Volvo Cars Get Improved Apple CarPlay Experience With OTA Update

The most significant update allows the driver display to natively support Apple Maps and other navigation apps, putting information behind the wheel. The screen can also display call information, allowing drivers to answer, reject, and end calls using the steering wheel-mounted controls in their vehicle. The centre screen isn't forgotten, with Volvo including a new call mute button. The CarPlay tile has also been updated by the automaker, which now displays media information and provides quick access to the app's play, pause, and skip controls. Those who do not use CarPlay will be able to choose whether the mirrors should fold when the car is locked.

Other changes will "include minor engine calibration optimisations and bug fixes," which sounds more like a phone update than a car update. The update is only available on Volvo models equipped with Google, and features may vary by market. Automakers have nearly limitless flexibility in changing how users interact with their vehicles thanks to over-the-air updates. It also provides them with a great deal of control over the experience, with subscriptions and paywalls limiting features and performance capability for a fee. Updates, on the other hand, can bring new features to previously sold vehicles.

It’s basically an automatic update, and owners will be prompted via their screens . Volvo didn’t share a timeline for the rollout though, so owners just need to check from time to time.