VLC app gets update with CarPlay – but misses essential feature

Apple’s VLC app, a multimedia player, is finally coming to CarPlay. This way you can easily play media files while driving. Unfortunately, VLC for CarPlay has to do without this essential feature.

New version of VLC available in App Store

There is a new version of the VLC app available for download in the App Store. The updated app now finally supports CarPlay, which should make it much easier to play media files through Apple’s car system.

VLC is a well-known app that can handle just about any media file. It is available for almost all operating systems and is now going to conquer your car. Unfortunately, there is a major limitation in the CarPlay version of VLC.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to play videos via CarPlay

So where VLC is intended to play all types of media files, this is limited to audio files with CarPlay. For example, you can play videos on your iPhone and iPad via the app, but this is not allowed in CarPlay.

This is of course not surprising, because watching videos only creates a distraction while driving. To make driving a car as safe as possible, Apple has therefore chosen to only make audio files available in VLC for CarPlay. It will still be possible to watch videos on your iPhone, iPad and Mac.

More enhanced features in VLC

A number of functions have also been improved in the new version of VLC. For example, the algorithm for random file playback has been refined and the media library can be sorted better. Plus, VLC now supports Handoff, making it much easier to switch from your iPhone to your iPad using the app.

VLC is free to install in the App Store and is an easy way to stream videos via Chromecast, for example. Now the app is also suitable for listening to podcasts via CarPlay or for listening to other audio files in the car. Not sure if your car supports CarPlay? Then check this overview with all car brands that offer CarPlay.