Apple updated its website to confirm that the initial U.S. vehicle models featuring the latest CarPlay support will be introduced in 2024. However, the company did not provide a more specific timeframe or specify when these advancements will be accessible in other countries.
The Next-Generation Apple CarPlay
On its website, Apple replaced the previous statement “Vehicle announcements coming in late 2023” with the new information “First models arrive in 2024” in the next-generation CarPlay section. The initial beta release of iOS 17.4, unveiled today, includes references to eight new CarPlay applications, as identified by contributors from MacRumors, Aaron Perris, and Steve Moser:
- Auto Settings: Allows users to manage paired iPhones and adjust vehicle settings.
- Car Camera: Displays the vehicle’s rear-view camera feed.
- Charge: For electric vehicles, shows battery level, charging status, time remaining until full charge, and more.
- Climate: Provides access to a vehicle’s climate controls within CarPlay, enabling adjustments to A/C or heating system temperature, fan speed, heated seats, heated steering wheel, etc.
- Closures: Displays information about opened vehicle doors and potentially show vehicle warning symbols.
- Media: Offers control over FM and AM radio stations within CarPlay, along with other media options like SiriusXM. The connectivity of SiriusXM is uncertain at this point.
- Tire Pressure: Displays air pressure for each tire and issues warnings for low-pressure, high-pressure, and flat tires.
- Trips: Provides various driving-related data, such as average speed, fuel efficiency, total time elapsed, distance traveled, and more.
An image found in the iOS 17.4 beta suggests that next-generation CarPlay will likely show a “Goodbye” screen after the driver turns off the vehicle. Additionally, users will have the ability to customize the theme and color scheme of next-generation CarPlay, including the appearance of the instrument cluster, according to images discovered in the beta.
Apple initially showcased the next-generation CarPlay in June 2022, emphasizing its adaptability to specific vehicle models and the brand identities of automakers, as demonstrated by Aston Martin and Porsche in late December. Aston Martin plans to release its first vehicles with next-generation CarPlay in 2024, including a new model of its high-end DB12 sports car. Porsche, on the other hand, has not provided specific details or a timeframe for its plans.
When Apple first introduced next-generation CarPlay, it listed committed automakers such as Acura, Audi, Ford, Honda, Infiniti, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Polestar, Porsche, Renault, and Volvo. Apart from the inclusion of Aston Martin, it remains unclear if there have been any changes to this list since the initial announcement.
As of now, Apple has not indicated whether any next-generation CarPlay features will be retrofitted to existing vehicles with classic CarPlay support. The release of iOS 17.4 is scheduled for March, so additional details may be disclosed around that time.
