Apple Continues to Prepare for Next-Generation CarPlay in iOS 18.2 Beta

[Killerbob]

I hope Volvo delivers, and the upcoming Volve XC90 Phev 2025.5 has integrated into that beautiful 13" screen the best and brightest of what Apple can do with CarPlay. Please, please, please.

 

[RavynArcadia]

Which is why GM is bailing from it

Eh, GM sucks anyway.

 

[AndiG]

Yes this is true, from a general user interface perspective it's not too different than the Taycan which uses some ARM based platform with a proprietary OS.


I'm not sure what you mean about CarPlay and EV routing though. Apple Maps with EV routing works very well on the Taycan (it's not yet activated on Macan EV but will be soon supposedly). You can choose your charging networks, CarPlay gets state of charge from the car and knows the efficiency data, and will route to charging stops, explains how much to charge at each stop, etc.

The native charging and route planning in the car works similar. Unfortunately not all charging networks have great realtime charge point availability data.


I haven't had this issue with my cars.

The point is that all the companies are collecting car data. For an EV, route planning in combination with charge planning is essential.
Just imagine all the data in combination with some AI, wind, weather, temperature and high resolution data from the motors, the battery pack, and so on. Automatic preconditioning of the battery pack before reaching a charging station and so on. There are some Apps you can connect to your car with an OBD2 dongle, but those are too complicated for many people.
Furthermore the HUD in modern car diplays realtime AR navigation info. IMHO Apple cannot control the HUD or use the cars cameras for AR.

Android Automotive doesn‘t necessarily utilize Google Maps, depends on the brand. Also since VW is transitioning to RivianOS, Porsche may use it as well.
Those systems work incredible well and the need to use your phones OS will vanish.

Apple could have powered some of those cars, spreading their OS, Apps AND Apple silicon. But it failed - from my perspective.

 

[Biro]

Unfortunately Porsche is on the list.

Sometimes less is more and apparently Porsche has forgotten that with the looks of that rendering.

Imagine a $150,000+ sports car having the same arcade inspired dash/cabin as a $30,000 VW.

And imagine it being designed by a geek at Apple who probably doesn’t even drive.

 

[DotCom2]

"It's the subscription, Stupids!"

 

[artifex]

I would love for this to allow the car to use the iPhone's data plan for all data needs. Most car companies are including a limited time of free data, but then charge for a separate car plan. Why can't I just use my phone's data plan that I already pay for?

Some manufacturers see virtually forced subscriptions as another profit center. Have to wonder what that means for any car that lasts longer than 7-8 years, though. Remember all those cars with built-in 3G modems for OnStar?

 

[Neil Harrison]

For me it would be such a great feature to have. MBUX in my merc is a really good system, for radio and smartphone integration it works but it lacks customisation and is too difficult to navigate to some features. Mercedes like a lot of car manufacturers use it as an additional revenue stream for example it’s £10 a month to have online map updates and live travel info. I get this for free if I use Apple Maps or ways

 

[DemoDays!]

I would love to see Crutchfield, Pioneer and/or Jensen support this for Toyota and other manufacturers who had Birds Eye view setups. The Toyota Entune system is junk, always was. There is no upgrade option on the 2016-17 model RAV4s and other cars with this feature. If your head unit dies it costs $5,000 to replace and still you are stuck with Entune.

If an aftermarket manufacturer had a unit that supported 4 cameras for an overhead view AND utilized cameras for dash cam recording features similar to Tesla under CarPlay and could offer for under $1,500 I would buy. Birds Eye View was a major reason I bought the car, but the voice command system was junk, apps like messaging, gas, weather, stocks became unsupported, map updates are sparse and expensive.

 

[HylianKnight]

While it is admirable that they continue to develop this enhanced CarPlay environment, I don't see the auto industry embracing this rapidly. It seems like an overreach for Apple in that it takes over the crappy but proprietary UI design of the auto maker.

I want this, but my understanding is Apple has put significant limitations on how customized the UI elements are, which is a nonstarter for many automakers.

 

[CrysisDeu]

Unfortunately, it is not well done in TVs like Sony Google/Android, so there is no reason to believe that any car integration is going to be any better.

