It has been more than two and a half years since Apple first previewed next-generation CarPlay at WWDC 2022, and it has still yet to become available in any vehicles. Fortunately, Apple recently promised that the software system is still coming.
Apple's render of next-generation CarPlay from WWDC 2022Next-generation CarPlay will have deeper integration with a vehicle's instrument cluster, climate controls, FM radio, and more. It will also support multiple displays across the dashboard, and offer a variety of personalization options.
Below, we recap details about next-generation CarPlay.
Launch Timing
Apple's website previously said the first vehicles with next-generation CarPlay would arrive in 2024, but that ultimately did not happen.
Last month, Apple said that it continues to work closely with "several" automakers to launch next-generation CarPlay. However, Apple did not reveal which automakers it is working with at this point, and it is no longer providing a timeframe.
Apple's statement:
The next generation of CarPlay builds on years of success and insights gained from CarPlay, delivering the best of Apple and the automaker in a deeply integrated and customizable experience. We continue to work closely with several automakers, enabling them to showcase their unique brand and visual design philosophies in the next generation of CarPlay. Each car brand will share more details as they near the announcements of their models that will support the next generation of CarPlay.
Aston Martin and Porsche previewed next-generation CarPlay designs in December 2023, but it is unclear if those automakers are still committed.
Committed Automakers
When it first announced next-generation CarPlay in June 2022, Apple said the following automakers were committed to offering it in new vehicles:
- Acura
- Audi
- Ford
- Honda
- Infiniti
- Jaguar
- Land Rover
- Lincoln
- Mercedes-Benz
- Nissan
- Polestar
- Porsche
- Renault
- Volvo
As mentioned, Aston Martin also previewed next-generation CarPlay in December 2023.
Apple's statement from January 2025 only mentioned "several" automakers, which suggests that the list of partners will end up being shorter.
New Features
Instrument Cluster Integration
Next-generation CarPlay will integrate with a vehicle's instrument cluster, including the speedometer, tachometer, odometer, fuel gauge, engine temperature gauge, oil pressure gauge, and more. Apple says drivers will be able to choose from several gauge cluster designs and layouts, including brand‑specific options.
Climate Controls
You'll be able to access your vehicle's climate controls directly within the new CarPlay interface, allowing you to adjust the temperature of the A/C or heat, fan speed, heated seats, heated steering wheel, and other options.
Multi-Display Support
Next-generation CarPlay will be able to appear across all of the displays in a vehicle, providing a consistent experience across the infotainment system, instrument cluster, and any additional screens on the dashboard. Apple says the new CarPlay will be tailored to each vehicle model to accommodate unique screen shapes and layouts.
Widgets
Widgets will be a key part of the new CarPlay experience, offering at-a-glance information such as trip duration, fuel economy, distance traveled, calendar events, weather, phone calls, the status of a HomeKit-enabled garage door, and more. It will also be possible to view and scroll through the widgets within the instrument cluster.
FM Radio App
Next-generation CarPlay will include an all-new Media app that allows you to easily control the FM radio in your vehicle, such as to change the station.
New Apps
Last year, iOS 17.4 included hidden code references to eight new CarPlay apps:
- Auto Settings: This app will let you manage paired iPhones and adjust vehicle settings.
- Car Camera: This app will display the vehicle's rear-view camera feed.
- Charge: For electric vehicles, this app will display battery level, charging status, time remaining until the battery is fully charged, and more.
- Climate: This app will provide access to a vehicle's climate controls within CarPlay, allowing you to adjust the temperature of the A/C or heating system, fan speed, heated seats, heated steering wheel, and more.
- Closures: This app will display if any of the vehicle's doors are opened, and it might also display vehicle warning symbols.
- Media: This app will provide access to FM and AM radio station controls within CarPlay, along with other media options like SiriusXM. It is unclear if SiriusXM will offer satellite connectivity, or remain limited to internet streaming. Users will be able to select from a list of music genres, such as Top 40 and Rock.
- Tire Pressure: This app will display air pressure for each of the vehicle's tires, and provide low pressure, high pressure, and flat tire warnings.
- Trips: This app will provide a variety of driving-related data, including the vehicle's average speed, fuel efficiency or energy efficiency, the total time elapsed and distance traveled on a trip, and more.
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