WWDC22: Apple’s Next-Gen CarPlay Now Integrates Deeper Into Vehicles

Apple announces the “next generation” CarPlay at the WWDC22. Apple’s new in-vehicle software platform will now offer support for multiple displays within a vehicle (that is provide content across multiple screens within a vehicle), deeper integration with a vehicle’s hardware, built-in climate controls for adjusting the temperature of the A/C or heat within the CarPlay interface, and even more. The ‘next generation” of CarPlay is set to offer a better connection with a car’s instrument panel and deep integration with the vehicle itself. CarPlay users can swap what they see on the instrument panel with Apple’s widget design. 

CarPlay was introduced in 2014, as an in-vehicle software platform that can be accessed through a vehicle’s infotainment system when an iPhone is connected to the vehicle with a Lightning cable or wirelessly in vehicles that support wireless CarPlay. It was designed to give drivers a safe way to make phone calls, send text messages, listen to music, and access Maps — all of the things a driver might want to do with an iPhone while driving. CarPlay is just Apple’s way of introducing iOS to in-car infotainment systems and dashboards. 

Apple says the new version of CarPlay can also add trip info,  updated navigation information, view fuel and battery levels, control the radio, adjust climate control within the car, see the weather and much more. CarPlay now has the ability to adapt to different screen sizes, it introduces an all-new interface that is reminiscent of the experience of having an iPad on the centre screen. Apple adds that CarPlay would give users the ability to personalize their driving experience by choosing different gauge cluster designs, and widgets that will provide information from the Weather and Music apps right on a vehicle’s dashboard right at a glance.

The first set of vehicles to support the new CarPlay experience will be announced in late 2023. Apple has continued to put in work internally to create an electric autonomous vehicle, but the company keeps getting hit with setbacks and executive departures. The new CarPlay integration may likely be the closest to what an Apple Car could look like. Further information about the new CarPlay experience Apple will be shared in the future.

Manufacturers like Ford, Audi, Jaguar-Land Rover, Nissan, Volvo, Polestar, and lots more are already making effort to integrate Apple’s next generation of CarPlay. Automobile manufacturers have been building CarPlay support into cars since 2015. Apple says 98 per cent of all new cars already have CarPlay, and 79 per cent of users consider a number of its feature and abilities before buying a car.