Next-Generation Apple CarPlay With Enhanced New Look & Features Debuts

Revealed at the recent edition of WWDC was the new Apple CarPlay connectivity suite featuring an all-new look and enhanced functionality.

At its recent Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), tech giants Apple introduced the latest iteration of its Apple CarPlay in-car connectivity suite, showcasing a slew of new and enhanced features. 

Firstly, the next-generation Apple CarPlay now includes deeper integration with vehicle functions, such as climate control. This, according to Apple, showcases the firm's commitment to creating a more seamless and user-friendly interface for drivers.

The updated Apple CarPlay is set to be available in vehicles from late 2023, with manufacturers like Ford, Mercedes-Benz, and Honda amongst the early adopters.  This rollout will mark a significant step forward in the integration of Apple's ecosystem with automotive technology.

One key change is the integration of native vehicle systems' controls such as the climate control settings.

Apple also says the new CarPlay has been made more flexible through the accommodation of multi-screen displays and a variety of screen sizes.

One of the standout features of the updated CarPlay is its ability to manage climate control settings directly through the interface.  This means drivers can adjust the temperature, fan speed, and other climate settings without having to exit CarPlay or use the car's native controls.

Other key features such as reversing cameras and inclinometers are also supported by the revised interface, meaning drivers won’t have to leave CarPlay to access more specialised functions. This integration aims to provide a more cohesive and less distracting experience, allowing drivers to keep their focus on the road.

Apple has also expanded CarPlay's capabilities to display additional information on the car's instrument cluster, such as fuel levels, speed, and temperature. This added functionality provides drivers with essential vehicle data at a glance, further enhancing convenience and safety.

There's also a higher degree of customisation offered to users to better tailor their digital driving experience.

New here too are the inclusion of widgets.

Moreover, the new CarPlay supports multiple screen layouts, allowing it to adapt to different vehicle configurations and screen sizes. This flexibility ensures that CarPlay can deliver a consistent and optimised user experience across a wide range of vehicles and models.

Higher degree of customisation is another key aspect of the new Apple CarPlay. Users can now personalise their interface by choosing different gauge designs, background colours, and other visual elements. This allows drivers to tailor the system to their preferences, creating a more personalised driving experience.

Additionally, Apple announced that the next-generation CarPlay will support widgets, enabling users to access information and control apps more easily. Widgets for music, navigation, and other frequently used functions can be displayed on the home screen, providing quick access and minimising the need to navigate through multiple menus.

For a full walkthrough, Apple has released an in-depth video detailing all new changes and enhanced features of the new Apple CarPlay suite, which you can view after the jump below. KR