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Apple Said Next-Generation CarPlay Would 'Arrive' in 2024… It Didn't

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Apple's website still says the first vehicle models with support for next-generation CarPlay would "arrive in 2024," but that did not happen.

carplay-next-gen-hero.jpg

At this point, it is unclear if next-generation CarPlay will ever launch. Apple has not publicly commented on its plans in quite a long time, but it continued to make preparations behind the scenes throughout 2024. In November, for example, a few redesigned next-generation CarPlay icons appeared within iOS 18.2's code.

Apple did not respond to our several requests for comment about next-generation CarPlay throughout 2024. It would not be surprising if the timeframe listed on Apple's website is quietly updated to 2025 over the coming days.

It is unclear if Apple needs more time to finish developing next-generation CarPlay, or if car makers have decided not to adopt the system, or something else. Apple first previewed next-generation CarPlay at WWDC 2022, more than two and a half years ago. Just over a year ago, Aston Martin and Porsche previewed next-generation CarPlay instrument cluster designs, but neither brand has rolled out the system.

Apple said other committed car makers included Acura, Audi, Ford, Honda, Infiniti, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Polestar, Renault, and Volvo.

Next-Generation-CarPlay-Porsche-2.jpeg

Apple promised that next-generation CarPlay would have deep integration with the instrument cluster and climate controls, support for multiple displays across the dashboard, a dedicated FM radio app, customizable widgets, and more. The interface would be tailored to each vehicle model and automaker's brand identity.

Here is how Apple describes it:
This next generation of CarPlay is the ultimate iPhone experience for the car. It provides content for all the driver's screens including the instrument cluster. This ensures a cohesive design experience that is the very best of your car and your iPhone — with designs for each automaker that express your vehicle’s character and brand. Vehicle functions like radio and temperature controls are handled right from CarPlay. And personalization options ranging from widgets to selecting curated gauge cluster designs make it unique to the driver.
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Next-generation CarPlay is expected to be available in new vehicles only, if it ever launches. It is not an update to the standard CarPlay software.

Will next-generation CarPlay eventually launch, or will it become vaporware? We don't know, but it certainly did not "arrive in 2024" as planned.

Article Link: Apple Said Next-Generation CarPlay Would 'Arrive' in 2024… It Didn't
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2025/01/01/next-generation-carplay-didnt-arrive-in-2024/
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Reactions: UpsideDownEclair
With car manufacturers getting cold feet with the coming influx of EVs from China have to wonder if it might be worth Apple making direct investments in key euro car makers?
 
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not just development, but also integration. be aware, that apple cannot just randomly hijack the CAN bus and intercept traffic. they're literally creating an API to these never before exposed endpoints and - unlike with that specific "not a car company" in the US - reputable brands will not risk to get into thinks that can potentially cripple the car without a boatload of testing and validation.
 
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"It is unclear if Apple needs more time to finish developing next-generation CarPlay, or if car makers have decided not to adopt the system, or something else."
CarPlay 2.0 required complete operation in Apple's design as well as full access to all vehicle data.

Put simply, the manufacturer delivers the car but for the driver it feels like he is sitting in an Apple car.

Perfect for Apple, of course. They only provide the interface, the carmaker does the work. And it is not out of the question that Apple is also demanding free access to evaluate the vehicle data.
In short, what advantage do carmakers have by cooperating with Apple?
 
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icanhazmac said:
If I had to guess, it is the automakers considering the GM approach of hoovering up and selling all that precious driver data that Apple doesn't hand over.
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That’s definitely a factor for sure in my opinion. I guess Apple aren’t really keen on launching an Apple car because Chinese margins are likely to be cut throat as they decimate traditional marques in the next few years but if these marques decide that implementing apple car play is too expensive for cars which are already too costly due to inflationary prices then that’s up them.

The key point here will be whether or not these Chinese marques arrive without apple car play integrated.

Who will be first to integrate car play 2?
 
The whole notion that CarPlay will one day take over an auto manufacturers entire dash instrumentation panel is silly. Apple would need to be fully integrated the automobile’s proprietary computer system at that point moving well beyond CarPlay. Are auto makers willing to do this? Either stick to the infotainment display or build your own vehicle, Apple.
 
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nt5672 said:
On our Toyota we just replaced the factor entertainment center with one that has CarPlay. Now our data is not hovered up. So one solution for Apple is make sure that CarPlay works with all after market entertainment centers.
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Being friendly with Sony and Panasonic will help there. But Sony are making their own car so it’ll be interesting to see who makes the software there.
 
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Col4bin said:
The whole notion that CarPlay will one day take over an auto manufacturers entire dash instrumentation panel is silly. Apple would be built into the automobiles primary computer system at that point moving well beyond CarPlay. Either stick to the infotainment display or build your own vehicle, Apple.
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Definitely behind the build your own, buying an existing western marque is liable to come with stacks of pre existing debt and pension liabilities (Ford for example)
 
this is pretty unlike Apple. I know they’ve done this with AirPower though.

either way, I got a Kia K5 ‘25 and would hope it’s able to be updated via software to 2.0, but I doubt it.

curious when/if it’ll actually come out…
 
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Reactions: 9081094 and TheLunaPark
Apple should just improve on the existing CarPlay to deliver a smooth, safe interface to mobile device functionality (messages, phone calls, maps, music, CarPlay-savvy apps). That’s what Apple is best at anyway.

Leave the all other aspects of managing a 2 ton motorized vehicle to auto manufacturers. That’s their domain.
 
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It seems like many car companies are introducing their own proprietary subscription services and will not support car play in the future.

It's disappointing but I can see why Apple might be having second thoughts :(.
 
I thought the whole point of Apple cancelling their standalone car project (Titan or whatever it was monikered) was to develop CarPlay?

And now we have another vaporware situation with the same total lack of clarity of the AirPower debacle.

Almost as if they’re scared to admit any reasonable delay or god forbid failure to deliver, lest it affect the perception they’re in control (not the car manufacturers) or affect the altar at which they all worship, the almighty share price.

Maybe in future Apple, just stay in your lane.
 
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