Next-gen Car Play to change the game
As the interiors of modern cars continue to spawn more and increasingly larger TFT screens for everything from the AC controls to driver display information, smartphone operators are finding new and inventive ways to incorporate these devices into the vehicle. Apple has unveiled its latest generation software update for developers and automakers, detailing what these folks will be able to do with the new code, and it looks fascinating!
Related: What is Apple CarPlay? How does it work?
Apple's recent tech summit was a hotbed of activity as the electronics and software giant extolled the virtues of this new system and the benefits it will bring to automakers and app developers. There was a lot of technospeak around the unveiling and the product so in order to distil it down to layman's terms we've condensed the presentations down to teh key information that you will need if you are an Apple user.
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What does it all mean for consumers?
Next-generation CarPlay will integrate with a vehicle's instrument cluster, including the speedometer, tachometer, odometer, fuel gauge, engine temperature gauge, oil pressure gauge, and more. Apple says drivers will be able to choose from several gauge cluster designs and layouts, including brand‑specific options.
You'll be able to access your vehicle's climate controls directly within the new CarPlay interface, allowing you to adjust the temperature of the A/C or heat, fan speed, heated seats, heated steering wheel, and other options.
This new CarPlay will be able to appear across all of the displays in a vehicle, providing a consistent experience across the infotainment system, instrument cluster, and any additional screens on the dashboard. Apple says the new CarPlay will be tailored to each vehicle model to accommodate unique screen shapes and layouts.
Widgets will be a key part of the new CarPlay experience, offering at-a-glance information such as trip duration, fuel economy, distance travelled, calendar events, weather, phone calls, the status of a HomeKit-enabled garage door, and more. It will also be possible to view and scroll through the widgets within the instrument cluster.
The list of automakers that have committed to integrating the new Car Play into their vehicles from 2024 onwards continues to grow, but when we actually see this new system in action, is anyone's guess, as these types of integration will take years.
- Audi
- Ford
- Honda
- Jaguar
- Land Rover
- Mercedes-Benz
- Nissan
- Porsche
- Renault
- Volvo
Kaleidoscope future
Although many may bemoan the tech, we are actually really looking forward to seeing what these automotive and tech companies will be bringing to the table in terms of seamless integration between lifestyle and automobile. Allowing your car to truly become an extension of your smartphone and life behind the wheel.
