What to Expect From CarPlay on iOS 18

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iOS 18 will be unveiled at Apple's annual developers conference WWDC in less than two weeks, and the update will include some new features for CarPlay.

Apple CarPlay Dash
Below, we recap new accessibility features that Apple recently previewed for CarPlay, and discuss the current status of the promised next-generation CarPlay.

The first beta of iOS 18 will likely be made available to members of the Apple Developer Program immediately following the WWDC keynote on June 10, and a public beta is usually released in July, which will allow iPhone users to test out the new CarPlay features. As usual, the update should be widely released in September.

New Accessibility Features

CarPlay Sound RecognitionSound Recognition is coming to CarPlay

In a press release earlier this month, Apple highlighted three new accessibility features coming to CarPlay as part of iOS 18:

  • Voice Control: This feature will allow users to navigate CarPlay and control apps with just their voice.
  • Color Filters: This feature will make the CarPlay interface visually easier to use for individuals with color blindness.
  • Sound Recognition: This feature will enable drivers or passengers who are deaf or hard of hearing to receive notifications on CarPlay for driving-related sounds, such as car horns and sirens.

All three of these features are already available on the iPhone and iPad.

Next-Generation CarPlay

Next Generation CarPlay Porsche 1Porsche's next-generation CarPlay preview

It has been nearly two years since Apple first previewed next-generation CarPlay at WWDC 2022, and it has still yet to become available in any vehicles.

Apple's website says the first vehicle models with next-generation CarPlay will "arrive in 2024," but nothing has materialized yet. Aston Martin and Porsche previewed next-generation CarPlay designs in December, but Aston Martin has been silent ever since and Porsche continues to release vehicles without next-generation CarPlay. In addition, Mercedes-Benz has seemingly reversed course on adopting next-generation CarPlay, despite being on Apple's list of committed automakers shown at WWDC 2022.

At this point, it is looking like next-generation CarPlay will debut with iOS 18, but it could be compatible with some iOS 17 versions too.

Apple said next-generation CarPlay will have deeper integration with a vehicle's instrument cluster, climate controls, FM radio, and more.

Related Roundups: iOS 18, iPadOS 18, CarPlay
Related Forums: iOS 18, iPadOS 18, HomePod, HomeKit, CarPlay, Home & Auto Technology

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Top Rated Comments

Larry MacPhee Avatar
Larry MacPhee
9 weeks ago
Screens require you to look at them in order to use them. Sliders, buttons, switches, and knobs, once learned, do not. It would be nice if the UI people would remember that. Carplay is great for navigation, but I don't need it to take over things like climate control. It's less safe. Controlling the radio via screen is an abomination.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
markfc Avatar
markfc
9 weeks ago
Poor CarPlay. Get less updates than TVos.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Joseph C Avatar
Joseph C
9 weeks ago
Wouldn’t it be just incredible if you could send voice messages without that endless beeping and the inevitable “Something went wrong” obliterating your entire recording, despite having perfect signal?

And wouldn’t it be a miracle if we could actually listen to voice messages longer than 60 seconds? A truly revolutionary idea.

On a serious note I really want them to fix the above, and also give is the 'next gen' CarPlay UI for the version the rest of us actually use every day (and before any smartypants comments, obviously I know we can't get the instrument cluster stuff, I mean what we already have).
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
klasma Avatar
klasma
9 weeks ago

Next-Generation CarPlay
No LCARS interface, unfortunately.



Attachment Image
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ignatius345 Avatar
ignatius345
9 weeks ago

I do and I don't. again I'm not looking to read paragraphs, just a short preview in case someone sent a one word answer. instead I occasioanally look down at my phone for this like most people and that's far less safe. and again it would be no different than looking at the CarPlay screen to change music or do anything else.
I don't think there's ever a reason to text behind the wheel of a moving car. When my iPhone goes into Driving focus mode, everyone gets an autoreply that tells them I'm driving and that if it's important they should call so I can speak. I'm fine with taking a call and simply refuse to text while I'm driving. Having texts muted keeps me from being tempted and signals to the other person that I'm not going to be responding for a while. I see too many maniacs driving around with their heads in their phones and I think the penalties for this should be swift and severe.

Even CarPlay and all the other purpose-built car screen interfaces absolutely invite distraction. I'm not immune myself, and I've caught myself futzing with my music and taking my eyes off the road. Love having my map up on the display, but the design of these things really requires a lot of discipline. I'm glad CarPlay has at least the guardrails it does have.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Mike_Trivisonno Avatar
Mike_Trivisonno
9 weeks ago
Make it work with my HUD. The native GPS will show me navigation instructions in the heads-up display but if I use Apple Maps, it only shows on the main display. But I still use Apple Maps anyway because it's so much better than the built-in system. Still....would be nice.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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