Seemingly in an attempt to make shopping at Target work even smoother, the retailer is rolling out CarPlay integration, which should make completing Drive Up orders even easier if you have an iPhone.
Much like curbside pickup, Target offers Drive Up as a simple way to pick up items you've ordered online without leaving your vehicle. Traditionally, the experience works by placing your order through Target.com or the iOS app, checking out, and selecting a time. Then, when you arrive at Target, you park in one of the marked spots and, through the app, select “I'm here” to have a Target representative bring you the items you ordered.
It’s pretty simple, but Target wants to make this even easier. Now, if you have CarPlay, you’ll see the Target app appear on your vehicle’s screen, and from there, you’ll see your most recent or active Drive Up order. You’re greeted with the store’s location and an easy-to-navigate button, which apparently launches directions via Apple Maps to get to the store.
The ability to view and manage Drive Up orders directly in the CarPlay experience for iPhone users is pretty handy. I think it could be useful if you process an order in the morning while you're at the office and set it up for when you get home; instead of having to use your phone when you get there, you can quickly start the process from your own vehicle… and safely too.
If you don't have an active Drive Up order, you can tap “Find a Store” to see the nearest Target locations and navigate to one. After all, Target likely wants you to pick up an order or go to the store to make a purchase using its CarPlay experience.
The ability to control a Drive Up order within the Target app is a first for CarPlay, and it is the first retailer to roll out this feature nationwide in the United States. You will need the latest version of the Target app for iOS, available for free in the App Store, and a CarPlay-enabled vehicle.
While Drive Up for CarPlay is already available, Target has confirmed that they will have a similar experience with Android Auto in the future, though an exact timeline hasn't been released other than “coming soon.”