Bluetooth or Wi-Fi: How does wireless CarPlay connect?

Wireless CarPlay uses Bluetooth only to pair and locate the iPhone, then switches to a dedicated Wi-Fi link that carries all audio, video, control data and phone-call audio. Apple recommends 5 GHz Wi-Fi but allows 2.4 GHz, and the car’s Wi-Fi network is local, not an internet hotspot. Wired CarPlay runs over USB, while aftermarket adapters convert an existing wired connection into a wireless one.