Apple’s first vehicles with next-generation CarPlay support will arrive in 2024, Aston Martin has confirmed. The iOS 17.4 beta now provides an early look at what’s coming, including 8 new CarPlay apps.
The new CarPlay apps cover key vehicle functions:
- Auto Settings: Manage paired iPhones and vehicle preferences
- Car Camera: View rear-view camera feed
- Charge: Check battery level, charging status, and time remaining (EVs)
- Climate: Control A/C, heat, fan speed, heated seats/wheel
- Closures: See opened doors and warning symbols
- Media: Access FM/AM radio and SiriusXM
- Tire Pressure: Monitor pressure and get alerts
- Trips: View average speed, fuel/energy efficiency, distance, and time
Images in iOS 17.4 also reveal a “Goodbye” screen when shutting off the vehicle. Next-gen CarPlay will let users customize themes and the instrument cluster’s appearance too.
This expanded feature set tailors CarPlay to be a complete in-car experience. The new Charge and Climate apps underscore how Apple is optimizing for electric vehicles. Quick access to trip data and tire pressures promotes safety.
Media gains native integration without needing a separate app. And the Auto Settings app brings useful personalization options.
For automakers, the ability to theme CarPlay to match their interior design and brand identity is a big appeal. Porsche and Aston Martin have already showcased customized next-gen CarPlay layouts.
Aston Martin is targeting 2024 for its first next-gen CarPlay vehicles, including an upcoming DB12 model. This hints at the wider rollout timeline.
With deeper functionality and customization, next-generation CarPlay aims to be more unified with the vehicle itself, iOS 17.4 beta provides an early glimpse at the ambitious scope of Apple’s vision for the future of in-car experiences.