When Apple goes ahead and drops a generational upgrade for any of its products, it is guaranteed to be huge. And that is exactly what is happening for the next-gen Apple CarPlay. The in-car iPhone interface is getting its coolest upgrades ever. Apple has included support for multiple displays this time around, which allows for CarPlay to have a deeper role among the in-car technology features.
The multi-display feature will also see CarPlay seeping into taking over the instrument cluster as well. The all-new CarPlay will also be able to change air-conditioner settings, control seat controls, and even take care of motorized features like opening and closing windows and sunroofs. And finally, we will also be getting a dedicated and simple-to-sue FM Radio.
All of these features are actually the tip of a very interesting iceberg called the "Apple Car". We believe that all of these new CarPlay features (including the ones that have been added with iOS 16 as well) are Apple preparing one step at a time for the much-anticipated Apple electric car. But for now, the all-new CarPlay is sure to have an edge over Android Auto with its cool list of features; and flexible manufacturer support.
All-New CarPlay Gets Deeper Integration With Multiple Displays
The most exciting and anticipated upgrade to the next-gen Apple CarPlay that we are eagerly looking forward to is its deeper roots. Till now, CarPlay has been a secondary software that takes over an infotainment screen when connecting your iPhones via a cable of wirelessly.
But with the next-gen CarPlay, Apple will take over all the available screens in modern cars. This means seeing familiar graphics and user interface on the instrument cluster as well. This level of deeper software integration will help streamline the software experience.
And we clearly know that Apple does it buttery smooth. Apple has created the all-new CarPlay with a very flexible interface. So, it won't take much work to blend with screen-heavy dashboards of BMW and Mercedes-Benz cars or minimal dashboards of Volvo cars.
New Apple CarPlay Takes Over The Instrument Cluster
The multi-display support finally gives CarPlay complete access to the instrument cluster. This will open up a whole new world of customizations right in front of the driver. The speedometer, tachometer, odometer, and various engine vital gauges get an Apple treatment.
Adding to that, this CarPlay takeover of the cockpit will allow drivers to modify the layout to blend in maps, G-Force meter, and even a lap timer at will. These bits will vary from car to car, and there will be a plethora of brand-centric features that can be integrated into CarPlay as well.
This sure soundly a lot more lively, especially for EVs with minimal dashboard layouts like Volvo and hopefully Tesla as well.
New CarPlay Will Do More That Just Play Your iPhone Playlist
The next-gen Apple CarPlay will have the power to control in-car comfort features as well. With a few touches, you will be able to change the air-con temperature and adjust fan speeds. If a car comes with heated and ventilated seats, that's also covered the Apple way.
Things can get serious when Apple also includes controls for the seat and rearview mirror adjustments and even ingress-egress! Imagine having profiles to save all the preferences of a particular driver, and a single click will modify all the bits!
That would be a sight to behold and something that Apple should think of. Who are we kidding?! They might have already started working on it.
Apple CarPlay Will Bring Widgets To The Dashboard
Like the iPhone, Apple will also bring widgets to the all-new CarPlay for a whole new user experience. The visual interface will be a lot less complex, with all desired information being portrayed as per the occupants' wishes.
This can range from varying info like fuel economy, driving range, calendar events, phone calls, weather, and even third-party connected features like a garage door opener. And being 'widgets', occupants can mix-and-match as desired.
Integrated FM Radio Is The Cherry Here
Playing the FM Radio in a car using Apple CarPlay has not been the simplest of methods. But that changes with the next-gen CarPlay, which gets a new Radio app for seamless control and change of stations. While this might sound very basic, it sure is a big deal for many car guys who have been craving for Apple to do it. And thus, the cherry here!
Early Insight On What To Expect From The Apple Car
All of these new updates with the next-gen Apple CarPlay are just the tip of the iceberg. Look to it as the foundation for the much-anticipated and frustratingly delayed Apple Car. Autonomous technology is clearly very premature right now to be implemented in cars.
And we know very well that Apple includes features that have already matured over the years, with their twisty flair. And that's where in-car entertainment and connected services come in. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have been around for quite some time now.
And Apple's decision to integrate CarPlay deeper into an automobile is its biggest overhaul yet. This also gives us a glimpse of what the interior experience in the upcoming Apple Car will be like. And with it being an EV, Apple is very close to making CarPlay the heart and mind of its proposed automobile.
Sources: Mac Rumors, Apple