Apple Gives A Glimpse Of Next-Gen CarPlay

Up until now, users of Apple CarPlay have made their car journeys more convenient with features such as music streaming, GPS navigation, making calls and sending and receiving emails. And all that with the familiarity of their’s iPhone’s user interface being mirrored onto the car’s infotainment display. But what’s next? I mean, technology should keep evolving. That’s what Apple has been working on and is almost ready to roll out. Before that happens, however, the tech giant gave us a teaser of what the new CarPlay will offer.

Mirroring the phone’s interface on the car’s central display is a given. However, the next-gen application will allow users to tweak multiple screens, including the digital instrument clusters that many vehicles now pack. Furthermore, the displays will be customisable with various layouts, designs, colours and widgets. For example, the users will be able to place the most used apps on the central display, such as the weather and music application. And on the instrument cluster, one could have personalised speed-o-meter, fuel meter and the engine temperature gauges.

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That’s not all. The next-gen Apple CarPlay will mingle deeper with the car’s features and will give control to the users. For instance, it will allow passengers to control the air conditioning, seat ventilation, radio and even the sunroof. Of course, Apple has been working with carmakers to enable the smooth delivery of features. The list includes Jaguar Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Infiniti, Honda, Lincoln, Ford, Audi and Volvo.

It is unclear whether all that integration and added convenience will be available for current models. Theoretically, however, those with multiple screens can receive software/firmware upgrades to incorporate features of the upcoming Apple CarPlay. But, in all likelihood, that is not going to be the case. And another hurdle for this implementation could be the ongoing worldwide chip shortage.

Apple will release more information about the new CarPlay application in months to come. But, announcements of compatible vehicles will commence towards the end of next year.