If you love the convenience of Target’s “Drive Up” service, life just got a little easier—especially if you’re an iPhone user. Target has started rolling out Apple CarPlay integration, aiming to simplify the pickup process for Drive Up orders, making the whole experience faster, more intuitive, and—most importantly—hands-free.
What Is Drive Up?
Drive Up is Target’s curbside pickup service that lets you order online and pick up your items without leaving your car. The process is simple: place an order on Target.com or the iOS app, select a pickup time, and use the app to let Target know when you arrive at the store. A team member will then bring your items right to your car.
That being said, Target wants to make things even easier for customers who rely on Apple CarPlay.
CarPlay Meets Drive Up: How It Works
With the new CarPlay integration, you can instantly see your most recent or active “Drive Up” orders right on your vehicle’s display. A simple button allows you to navigate to your chosen Target location through Apple Maps, making the trip hassle-free.
When you arrive, you can easily initiate the “I’m here” notification directly from your car’s screen, eliminating the need to reach for your phone and ensuring a seamless, safe pickup process.
First Retailer to Roll Out CarPlay Integration Nationwide
The ability to control a Drive Up order through Apple CarPlay is a first-of-its-kind feature. Target is the first retailer in the U.S. to implement this feature nationwide, providing an added layer of convenience for customers who want to avoid fumbling with their phones while managing their pickups.
To use this new CarPlay feature, you’ll need the Target iOS app and a CarPlay-compatible vehicle. Make sure your Target app is updated to the latest version, which is available for free on the App Store. If your car supports Apple CarPlay, the app will automatically integrate once you connect your iPhone.
What About Android Auto Users?
Good news if you’re not part of the Apple ecosystem—Target has plans to bring a similar experience to Android Auto in the future. While there’s no confirmed date just yet, the company has said that Android Auto integration is “coming soon.”
Why CarPlay Integration Matters
Bringing Drive Up controls to CarPlay is part of Target’s effort to improve the customer experience. This feature makes pickups faster and safer while keeping Target connected with customers on the go. Whether you’re picking up essentials, a last-minute gift, or just avoiding in-store shopping, this integration can change the way you shop at Target.
It’s more than just a convenient way to get your order; it shows how retail is evolving to meet customer needs for easy, tech-friendly solutions. By allowing you to navigate, find stores, and pick up orders right from your car’s dashboard, Target is making shopping simpler.
