iOS 16 Breaks Cover: All That's New In The Next-gen Apple CarPlay

The word “infotainment” no longer refers to just a touchscreen and audio system package. New cars have several functions that are operated by software, such as driver’s instrumentation, navigation, voice commands and cabin features. With the latest iOS 16 update, Apple is bringing a new, more expanded form of iPhone integration to car operating systems. And for the first time ever, it won’t be limited to just the infotainment screen. 

The iOS16 update for your phone is set to arrive around September 2022, but full-fledged CarPlay integration will only be available in new cars in late 2023. Volvo has already announced that it’s on-board with the development and will offer the new tech in its cars in the future. 

Today, @Apple unveiled the next generation of CarPlay and we’re excited to announce that it will come to Volvo cars in the future. It will provide iPhone users with a choice of a new experience in their Volvo car and we look forward to sharing more at a later date.

— Volvo Cars (@volvocars) June 6, 2022

What’s new in the latest iOS 16 Apple CarPlay update?

The latest update brings with it a slew of new features to the CarPlay system. In cars with multiple screens such as the Mercedes-Benz EQS and Porsche Taycan, for example, the new system will cover all of the car’s screens during CarPlay mode for a deeper user experience. Of course, the main highlight ought to be its functionality, where CarPlay will be tailor-made for each car model, built to accommodate different screen sizes, number of screens and their respective layouts. It’ll even include carmaker-specific themes for gauge clusters! 

It’ll feature support for the climate control and various other functionalities in the car. In addition, it gets a new user interface derived from the latest iOS update. CarPlay will also have features such as autosend messages for Siri, predictive navigation with the option to add multiple stops and support for a wide variety of phone apps. While these functions are present in the current CarPlay as well, they’ll be seamlessly integrated with multi-screen and split-screen setups in the new update. 

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The new generation of CarPlay will also add more driving task apps to the suite. It’ll support applications for refueling (or recharging, in case of electric vehicles), toll payments, towing and roadside assistance, and even road information that’s provided by the car’s sensors and cameras. 

When will we see Apple CarPlay in new cars?

Initially, we expect only a small number of carmakers (Volvo has confirmed) to offer the feature, likely starting with all-new models. Later, the tech is expected to be offered in the vast majority of new cars which support CarPlay. 

We’ll have to wait to see if it’s possible for carmakers to provide the new CarPlay as an update for existing car models. As mentioned, carmakers will have to spend the time and finances to develop tailor-made Apple CarPlay versions for their vehicles. Semiconductor chip shortage is another hindrance that could delay its full fledged functionality. Nevertheless, as long as you have an existing version of CarPlay in your car, you’ll still be able to use your CarPlay app as before. 

Also read: 

• Mahindra XUV700 Likely To Get Apple CarPlay Functionality By August

• Apple iPhone-maker, Foxconn Technology Group, Unveils Three New Electric Vehicles 

The latest generation of Apple CarPlay will bring an exciting new way of interacting with your car. For now, only Google offers car-based operating systems for select high-end models, many of which are not available in India. With the new CarPlay system, Apple will provide you with a new way of interacting with your car – hopefully, with fewer distractions and an easy-to-use interface.