Many new cars come with in-dash navigation and entertainment systems created by the automobile maker. For safer, less distracted driving though, use Apple CarPlay instead.

That’s the result of a study done by AAA, who compared CarPlay, Google’s Android Auto, and the native infotainment systems found in five 2017/2018 vehicles.

The research looked at visual (eyes-off-road) demand and cognitive (mental) demand required for common tasks. That includes making a phone call, sending a text message, queuing up audio entertainment, and programming the navigation system.

Overall, both CarPlay and Android Auto are superior. “CarPlay and Android Auto systems generated an overall moderate level of demand, whereas the built-in (native) systems led to overall very high levels of demand,” says the key finding of the AAA study.

Researchers also found that CarPlay needs less driver attention than Google’s offering when sending texts. That said, Apple has room for improvement, as Android Auto has lower overall demand when programming the GPS.

AAA summed up its results by pointing out that just because CarPlay and Android Auto result in less distracted driving than native infotainment systems, it doesn’t mean they aren’t distracting. “Motorists should only use these technologies for legitimate emergencies or urgent, driver-related purposes,” is their warning.

What the heck is CarPlay?

For those who are unfamiliar with it, and that’s probably a lot of people, “CarPlay takes the things you want to do with your iPhone while driving and puts them right on your car’s built-in display. You can get directions, make calls, send and receive messages, and listen to music,” according to Apple.

Unfortunately, CarPlay isn’t something one can add to their current automobile. Support needs to be built in. Still, it’s available in over 400 models from companies including Ford, Chrysler, Chevrolet, Volkswagen, Honda, Toyota, Subaru, BMW, Hyundai, and many more. Those who a shopping for a new vehicle might check to see which models offer CarPlay.

This in-dash system depends tremendously on Apple Maps, which happily is about to get a major upgrade. And thinking long term, Apple may be building a whole car, not just an infotainment system.