Apple Introduces Next-Gen CarPlay, Transforming Car's Digital, In-Vehicle Connectivity

Jun 12, 2024 02:06 AM EDT

APPLE CARPLAY DISPLAY INSIDE CAR — (Photo : AI IMAGE/DABBIE DAVIS)

During this year's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), Apple strategically unveiled insights into the iOS 18 operating system and forthcoming CarPlay advancements. Despite CarPlay not being a focal point of the WWDC 2024 keynote, Apple has rolled out informative videos for developers elucidating the capabilities of its upcoming CarPlay iteration.

Upgrade, Apple CarPlay

Apple has introduced a pair of informative videos aimed at developers to delve into the new CarPlay features. The initial video, titled 'Exploring the future CarPlay architecture,' provides an in-depth look into the functionality of this update.

The second video, 'Introducing the advanced CarPlay design system,' offers insights into the user interface possibilities of the next CarPlay generation. As reported by The Street, Apple discreetly unveiled intriguing details about CarPlay amidst its prominent announcements at the Worldwide Developer's Conference (WWDC) on June 10.

The forthcoming iteration of CarPlay takes advantage of the screen-rich environments found in modern cars.

Unlike its previous version confined to a single dashboard display, the new CarPlay showcased at WWDC offers a versatile and customizable solution that seamlessly merges the driver's mobile content with the car's interface.

Notably, the upgraded CarPlay can now extend across various screens within the vehicle, including the gauge cluster and potential passenger-side displays, adapting flexibly to the available screen in the car.

In its current iteration, CarPlay is typically confined to a solitary monitor situated centrally between the driver and passenger seats.

The upcoming version grants car manufacturers full autonomy, enabling them to integrate speedometers, customized branded colors, diverse gauges, and other enhancements throughout the entirety of the dashboard.

What's More

As highlighted by CarBuzz, the upcoming CarPlay version will feature extensive customization options, enabling car manufacturers to align the design with their individual corporate branding. This move avoids a scenario where a budget-friendly $25,000 Mazda shares the same user interface as a luxury $130,000 Porsche 911.

Thus, ensuring a more tailored experience for each vehicle. Consequently, CarPlay will offer a distinct feel across various automobiles, maintaining consistency in features and an easy-to-navigate layout.

In a developer video, Apple elucidates how the layout can undergo customization to cater to diverse requirements. Human Interface Designer Ben Crick details the system's adaptability to various vehicle drivetrains, a vital feature as the forthcoming CarPlay iteration is set to integrate with the digital gauge cluster.

Crick emphasized the opportunity for automakers to personalize the visual aesthetics within CarPlay, enabling them to craft a distinctive and tailored appearance that resonates with their brand, vehicles, and specific functionalities.

Additional insights on this recent advancement were shared by MacRumors. The upcoming iteration of CarPlay will empower automakers to display tailored notifications concerning an electric vehicle's charging status, available software updates for the vehicle, and other relevant alerts.

Moreover, the new version will incorporate rear-camera integration for enhanced functionality. MacRumors had previously unearthed indications of these features in the iOS 17.4 beta. According to Apple's website, the initial vehicles equipped with the next-generation CarPlay are slated for a 2024 release.

However, specific timing details have yet to be disclosed, with no updates provided during the WWDC coding sessions. Notably, Aston Martin and Porsche offered previews of their next-generation CarPlay vehicle designs towards the end of last year.