Next-gen Apple CarPlay: What we know

Summary

• The “next generation” of Apple CarPlay will integrate vehicle gauges and controls across multiple screens.
• It is designed to replace standard car devices and infotainment systems.
• The company originally planned to launch the product in 2024, but it appears to have had issues with implementation.

Once rare and advanced, CarPlay is now the default in many cars. Apple has even bigger plans for the next generation of its platform, designed to help people become more deeply rooted in the world. iPhone ecosystem. CarPlay technology may become especially important now that a full-fledged Apple car is out of sight.

Some automakers have already signed the contract, while others say they won’t play ball. There are also many other issues such as launch dates and maintaining the existing version of CarPlay. Here’s what you need to know about Apple’s plans so far.

What is the new generation of CarPlay?

Years have passed in the making

As Apple explained at WWDC 2022, the goal is to extend CarPlay beyond the infotainment display to offer complete control over the car’s interior, or at least as much as automakers allow. Concept images from Apple, Porsche and Aston Martin show CarPlay running on two or more screens, replacing multiple dials and buttons. It’s such a complete overhaul that it’s worth picking apart piece by piece.

Cluster integration

Perhaps the most radical change involves the replacement of dials and other components of the instrument cluster, that is, the space directly behind the steering wheel. In theory, CarPlay can replace your tachometer, speedometer and odometer, as well as oil, gas and/or battery gauges. Drivers can choose between different layouts, including ones unique to each vehicle brand.

It’s unclear whether the clusters will support third-party apps like Google Maps or Spotify.

However, you won’t be limited to meters and sensors. Some clusters can display real-time navigation through Apple Maps and other apps, solving CarPlay’s current problem of forcing users to look away. Other options should include a compass and viewing Now Playing music. It’s unclear whether the clusters will support third-party apps like Google Maps or Spotify, but it seems likely at some point. Apple is already in trouble for other anti-competitive practices such as monopolization of app sales.

Radio and climate control

While CarPlay has long supported Internet radio apps like NPR and TuneIn, until now it couldn’t control a car’s built-in FM, AM, or satellite tuners. With next-generation CarPlay, users will be able to change stations, mark favorites and get track information, including cover art (if available). Apple also appears to be highlighting stations that support HD Radio.

When it comes to climate control, drivers should be able to switch between air conditioning and heating, turn on heated seats and steering wheels, and adjust zones, temperatures, and fan speeds. These things are mostly self-explanatory, but the nice thing is that you’ll be able to see the temperature of the zone at a glance.

Home screen widgets

On many vehicles, you’ll likely see an expanded set of widgets on the home screen because they’re easier to implement. Instead of just music, navigation and HomeKit controls, these widgets should include things like clocks, event calendars, travel statistics, and advanced weather forecasts. When you receive a phone call, it should appear as a widget and not overwhelm everything else. You will also be able to check your tire pressure and rear view camera image.

Another great thing is that these widgets scale to different sizes and are aligned vertically or horizontally, depending on the screen size. In other words, you don’t need a giant Tesla or Polestar-style display to use them.

Which cars will get the next generation of CarPlay?

Lots of choice, few details

Here is the current list of announced brands:

• Acura
• Aston Martin
• Audi
• Ford
• Honda
• Infinity
• Jaguar
• Land Rover
• Lincoln
• Nissan
• North Star
• Porsche
• Renault
• Volvo

The only two automakers to provide detailed information were Porsche and Aston Martin, but even they remained largely silent. The latter said it planned to release compatible models by the end of 2024, including a new version of the DB12, but missed this deadline.

You’ll also notice some notable gaps in this list, such as BMW, Kia, Hyundai and Toyota. GM has announced plans to eliminate CarPlay entirely in future electric vehicles, and Mercedes-Benz says it will stick with the current incarnation of CarPlay while creating its own operating system.

When will the next generation of CarPlay come out?

Don’t hold your breath

At this stage no one knows. Apple and Aston Martin were targeting 2024, but it’s now 2025 and no compatible car has hit the road. According to BloombergThe main problem is that Apple had to work with automakers to create custom interfaces, which is much more time-consuming than vanilla CarPlay. By the way, this is expected to stay for a long time.

Even after the next generation of technology arrives, it may take some time before it reaches affordable cars. Remember, the first model to support any form of CarPlay was the Ferrari FF – it took years before you could find it in your average Kia or Ford.

What are the technology requirements?

Same as always

Not much is known yet, except that you’ll still need an iPhone. Apple describes the software as “the best iPhone experience in the car.” There have been no rumors of Apple creating a pre-installed OS beyond its own abandoned car project.

Not much is known yet, except that you’ll still need an iPhone.

You can expect to need an iPhone with iOS 17.4 at a minimum, if not. iOS 18which was released in September 2024 along with the iPhone 16 lineup. I say this because the iOS 17.4 code contained hidden references to several previously unknown features, such as the camera and tire pressure sensors mentioned earlier. If Apple plans to require iOS 18, other additions could be on the way.

If iOS 17.4 or 18 is the base version, you’ll need at least a 2nd generation iPhone XR, XS, XS Max, or SE. Running the entire dashboard is bound to take a lot of effort, so the limitation may move to the iPhone 11 or later, and maybe even the iPhone 16.

For cars, I expect most brands to offer a choice of wireless or USB connectivity. Wireless CarPlay continues to gain traction and will likely appear on high-end models and trims, which describes any car that will have screens for the next generation of CarPlay.

What happened to the Apple Car?

An adventure that didn’t work out

The answer to this question is complex. The project, dubbed “Project Titan” internally, originally began in 2014. Over time, it expanded and attracted thousands of people, including employees poached from Tesla. Even though Apple went so far as to test self-driving technology on California roads, executives seemed unable to decide on the best path—at one point, development shifted to a platform rather than a full-fledged car. The project existed as recently as January 2024 and aimed to create an electric car with reduced driver assistance systems rather than full self-driving capabilities.

Titan has reportedly gone through numerous management changes and layoffs, and even faced an FBI investigation when someone was accused of stealing Apple’s trade secrets. The death knell sounded in February 2024, when resources were shifted to generative artificial intelligence instead.

Titan has reportedly gone through numerous management changes and layoffs, and even faced an FBI investigation when someone was accused of stealing Apple’s trade secrets.

Titan was probably too ambitious for the technology available. While companies like Waymo are already using self-driving taxis, they operate in limited urban areas – the Apple Car should be able to go anywhere, coping with highways, dirt roads and all possible collision threats. Even Tesla Full Self Driving Technology sometimes has difficulty despite having sufficient real data to extrapolate. Unless there is a breakthrough, it is unlikely that self-driving cars will become commonplace before the 2030s.

It’s unknown to what extent the next generation of CarPlay reflects what Apple has in mind for the Apple Car.

Apple also faced major headwinds in production and sales. The company was in talks with several parties about contract manufacturing (since setting up its own factories would cost billions) and there was little indication of how it might set up showrooms and test drives. Moreover, automakers are typically expected to provide parts and repairs for many years, whereas Apple’s current products end after just seven years. Essentially, Apple would have to create the equivalent of a Tesla – minus the Supercharger – just to support one car.

It’s unknown to what extent the next generation of CarPlay reflects what Apple has in mind for the Apple Car. Some product concepts minimized the driver’s plans, but Apple was certainly working on in-vehicle displays. However, the company now needs CarPlay if it doesn’t want to lose its full car display technology to Android Automotive and third-party operating systems.