Geely's Popular EX5 EV Gets Apple CarPlay in Free OTA Update
Owners of one of the world's fastest-selling electric vehicles are getting a much-anticipated feature this week. Geely is rolling out Apple CarPlay to its popular EX5 electric SUV via a free over-the-air (OTA) software update. The update, which includes both wired and wireless CarPlay functionality, is initially available to drivers in Australia.
This is a significant move for Geely, a global automotive giant that's rapidly expanding its footprint. For thousands of new EX5 owners, it means seamless integration of their iPhones for navigation, music, and communication, a feature that has become a must-have for many car buyers. The convenience of an OTA update means owners can install the new feature from their own driveway, no dealership visit required.
A Rising Star in the EV Market
While the Geely name might not be as familiar in the United States, the company is a powerhouse in the global auto industry, with ownership stakes in well-known brands like Volvo, Polestar, Lotus, and Smart. The EX5—sold as the Galaxy E5 in its home market of China—has been a runaway success since its launch in mid-2024.
Just how successful? The numbers speak for themselves.
- The company sold its 100,000th unit in China within just six months.
- By July 2025, global deliveries had already rocketed past 150,000.
The EX5 has made a particularly strong splash in Australia, where it was the launch vehicle for the Geely brand. In June, it became the fourth best-selling EV in the country, trailing only heavy hitters like the Tesla Model Y, Tesla Model 3, and the BYD Sealion 7. This rapid market penetration makes the addition of a highly-demanded feature like CarPlay all the more important for maintaining momentum.
The Rollout: Australia First, Others to Follow?
For now, the CarPlay update is an Australia-exclusive affair. Geely has prioritized the market where the EX5 first launched internationally. The company hasn't yet provided a concrete timeline for a wider release in other key regions like Asia, the UK, or Europe.
However, the Australian launch is a strong indicator that broader availability is on the horizon as the EX5 continues its global rollout. It's a logical step to test and deploy the software in a key launch market before pushing it out to a larger user base.
Interestingly, Apple users are getting first dibs. Geely has noted that support for Android Auto is also in the works, but it's not expected to arrive until another OTA update scheduled for early 2026. This gives CarPlay a notable head start in the EX5's ecosystem.
What's Next for CarPlay
The timing of this update is also interesting given the broader developments in the CarPlay world. Apple is preparing for a major overhaul of the platform with the release of iOS 26 next month. This upcoming software update for iPhones will automatically bring new features to every compatible CarPlay vehicle, including the Geely EX5.
Users can look forward to a more personalized experience with features like customizable Home Screen app icons and, for the first time, the introduction of app widgets. This means drivers will soon be able to glance at key information without having to open a full app. The arrival of CarPlay on the EX5 positions its owners perfectly to take advantage of these new enhancements as soon as they're released.