Disclaimer: I am just noting my personal experience. I'm not advocating the utilization of these methods, but just sharing what has worked for me and my Honda 2016 Pilot EX-L.
Before one can even install the autokit.apk and then use the special carplay/android auto usb dongle, the headunit must rooted by HondaHack so that the "install" buttons are not greyed out. This noted, once you install HondaHack, one doesn't have to download the remainder of the apps & apks via a usb stick, you can download them directly on the wifi connected headunit via HondaHack's app installer.
The HondaHack Pro is a game changer, and a must have, for anyone with a 2016 Honda Pilot, and it also enables and enhances the 2017+ Pilot experience as well. It not only enables CarPlay & Android auto (via the additional special usb dongle), but it enhances the navigation and media experience in these vehicles.
As such, HondaHack works best when purchased and ran via the autohack.org site first (to get license key for either the basic or Pro versions), then via online (via the headunit) you use the license key to install Honda Hack.
Again, when I say "online", I mean the head unit needs to be connected via wifi and use the installed headunit browser to go the link.
Root your Honda head unit and install apps freely - Honda Hack
Sometimes it takes two installs, or at least a couple of reboots to get it all set. Just follow the instructions provided for the Honda Pilot (2016+), and take screen shots when you get the codes (for record/safe keeping). I recommend that you check out and print out the webpages from the above link before you purchase and start directly on your headunit.
Highly recommend you spend the additional $10, and pay full $25 (vs $15 basic) via paypal or CC for the PRO version.
You get an additional code for the PRO version as well. In practice (from what I've seen so far), it will install and keep these additional apps and apks up-to-date, providing you keep the headunit connected online at times via your phone or mobile hotspot (or at a minimum, when you are parked at a location with wifi)
The Honda Hack, does a lot more than just enable carplay via the autokit.apk (note: autokit.apk needs to be installed before you use the carplay/android usb dongle). Honda Hack also allows you to select install and directly use other apps on the headunit itself, like Spotify, Netflix, Waze, Sygic (with offline maps), etc.
Safety Message: Keep in mind, HondaHack will also allow the disabling of the parking break lock out...so I've noticed one can even keep things like Netflix running while they are are driving. One can also turn that back on that safety feature (I believe, not yet confirmed)...
So, one doesn't even need the carplay/android usb dongle and use those features if you don't want to...although having the choice is ideal and nice.
The headunit installed online apps need the headunit to be connected to a wifi hotspot (otherwise you need to use autokit.apk along with the dongle and connect to the apps available within carplay or android auto managed on the phone).
The HondaHack pro version allows installs additional changes (such as the ability to use an external usb stick for apps (and offline map) storage, etc. Memory and cache optimization, etc. The advanced settings in the PRO version does a lot. While one can buy the basic for $15, and then hunt and manually install everything else, the packaging/management the pro version provides keeps it all clean and easy to keep everything updated together.
-Dean
