Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will not be available in the version Jump motor C10 – the Chinese car brand’s debut model in Australia – in its current generation.
Leapmotor’s answer to the best-selling Tesla Model Y, the midsize electric SUV, launched locally in late 2024 without the popular smartphone mirroring technology because it is based on the company’s older LEAP 3.0 architecture.
At the time, Leapmotor Australia said Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity would not be added to the C10’s infotainment system until a mid-life update or new-generation model, when the SUV’s architecture would be updated to the latest LEAP 3.5 platform.
The smaller B10 electric SUV was officially launched this month following sales launch in September 2025 and first deliveries last November. It’s based on the newer LEAP 3.5 architecture and received both wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via an over-the-air (OTA) software update in January.
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At the launch of the B10, Rick Crichton, senior product manager at Stellantis Australia, ruled out adding these connectivity systems to the C10 via an OTA update – for the foreseeable future.
“As it stands, the hardware in the C10 does not support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto,” he said.
“The Leapmotor C10 is based on the 3.0 architecture, and it is half the evolution that the B10 brings with the 3.5 architecture that opens up the functionality of CarPlay and Android Auto.
“I think we’ll just have to wait and see. I don’t want to talk about future C10 products when we’re focused on B10 here.
“We know customers would like to have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in the C10, so we will do everything we can to make this happen.”
Asked if 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 aware of.”
The Leapmotor C10 features an Android-based 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system powered by a Snapdragon 8195 chip and runs on an operating system called LeapmotorOS, which is the company’s own development.
Like the new B10, it has a voice assistant that is triggered by the phrase “Hey Leapmotor” and can perform a variety of tasks including navigation, adjusting the air conditioning, and opening sunshades and windows.
Like the B10, the C10 also has an integrated SIM card with which you can download apps such as Spotify, TuneIn and TikTok from an app store directly to the infotainment system.
The car comes standard with connected satellite navigation (although Google Maps is not currently supported) and a number of Tesla-like modes accessed via the touchscreen, such as Camp mode and Nap mode.
An over-the-air update in September brought updates to the navigation and voice assistant as well as an integrated dashcam with surround-view camera and QDLink screen projection for Android devices.
It’s not uncommon for a new model to come onto the market without Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. All Tesla vehicles continue to do without them, relying instead on the built-in apps that are connected to the Internet via an integrated SIM card.
However, even Tesla is reportedly working on a software update to add Apple CarPlay to its Model Y SUV and Model 3 sedan, and the vast majority of new vehicles on sale today come standard with both systems, which have become the gold standard for in-car connectivity.
While he bemoaned the lack of Apple and Android connectivity in the C10, Mr Crichton said Leapmotor had responded more generally to local requests for model improvements.
“They constantly ask for our feedback,” he said. “Being closest to the ground means we have a pretty good handle on the Australian automotive landscape, so they are always curious to hear my feedback.
“They want my input and we make requests to them and they respond very quickly because, as you know, they are set up for success.
“So they’re very responsive. Even some requests I’ve made for simple feature changes via OTA, they arrive at lightning speed. I’ve been very impressed with their responsiveness and they’re definitely willing to take requests and feedback.”
“I just want to make sure Australian customers have the best experience, so they’ve responded by making adjustments specifically for Australia.”
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