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Apple included a lot of CarPlay during this year’s WWDC presentation. There are several changes planned, some imminent and others for the line. Here’s what’s new in CarPlay and what we’ll really see in iOS 16.
So far, Apple has only released an initial beta for iOS 16 developers. So some features may change to the final version, and some features may be added.
Take Maps for example. Apple introduced a major update that will allow routes with multiple stops. You could plan a trip from your home, to a gas station, to a friend’s house, to a coffee shop, to a final destination.
These routes can be created on your Mac with macOS Ventura before being sent to your iPhone. In this first beta, CarPlay does not support step-by-step directions for these routes. Hopefully, this is included with the full release in the fall of 2022.
Improvements to existing applications
With iOS 16, Apple has made improvements to existing CarPlay apps. With Messaging, Siri can now automatically send a message after reading it.
With iOS 15, Siri would need affirmative confirmation before sending a message, which may slow down the process. As long as the message is correct, it will send it without your intervention. If the message needs to be modified, a “change” button is still displayed in the CarPlay interface.
Podcast library updated to iOS 16 CarPlay
The Podcasts app is also undergoing a major overhaul with iOS 16. It used to be extremely limited, with no recent episodes. Apple has added a new library with this update that makes it easier to find saved episodes as well as the latest episodes of any program you follow.
New application categories
From time to time, Apple adds new categories of supported applications for CarPlay. Typically, CarPlay applications will be navigation or audio applications with only a limited number of other categories available for display in the interface. The iOS 16 update supports two new types of applications.
Both the power and drive tasks are compatible with iOS 16, though you’ll have to wait for the developers to release it as an update later this year. Fuel supply applications will be self-explanatory and include anyone who can help you find service stations or reduce gasoline prices.
Driving task applications are a bit broader. Any application to help with tasks while in the vehicle could be included, such as tolls / routes, road information, or towing assistance.
A whole new CarPlay experience
Most users are excited about the new CarPlay experience that Apple previously saw during the event. Unfortunately, this will not come soon.
The future of CarPlay
From the vehicles that will be announced at the end of 2023, CarPlay will exist on all screens of your car. It is currently limited to the main screen of the center console and the navigation guide in the center of the instrument panel. The CarPlay of the future will take care of all screens, including additional screenplays in the script.
CarPlay in the dashboard
The instrument cluster is full of customization with many fonts, themes, colors, and designs to choose from. While retaining the necessary information such as speed, range, fuel levels, RPM and more. This is a level of customization that we don’t see often from Apple.
CarPlay widgets
Large screens or wide screens will be home to widgets. Apple has default widgets for your calendar, time, audio playback, time, travel information, and home controls. This is also customizable.
We are very excited to be able to control your vehicle’s systems directly from the CarPlay interface. You no longer have to leave CarPlay to adjust your car’s air conditioning, warm up the steering wheel, turn on the seat vents, or tune in to the radio.
This is a huge exit and is the one most likely to take a break from car manufacturers. By transferring the entire vehicle to CarPlay, their systems do not stand out.
Apple says the vehicles will be announced in late 2023, which means we won’t see them in the wild until 2024. At WWDC, Apple announced the commitments of several major manufacturers to adopt this updated version of CarPlay.
Ford, Acura, Honda, Volvo, Land Rover, Nissan and others were included in this list. That said, how many vehicles and to what extent support remains to be seen.
Coming soon
IOS 16 is currently in beta for developers. A public beta is scheduled for release in July before its full release this fall. Stay tuned to AppleInsider as we go through more features for upcoming Apple software updates.