meeting (audio only) and get the latest weather by pressing the CarPlay home button and asking Siri.
In addition to the apps mentioned above, some drivers want to be able to order food on the go, perhaps for pickup back at work for those who haven’t joined the telecommuting ranks.
The leading and perhaps the only quick-service restaurant in the U.S. with CarPlay support is Dunkin’ Donuts, and the CarPlay food ordering feature launched last year with Dunkin’ and Panera Bread.
Now it’s also possible to order a pizza pie from Domino’s Pizza via CarPlay. While it’s true that Domino’s isn’t my favorite pizza brand, it was tempting to give it a try.
Assuming the Domino iPhone app is on your device, simply navigate to the CarPlay page where the app icon appears and tap it to open it. Select “Tap to order” or “Call to order” (I chose the former because calling would be cheating).
“Tap to Order” has some limitations: I could either select a pre-selected “Easy Order” saved in my personal profile (I had to create my credentials when I downloaded the app to use it) or I could repeat an order made recently which of course was not applicable to this, my first order.
The Domino app is fully integrated with Apple Maps, automatically displaying nearby locations in the Maps app. I found it pretty simple to see and select a nearby Domino’s location, which launched the navigation feature in Maps.
Meanwhile, the Domino’s app allowed me to track the status of my order of two “Build Your Own” two-topping pizzas for just $18.99. I previously specified that my pizza pie includes a robusta-inspired tomato sauce, cheese, black olives, and mushrooms.
The app gave me the opportunity to order drinks, which I refused to do as I had a bottle of water with me and wasn’t going to eat in the Mercedes either.
Domino’s Carside Delivery option allowed me to pick up my pizza pie without ever having to leave the vehicle, another blow to the American waistline I thought wistfully.
I usually opt for something more along the lines of great artisan pizza at Nick’s in Forest Hills, New York over chain pizza, but in a pinch, and there could be a number of reasons why one might find needing to order pizza through CarPlay. while driving – It serves its purpose pretty well for what it is and the app in terms of ease of use and functionality is up to par.
Apple CarPlay is available in about 98 percent of all new cars sold in the United States and many new cars sold in Europe, and Apple says that nearly 80 percent of new car buyers consider Apple CarPlay in a vehicle when they make a car – purchase decision.
(Photo: Accura Media Group)
