Apple gave a sneak peek of the new CarPlay last year. Now, at the Apple Worldwide Developer’s Conference 2024, more details have emerged. The updated CarPlay will be customizable, allowing carmakers to adjust their design to fit their brand’s style. This means a Mazda and a Porsche can have different looks even while using the same CarPlay features.
Unlike before, the new CarPlay will show up on all screens in the car, including the digital gauge cluster. This change lets automakers personalize the interface further. Ben Crick, from Apple’s Human Interface Design team, explained in a video how adaptable the layout will be. He emphasized that it can match any vehicle’s setup and enhance its unique functions.
While the new CarPlay will blend with a car’s interior design, it will stay distinct from the car’s built-in interface. According to Crick, it aims to celebrate both the car brand and Apple, creating a special experience when an iPhone connects to the vehicle.
Apple collaborated with various car manufacturers on this project, but specific brands adopting the new CarPlay haven’t been named yet. General Motors won’t include this feature in their vehicles.
Initially, Porsche and Aston Martin are expected to be the first to use the new CarPlay system. It controls all screens in the car, including the passenger display, but it still requires an iPhone to function. Mercedes-Benz decided not to adopt Apple’s new screen mirroring technology, preferring to keep their own system in place.
Earlier this year, the Department of Justice accused Apple of antitrust violations, claiming the tech giant forced automakers to use CarPlay. They alleged that Apple insisted the new CarPlay would take over all car screens, sensors, and gauges, making driving heavily centered around the iPhone experience for those using CarPlay features.
The new CarPlay promises many improvements, but its popularity among users remains to be seen once it becomes available.
