Apple CarPlay Is Now A Decade-Old Tech

Apple CarPlay marks a decade of existence this year, and it as become an essential tech many seek when buying a new car.

It has been a decade – a solid 10 years – since Apple CarPlay first debuted in a road-going car. Since then, the proprietary smartphone connectivity and projection suite from tech giants Apple has become a must-have for many car buyers today.

In fact, a recent global study conducted by the McKinsey & Co reportedly revealed that up to 30% of new car buyers won’t buy a new car without said tech. This also perhaps explains why in 2023, up to 800 models marketed globally by various carmakers feature Apple CarPlay built-in as standard.

A recent study reportedly show that up to 30% - or a third - of car buyers worldwide say the absence of Apple CarPlay is a deal-breaker.

As its history shows, Apple first began developing the tech early on in 2013, and first demonstrated it as ‘IOS in The Car’ during its WWDC 2013 conference. However, this early version was never publicly released.

After undergoing significant design changes, ‘iOS in The Car’ later evolved into the ‘Apple CarPlay’ that many are familiar with, which debuted during the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. Amongst the first three carmakers to adopt it were Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo.

Fun fact: The first car to reach the market with a full version of Apple CarPlay was the Ferrari FF V12-powered shooting brake GT released from June 2014 onwards.

As to which of the trio was the first to hit the roads with Apple CarPlay, that honour goes to the fabled Italian supercar marque and its FF V12-powered shooting brake GT released in June 2014 – it became the first car to enter the market with a full version of Apple CarPlay.

Through this decade, the tech has found its way into many other brands and their models. In fact, today, very few automakers have yet to adopt it en masse into their line-up, some more surprising than others if we might add – i.e. national carmaker Proton, but this is set to change very soon.

Since its debut, Apple CarPlay has deeply integrated into the driving routines of many drivers worldwide.

At the same time, the tech has rapidly evolved and deeply integrated itself into a typical driving routine for many. It provides integration of everything from messaging and calling functionality to podcasts and music between, not to mention the all-important navigation assist.

And whilst some brands continue to offer the feature through a wired (cable) USB connection, some have also upgraded to the wireless version that connects via Bluetooth to become even more seamless and convenient.

The next generation Apple CarPlay suite detailed during WWDC 2024 is set for release later this year with an all-new look plus even deeper integration with native vehicle systems.

Clearly, the tech is here to stay, evident through Apple’s recent showcase of its next-gen version of CarPlay that promises a whole new look and even deeper integration with the native functions of a vehicle.

Unless you’re an Android smartphone user or drive a car of a certain analogue age and vintage, we’re certain indeed you cannot imagine life behind the wheel without this central piece of tech that’s primed in your iPhones.