CarPlay: New functions in iOS 18 and details on the next generation
There is also some news for CarPlay users at the WWDC developer conference. There are several small changes in iOS 18.
Examples of customized instrument displays in next-generation CarPlay
(Image: Apple)
It wasn't an issue in Apple's keynote on Monday, but iOS 18 also has some changes in store for the CarPlay car interface. During the WWDC developer conference, the iPhone manufacturer also provided further details on the next generation of CarPlay, which is set to be used in the first vehicles this year. In addition to the entertainment system screen, the holistic approach of CarPlay will also include the on-board instruments in the future.
The changes to the current CarPlay mainly concern small details. For example, contact photos of the sender will be displayed in the Messages app and in push messages in future - previously only the name was displayed. Another new feature is that the iPhone can now be automatically muted or turned up loud via the CarPlay settings.
Apple is integrating color filters into CarPlay as new operating aids. These are intended to help compensate for visual impairments such as red/green blindness. From iOS 18, CarPlay can be controlled entirely by Siri voice commands via Voice Control. The new sound recognition feature, which can, for example, visually indicate sirens via notifications, was already announced in advance.
New details on the next generation of CarPlay
Apple also revealed a few more details about the next generation of CarPlay. The major expansion of CarPlay announced in 2022 is to be used in the first cars this year. In a session at WWDC, Apple provided information on how extensively car manufacturers can customize the appearance of the virtual instruments. However, users will have to consider that they will have the choice between a classic CarPlay display and next-generation CarPlay. As a result, the user interface must be provided twice - once for the car and once for CarPlay.
Regarding the system architecture of next-generation CarPlay, Apple showed in a WWDC session for developers how the interface is fed from different sources. While classic widgets are provided by the iPhone as a remote UI, the real-time instruments such as the speedometer are provided by an OpenGL-based renderer in the vehicle itself. This is intended to ensure that a loss of connection to the iPhone while driving does not lead to the failure of all critical instruments. Apple refers to this as a "local UI".
(mki)