You need to try the Chinese TV OS and carOSs if possible, much much better

 

[MacTiki]

Yeah, feeling elite is pretty important. To some…

Nothing wrong with being able to afford the best or at least better than a VW.

“Accept no substitute.”

 

[turbineseaplane]

Eh, GM sucks anyway.

The best GM car right now is the Honda Prologue

 

[turbineseaplane]

Remember all those cars with built-in 3G modems for OnStar?

Yep!
(pops hood and pulls the OnStar fuse)

 

[PsykX]

It's almost vaporware at this point.

It's been revealed in June 2022, we're in November 2024 and still no car on the market is equipped with the so-called next-gen CarPlay.

Are there any models planned for 2025 ?

I'm whining, but don't get me wrong, I want to see this come alive. All carmakers absolutely suck at making software (except Tesla).

 

[steve09090]

Nothing wrong with being able to afford the best or at least better than a VW.

“Accept no substitute.”

Considering Porsche are just a specc'd up VW and are own by them in the exact same way Toyota own Lexus and Genesis are Hyundai.

 

[steve09090]

I don’t like it.
It’s nice to have CarPlay for FaceTime calls and Apple Music, but that's it for me.
I prefer car navigation because it can do more.

Car navigation can use multiple sensors in the car and doesn't rely only on GPS.
So, it knows exactly in which lane I am, and can navigate in tunnels.
My car also offers to slow down before intersections where I should turn - this is great in areas where I've never been.
The most important information is presented on the HUD.

I can easily control the car from the steering wheel and also with buttons, and it's ineffective to control CarPlay with buttons, because it wasn't designed to.

I am 3 years into my Subaru and now have to pay a subscription to update the maps that rarely ever have updates anyway. My final update didn’t include the changes 6 months earlier in my area. At least a Google/Apple Maps are better than that. Plus with offline maps, you can use them anywhere.

 

[Chungry]

I am 3 years into my Subaru and now have to pay a subscription to update the maps that rarely ever have updates anyway. My final update didn’t include the changes 6 months earlier in my area. At least a Google/Apple Maps are better than that. Plus with offline maps, you can use them anywhere.

You can get those updates for free from Subaru forums. I had no idea anyone actually paid for that. But ok!

 

[Col4bin]

Classic MacRumors comment, Apple is DOOMED! 😂

Apple can only milk the cow for so long.

 

[steve09090]

You can get those updates for free from Subaru forums. I had no idea anyone actually paid for that. But ok!

I haven’t. Refused. My understanding was that there were tied to a serial number on Subarus. I’ll check it out. Cheers.

 

[Sora]

Thank God Mazda isn’t on the list - yet anyway. I don’t want CarPlay reaching that deeply into the operation of my vehicle. I simply want phone mirroring on a single screen.

LOL @Mazda — I don’t think that demographic is what Apple is trying to focus on. The Porsche badge kinda gives a hint at the depth of wallets they are after.

 

[subjonas]

We could easily have both if they wanted to give it to us. A CarPlay interface that shows the climate controls/radio/etc, and physical buttons and knobs that control it.

The EU is working to force car manufacturers to start using physical controls again. Hopefully such common-sense legislation happens here too.

I agree legislation may be needed for this since it is a safety issue.

 

[subjonas]

I cancelled my in-car XM subscription a long time ago and just stream it via CarPlay app. Of course if you go in places where cell data networks aren't great this isn't ideal... xm satellite will have much better coverage in remote areas.

Satellite functions seem to be expanding on phones. Probably only a matter of time until all internet functions can operate via satellite.

 

[jfreedle2]

It has been nearly two and a half years since Apple first previewed next-generation CarPlay at WWDC 2022, and it has still yet to become available in any vehicles. Fortunately, though, Apple continues to work on the software system.

Within the code for the third beta of iOS 18.2 seeded to developers today, there are redesigned "Climate" and "Media" app icons for next-generation CarPlay, according to MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris. The fact that Apple has redesigned the icons, first added in iOS 17.4, indicates the company is still preparing to launch the new CarPlay.

