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Lamtto RC37 CarPlay Auto Display review: For old cars

Macworld At a glance Expert's Rating Pros Bright 11-inch screen Pre-installed apps Four audio output options Two different mounting methods Rear camera included Fast response times Cons May not fit in every car Camera installation requires a bit of fiddling Touch controls can also be used whilst driving Our Verdict Anyone looking to retrofit an older vehicle with CarPlay and who has sufficient space in the cockpit will find the Lamtto Car Infotainment System to be a solution featuring a large screen, flexible audio output and, as a bonus, a back camera. Price at time of review This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Price Today Price When Reviewed $139.99 Best Prices Today: Lamtto RC37 11 Smart In-Cell CarPlay & Android Auto Display Retailer Price Lamtto $140 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide When CarPlay was first released, I wasnt interested, partly because of its limited availability. It was only found in newer cars from more exotic brands. That has changed; many new cars offer CarPlay connectivity, though there are some car companies that arent offering it. Ever since I tried out CarPlay in my second car, Ive come to view CarPlay more favorably. In fact, Id hardly want to be without it now. However, my 2008 Renault Kangoo was made before CarPlay became a thing in 2014. The car was retrofitted with a Bluetooth receiver that uses the unused interface of the CD changer (the car really is old!). Ive been able to listen to music from my iPhone through the cars impressive sound system. This is where the Lamtto RC37 Car Infotainment System comes into its own. Unlike other retrofit systems, it connects to the cars stereo via Aux, FM, or Bluetooth. My car doesnt have a 3.5-mm jack input, and FM transmitters only work locally at best, where you can still find a free frequency at the edges of the bands and theyre usually useless when on the move, requiring readjustment of the frequency for every transmission area. More than just a CarPlay screen The Lamtto comes with three further interesting features: a rear car camera (something my old car wouldnt even have dared to dream of), a high-resolution 11-inch screen, and pre-installed entertainment apps. You can stick the 11-inch display onto the dashboard or attach it to the windscreen using a suction cup. I opt for the suction cup, which makes the solution more flexible, as its removable, but it does obstruct the field of vision slightlysome may be able to quite literally, look past it. If I tilt the screen significantly lower or mount it on the shelf in front of the radio, Ill lose sight of it. Sticking the stand on the passenger side is a bad idea because of the airbag. Ill eventually find the right spot for it. Setup is absolutely straightforward: switch it on, connect it to the iPhone, launch CarPlay, and youre done. The Lamtto has a plug that fits into the cigarette lighter socket. This socket also features a USB-A port, which can be used to change and iPhone. When operating the touchscreen, I found that the suction-cup mounting is less than ideal. The screen always gives way too much when touched. A stand would be the better solution, but then you have to consider a proper mounting area that is accessible and doesnt block your windshield. Thats more of a problem with the car and not with the Lamtto kit. At least, thanks to the Bluetooth connection, you can adjust the volume from the steering wheel. And, of course, the connected iPhone responds to Siri. The system has TikTok, YouTune, and Netflix. Theyre off-limits while driving, even if its the front passenger using them. Drivers can use them when the car is parked, but this is only of interest to anyone who takes longer driving breaks and whose car battery has sufficient charge. The screen is a nice size, but it can be a bit of a nuisance in your field of vision. Macwelt Fiddly setup required for rear camera The Lamttos rear camera is a feature that take it to a whole new level. This isnt connected wirelessly, but via a cable to the Lamtto display. The manufacturer recommends mounting the camera on or above the license platea central position, close to the ground. Youll need to figure out how to thread the cameras cable through your car without it getting in the way of your windows or your doors. The camera switches on automatically when the car is put into reverse. For this to happen you need to attach an additional cable to the positive terminal of the reverse lights of your car. When this lights up, the display receives a signal and shows the cameras image. That setup is a bit too fiddly for me to do and Id rather leave it to a professional, wholl also help me position the display correctly in the car. Within a very short time of turning on the ignition, the Lamtto device is ready to go, has launched CarPlay, found the iPhone, and resumed the music from where I last left off. Exactly how it should be. Should you buy the Lamtto RC37? The Lamtto Car Entertainment System retrofits older vehicles with CarPlay and also offers a rear camera. The bright 11-inch display can also a disadvantage if you cant find the right spot to mount it. If you have an 11-inch iPad, you can experiment with it in your car to see if the display would fit and where it wouldnt get in the way. Fitting the device in the car and setting it up is completely straightforward once youve chosen the right spot. Installing the rear camera requires a steady hand, the sort that car mechanics have. The pre-installed entertainment apps such as YouTube, Netflix, TikTok and YouTube Music are of interest to those who take longer breaks (such as overnight) in a car park. Even in a traffic jam, and even if the screen is directed only at the front passenger or those in the back seats, watching videos in the car is strongly discouraged.

2 Oct 2026 1:00 pm