The much anticipated Apple CarPlay update is set to release later this year, and it’s bringing along a truckload of updates. Looking ahead to 2024, we now have a better picture of what exciting features CarPlay will have in store for us, and how our iPhones will seamlessly integrate into the latest car and SUVs.
CarPlay has been Apple’s in-vehicle software platform since its introduction in 2014. In the coming year, CarPlay is about to get a big makeover. We can expect a new and improved version that will resemble the familiar layout of our iPhones or MacBooks, blending seamlessly with the paired vehicle’s infotainment system. There are also some exciting updates related to CarPlay with the arrival of iOS 17, which is expected to be announced later this year, including charging station availability for electric cars.
The Update Will Bring Seamless Integration
Apple CarPlay will have a whole suite of new features in the update. We will give a brief rundown of what we already know.
In the upcoming version, CarPlay will expand its reach and seamlessly extend across all the displays in your vehicle. This includes the infotainment system, instrument cluster, and across any additional displays. It will be smart enough to adapt to the specific screen shapes and layouts of each vehicle model, ensuring a tailored user experience.
CarPlay’s integration is going further than ever with instrument cluster integration. This means that your speedometer, tachometer, odometer, fuel gauge, engine temperature gauge, oil pressure gauge, and more will all be conveniently displayed right in the CarPlay interface. Drivers will have the freedom to choose from a variety of gauge cluster designs and layouts, including options specific to certain car brands. The power will be in your hands to customize the instrument cluster to your specific tastes, whether you prefer a modern look or a classic round gauge setup.
The new and improved CarPlay will also grant you direct access to your vehicle’s climate controls right in the interface. You can effortlessly adjust the temperature of the A/C or heat, tweak the fan speed, activate the heated seats, and even warm up the steering wheel. You can also say goodbye to the hassle of toggling between different screens to manage your car’s climate, as climate controls can display on the screen behind your steering wheel, right alongside your speedometer and fuel gauge.
Get ready for an information-packed CarPlay experience thanks to widgets. Widgets will play a significant role in the new CarPlay, providing you with quick and convenient access to important details. These include trip duration, fuel economy, distance traveled, as well as upcoming calendar events, weather updates, ongoing phone calls, and the status of your HomeKit-enabled garage door. These widgets won’t be confined to a single screen. You’ll have the freedom to view and scroll through them right within your instrument cluster, or on any other display in your vehicle, ensuring that the essential information is always right where you want it.
Tune into your favorite FM radio stations with the brand new radio app included in the upcoming CarPlay update. There will be no more hassle of manually adjusting the dial or searching for buttons. With the radio app right at your fingertips, changing stations will be as easy as a tap or a swipe on your CarPlay interface.
What Auto Brands Will Support CarPlay
The first wave of vehicles supporting this system is expected to be announced in late 2023. There is already an impressive lineup of partner brands for CarPlay, including Ford, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, Infiniti, Honda, Acura, Jaguar, Land Rover, Nissan, Audi, Renault, Volvo, Polestar, and Porsche. Notably missing from this list is GM, which is planning to drop support for the popular CarPlay feature in its future EVs.
It remains unclear whether all of these exciting new features will be compatible with current CarPlay-supported models. There’s a good chance that current CarPlay-enabled vehicles will have the widgets available in the update. However, certain features that require deeper access to the vehicle’s computer systems, such as controlling heating and cooling settings or displaying information like the speedometer, fuel gauge, and temperature gauge, may be exclusive to upcoming car models that haven’t yet hit the market. Nonetheless, there’s still much to look forward to, even if the full range of features might be limited to newer car models.
iOS 17 Will Bring Some Exciting Updates
There are a few CarPlay-related features to look forward to in the upcoming iOS 17 update, which is scheduled for an official release in the fall. There are a number of highly-anticipated new features that users are looking forward to in the update, including pet recognition and animated stickers. Tech enthusiasts can already get a taste, as the beta version of iOS 17 is already available. Luckily, this has given us some hints over what the new update will mean for CarPlay.
CarPlay will come with some exciting new features when paired with an iPhone running iOS 17. One notable addition is SharePlay support in the Music app, allowing passengers to join in on the music-sharing experience. You can start a SharePlay session by simply holding two iPhones together. Also, CarPlay will keep you updated in real-time by providing information on the availability of electric vehicle charging stations nearby.
There is also a hidden gem in iOS 17 that Apple hasn’t officially advertised. Using Visual Look Up, you can now capture an image of your vehicle’s dashboard and your iPhone will provide you with valuable information about the symbols on your dash. iOS 17 will give you the name of the symbol and a brief description of its meaning. It will also offer convenient links to learn more about each symbol through Safari. So, if you’ve always wondered what clicking the “Party Cat” button does, now’s your chance to finally find out.
What CarPlay Users Can Expect From GM In 2024
Among all the good news related to the Apple CarPlay update, General Motors customers will unfortunately not be able to join the party. The auto giant is planning to discontinue support for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in their new EV models. This decision will not impact any of GM’s electric vehicles already on the market, however. It also won’t apply to gasoline or diesel vehicles, which GM is only planning to manufacture until 2035.
GM was actually one of the major proponents of CarPlay when it made its debut back in 2014, boasting its availability in their models. It’s likely that the change will upset many customers, as about 50 percent of Americans own an iPhone. The popularity of CarPlay is evident, as Apple claims that a staggering 79 percent of new car buyers look for this feature. Independent surveys paint a slightly different picture; a survey conducted in 2020 revealed that 48 percent of car buyers expressed interest in having CarPlay or Android Auto in their new car. Even car manufacturers like Toyota, which were initially hesitant to adopt the technology, have recently incorporated it into their models. GM will now join the other companies holding out on this feature, such as Tesla and Rivian.
The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV, set to hit the market later this year, will be the first GM EV to debut without CarPlay or Android Auto compatibility. Also joining the ranks will be the upcoming 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV, Cadillac Celestiq, and GMC Sierra EV.