The redesigned next-generation CarPlay icons​

Apple's website continues to say that the first vehicles with next-generation CarPlay support will "arrive in 2024," but it has yet to provide a more specific timeframe. Aston Martin and Porsche previewed next-generation CarPlay vehicle designs in December 2023, but neither automaker has released any vehicles with support yet.

Apple last publicly referenced next-generation CarPlay in WWDC 2024 coding sessions in June.

Below, we have recapped what to expect from next-generation CarPlay.

New Features

Next-generation CarPlay will have deeper integration with a vehicle's instrument cluster, climate controls, FM radio, and more. It will also support multiple displays across the dashboard, and offer widgets for apps like Calendar and Weather.

In addition, next-generation CarPlay will be highly customizable, allowing automakers to tailor the design of the system to uniquely match their vehicles.

Instrument Cluster Integration

Next-generation CarPlay will integrate with a vehicle's instrument cluster, including the speedometer, tachometer, odometer, fuel gauge, engine temperature gauge, oil pressure gauge, and more. Apple says drivers will be able to choose from several gauge cluster designs and layouts, including brand‑specific options.

Climate Controls

You'll be able to access your vehicle's climate controls directly within the new CarPlay interface, allowing you to adjust the temperature of the A/C or heat, fan speed, heated seats, heated steering wheel, and other options.

Multi-Display Support

Next-generation CarPlay will be able to appear across all of the displays in a vehicle, providing a consistent experience across the infotainment system, instrument cluster, and any additional screens on the dashboard. Apple says the new CarPlay will be tailored to each vehicle model to accommodate unique screen shapes and layouts.

Widgets

Widgets will be a key part of the new CarPlay experience, offering at-a-glance information such as trip duration, fuel economy, distance traveled, calendar events, weather, phone calls, the status of a HomeKit-enabled garage door, and more. It will also be possible to view and scroll through the widgets within the instrument cluster.

FM Radio App

Next-generation CarPlay will include an all-new Media app that allows you to easily control the FM radio in your vehicle, such as to change the station.

New Apps

Earlier this year, iOS 17.4 added hidden code-level references to eight new CarPlay apps:

• Auto Settings: This app will let you manage paired iPhones and adjust vehicle settings.
• Car Camera: This app will display the vehicle's rear-view camera feed.
• Charge: For electric vehicles, this app will display battery level, charging status, time remaining until the battery is fully charged, and more.
• Climate: This app will provide access to a vehicle's climate controls within CarPlay, allowing you to adjust the temperature of the A/C or heating system, fan speed, heated seats, heated steering wheel, and more.
• Closures: This app will display if any of the vehicle's doors are opened, and it might also display vehicle warning symbols.
• Media: This app will provide access to FM and AM radio station controls within CarPlay, along with other media options like SiriusXM. It is unclear if SiriusXM will offer satellite connectivity, or remain limited to internet streaming. Users will be able to select from a list of music genres, such as Top 40 and Rock.
• Tire Pressure: This app will display air pressure for each of the vehicle's tires, and provide low pressure, high pressure, and flat tire warnings.
• Trips: This app will provide a variety of driving-related data, including the vehicle's average speed, fuel efficiency or energy efficiency, the total time elapsed and distance traveled on a trip, and more.

Committed Automakers

Aston Martin's next-generation CarPlay preview from December 2023​

When it first announced next-generation CarPlay, Apple said the following automakers were committed to offering it in new vehicles... Click here to read rest of article

Article Link: Apple Continues to Prepare for Next-Generation CarPlay in iOS 18.2 Beta

Better than every car manufacturer provided interface.

 

[jfreedle2]

Buttons are safer (and a mountain of research exists today so), I hope it doesn’t all go to screens. I’m not a fan of apples design language here either. It’s too reductive and not rich or descriptive enough. I want the car to have hallmarks of the manufacturer not look like a giant iPhone

Like the “research” that says backing into parking spaces is safer so that you cannot see to pullout of the parking space and get ran into by someone driving through the parking lots. The backup camera makes that argument idiotic. You have do take you eyes off the road to deal with the various buttons plagued in older cars.

 

[iansilv]

It has been nearly two and a half years since Apple first previewed next-generation CarPlay at WWDC 2022, and it has still yet to become available in any vehicles. Fortunately, though, Apple continues to work on the software system.

