Apple recently announced a complete redesign of CarPlay that will enable it to control key car features. Since its launch in 2014, Apple CarPlay has been a key function that allows users to play music, navigate, and make calls by connecting their iPhones to their vehicle’s infotainment system.
The need to integrate core car functions with CarPlay apparently came after some Apple users complained that they had to opt out of CarPlay to access climate control and other car-related functions.
The change in design means bigger screens on the cars. CarPlay will also add support for widgets and other functionalities to the instrument cluster so that users don’t strain their necks.
Apple also says it is designed for different screen sizes and will be first adopted by major global automakers by 2023.
With cars increasingly having screens for most tasks, Apple CarPlay can take control of those screens and display climate settings, navigation, and even fuel and speedometer readings in a thematic format. It can replicate most items from the infotainment on the instrument cluster, above conventional readings such as engine rpm, speedometer and fuel/battery levels.
Apple hopes this deep integration will help vehicle users control the radio, set direction, or even change climate settings directly through CarPlay. This will also help people who are not well versed with the readings displayed by cars.
Currently, the carmakers that will support the redesign are limited to Mercedes-Benz, Honda, Acura, Audi, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover, Polestar, Nissan, Renault, Lincoln and Ford.