CarPlay users can modify digital instrument readouts and adjust climate settings.
Apple has big plans to launch its next-generation CarPlay platform. The new setup was revealed at Apple’s 2022 Worldwide Developments Conference (WWDC). It will allow for vehicle customization and integration. This includes functionality on multiple screens, as well as digital instrument clusters that can be used by the driver.
The full details about the Apple CarPlay system upgrade are yet to be revealed, but this preview is very compelling. Apple promises CarPlay functionality for digital instrument screens that can include everything from fuel level to speed. You can customize the displays with different colors and widgets, which can be used to add information like weather information and music information to your dashboard.
However, the tricks don’t end there. Rumours of CarPlay being expanded to include vehicle systems have been confirmed. Future systems will enable passengers and drivers to control climate control settings, seat heaters and radio functions. Widgets will be used extensively to add additional content, while the interface will remain the same as the iPhone.
Apple’s 2022 WWDC Livestream included CarPlay news, along with information about its forthcoming iOS 16. Many new cars now have multiple displays and fully-digital cockpits. This makes it easy for CarPlay to evolve. It’s not clear if full functionality with customized displays will become widely available on new models at this point, but Apple did present a list of prominent automakers involved in the process.
The enduring chip shortage is a potential stumbling block for automakers. Many brands have had to drop tech-focused options like BMW, which temporarily removed the current CarPlay functionality and Android Auto functionality .
In the coming months, expect more information about the next-gen CarPlay system. Apple claims that compatible vehicles will be announced late in 2023.