Within the code for the third beta of iOS 18.2 seeded to developers today, there are redesigned "Climate" and "Media" app icons for next-generation CarPlay, according to MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris. The fact that Apple has redesigned the icons, first added in iOS 17.4, indicates the company is still preparing to launch the new CarPlay.

The redesigned next-generation CarPlay icons​

Apple's website continues to say that the first vehicles with next-generation CarPlay support will "arrive in 2024," but it has yet to provide a more specific timeframe. Aston Martin and Porsche previewed next-generation CarPlay vehicle designs in December 2023, but neither automaker has released any vehicles with support yet.

Apple last publicly referenced next-generation CarPlay in WWDC 2024 coding sessions in June.

Below, we have recapped what to expect from next-generation CarPlay.

New Features

Next-generation CarPlay will have deeper integration with a vehicle's instrument cluster, climate controls, FM radio, and more. It will also support multiple displays across the dashboard, and offer widgets for apps like Calendar and Weather.

In addition, next-generation CarPlay will be highly customizable, allowing automakers to tailor the design of the system to uniquely match their vehicles.

Instrument Cluster Integration

Next-generation CarPlay will integrate with a vehicle's instrument cluster, including the speedometer, tachometer, odometer, fuel gauge, engine temperature gauge, oil pressure gauge, and more. Apple says drivers will be able to choose from several gauge cluster designs and layouts, including brand‑specific options.

Climate Controls

You'll be able to access your vehicle's climate controls directly within the new CarPlay interface, allowing you to adjust the temperature of the A/C or heat, fan speed, heated seats, heated steering wheel, and other options.

Multi-Display Support

Next-generation CarPlay will be able to appear across all of the displays in a vehicle, providing a consistent experience across the infotainment system, instrument cluster, and any additional screens on the dashboard. Apple says the new CarPlay will be tailored to each vehicle model to accommodate unique screen shapes and layouts.

Widgets

Widgets will be a key part of the new CarPlay experience, offering at-a-glance information such as trip duration, fuel economy, distance traveled, calendar events, weather, phone calls, the status of a HomeKit-enabled garage door, and more. It will also be possible to view and scroll through the widgets within the instrument cluster.

FM Radio App

Next-generation CarPlay will include an all-new Media app that allows you to easily control the FM radio in your vehicle, such as to change the station.

New Apps

Earlier this year, iOS 17.4 added hidden code-level references to eight new CarPlay apps:

• Auto Settings: This app will let you manage paired iPhones and adjust vehicle settings.
• Car Camera: This app will display the vehicle's rear-view camera feed.
• Charge: For electric vehicles, this app will display battery level, charging status, time remaining until the battery is fully charged, and more.
• Climate: This app will provide access to a vehicle's climate controls within CarPlay, allowing you to adjust the temperature of the A/C or heating system, fan speed, heated seats, heated steering wheel, and more.
• Closures: This app will display if any of the vehicle's doors are opened, and it might also display vehicle warning symbols.
• Media: This app will provide access to FM and AM radio station controls within CarPlay, along with other media options like SiriusXM. It is unclear if SiriusXM will offer satellite connectivity, or remain limited to internet streaming. Users will be able to select from a list of music genres, such as Top 40 and Rock.
• Tire Pressure: This app will display air pressure for each of the vehicle's tires, and provide low pressure, high pressure, and flat tire warnings.
• Trips: This app will provide a variety of driving-related data, including the vehicle's average speed, fuel efficiency or energy efficiency, the total time elapsed and distance traveled on a trip, and more.

Committed Automakers

Aston Martin's next-generation CarPlay preview from December 2023​

When it first announced next-generation CarPlay, Apple said the following automakers were committed to offering it in new vehicles... Click here to read rest of article

Article Link: Apple Continues to Prepare for Next-Generation CarPlay in iOS 18.2 Beta

Or they could just let you touch the album cover to an album, have it flip around and show you all the songs on the album. They could let you just touch the artist name and see a list of albums. The artist is done then click an album and Click a button to start playing it. You know, some basic enhanced functionality for using a radio when you’re driving a car.