Apple’s Next-Gen CarPlay: Everything We Know So Far
Oct. 9, 2024Integration with Instrument Cluster
With the new CarPlay, Apple plans to take over complete dashboards, even the ones with multiple displays. It means, the next-gen CarPlay will have multi-display support, so it will appear across all displays of your vehicle for a more cohesive experience across the car’s infotainment system, instrument cluster, and any other screens on the dashboard. Apple also mentioned that the new CarPlay will be customized so it accommodates unique screen shapes and layouts for each vehicle model. The automakers will have complete freedom over the look and layout of their dash, and there will be signature looks for different car brands as well.
Last year, Apple also shared what its bespoke designs will look like. For instance, Apple showed an Aston Martin with an infotainment system and instrument cluster that features classy silver gauges and racing green outlines. Another render shows Porsche screens with Apple fonts and design against a signature Porsche houndstooth background.
The CarPlay interface, which currently shows a handful of apps will be expanded to include buttons for climate control and shortcuts to control temperature right from the home screen. So, you will be able to adjust the temperature of your AC or heating system and control fan speed, heated steering wheel, heated seats, and other options. Also, there will be additional vehicle settings available from an easy-to-use app within the ecosystem, so the driver can change the drive mode or assistance features, without any hassle. That’s not all. The new CarPlay 2 will display pop-up notifications for electric vehicles, so the driver knows the charge status and remaining charge time. Furthermore, there will be deep integration with rear-facing cameras and functionality for park assistance.
However, we also know that wireless connections are less stable and reliable than wired ones. With the slightest of hiccups, you could lose track of your car’s vital functions. Of course, Apple would have made some changes to make the wireless connection more stable. It will be interesting to see how Apple plans its technology and software to fit everything into the right place.
Also, Apple will introduce anall-new Media appthat will let you control the FM radio in your vehicle, such as changing the station.
Apple’s CarPlay 2 will only be available on high-end models, with very few manufacturers having committed to its launch. Here’s a list of committed automakers:
There’s no information about whether the existing vehicles with CarPlay support will get the new CarPlay features and apps.
That’s everything we know so far about Apple’s next generation of CarPlay. We’ll update this piece as soon as new suggestions and leaks pile up in the coming weeks. So, stay tuned!
