CarPlay is a platform developed by Apple Inc. that securely and seamlessly integrates iPhone functions with the infotainment system and vehicle controls. Launched in 2014, CarPlay allows drivers to access apps and services on their iPhone directly from the car screenimproving connectivity and the driving experience without compromising safety.
Although Apple didn’t mention anything new to CarPlay during this week’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), iOS 18 includes a handful of new features for automobile software. Below, we recap everything new for CarPlay in iOS 18.
What’s new with CarPlay in iOS 18
- Contact photos in the Messages app: iOS 18 adds contact photos next to names in the Messages app, making it easy to identify conversations at a glance. Contact photos are also visible in Messages app notifications, improving the visual experience and organization of messages while driving.
- Silent Mode Settings: In the Settings app, you can now choose to have Silent mode on your iPhone automatically turn on or off when the device is connected to CarPlay. This function searches reduce distractions when driving, silencing notifications and helping you stay focused on the road.
- Color filters: Apple has expanded color filters to CarPlay. This accessibility feature can help people with color blindness to differentiate the colors in the CarPlay interface. There is a grayscale option and three other color filters available to choose from, ensuring that the screen is readable for all users, regardless of their visual needs.
- Voice control: Voice Control is another new accessibility feature that allows you to control CarPlay completely with voice commands through a connected iPhone. With this feature, drivers can interact with CarPlay using sirireducing the need to look at or touch the screen, which is especially useful for keeping your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
- Sound recognition: Sound recognition is expanding to CarPlay to provide notifications for driving-related sounds, such as car horns and sirens. This feature can be especially beneficial for drivers or passengers who are deaf or hard of hearing, increasing safety and awareness of your surroundings while driving.
Although we didn’t see Sound Recognition in the CarPlay settings in iOS 18 beta 1, this feature promises to improve the driving experience for many users.
Next generation CarPlay
Apple shared some updated images of the next-generation CarPlay during WWDC 2024, revealing new Vehicle, Media, and Weather apps on the screen for the first time. Next-generation CarPlay will be highly customizable, allowing automakers adapt system design to uniquely match your vehicles. Apple revealed a variety of design options and configurations that will be available to manufacturers.
Automakers will be able to display personalized notifications on next-generation CarPlay. Additionally, Apple’s website goes on to say that the first vehicles with next-generation CarPlay will arrive in 2024, although it has not yet provided a more specific time frame. Aston Martin and Porsche unveiled next-generation CarPlay vehicle designs late last year, suggesting significant progress in integrating this technology into modern cars.
