CarPlay 2.0: guesswork about Apple's future roadmap
The announcement of the next generation of CarPlay has been in the air for over two years. Now there are signs that Apple has not yet given up.
(Image: Apple)
With next-generation CarPlay, Apple wants to go beyond the infotainment display in the car –, but so far the iPhone manufacturer has apparently found it difficult to get car manufacturers interested. For over two years, Apple fans and car enthusiasts have been waiting for the first vehicle models that virtually display the instruments in Apple's design. Now there is at least a small sign of life that gives hope that Apple is still working on the topic.
In the online publications of the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), Apple has now been granted design protection for elements of CarPlay 2.0. Schematic illustrations show a speedometer that appears to contain an Audi logo in the middle. Further illustrations reveal a three-part display that shows a navigation view as well as buttons for controlling car functions such as the air conditioning.
Presented over two years ago
The designs were filed by a law firm from Munich, which applied for protection for the territory of the European Union on behalf of Apple's headquarters in Cupertino. According to further information, the design protection is valid until August 2029.
Apple unveiled the next generation of CarPlay for the first time at the World Developer Conference WWDC in June 2022. The successor to the current CarPlay technology, which essentially makes the iPhone accessible via the vehicle's display while driving, is set to go significantly further than its predecessor. Vehicle manufacturers should be able to display all of their in-car instruments using the software technology. Images published so far show widgets, a radio app and other vehicle-specific menus.
Two manufacturers are planning cars
During its presentation, Apple named a number of well-known brands that are interested in CarPlay 2.0, including Audi, Ford, Honda, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Porsche, Renault and Volvo. The first concrete vehicle announcements were said to be made at the end of 2023. There was indeed news shortly before Christmas – but it remained rather vague. According to Apple, Aston Martin will present a vehicle with next-generation CarPlay in 2024. And Porsche is also specifically on board – but without any further specification as to when a car can be expected.
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The year 2024 is now slowly drawing to a close, but there is still no sign of any vehicles. From the manufacturer's point of view, the fact that an iPhone is required for next-generation CarPlay is likely to be a challenge – How and to what extent owners of an Android device or users without a smartphone will be able to use the vehicles is one of many unanswered questions.
Nevertheless, the discovery of modified icons and other detailed information in the betas of iOS 18.2 indicate that Apple is still working on the issue. It is possible that Apple will at least comment on the roadmap before Christmas.
(mki)
