Joe Rossignol
Apple's website still claims that the first next-generation CarPlay-enabled cars will “arrive in 2024,” but with less than three weeks left in the year, the company is running out of time to achieve that goal.
One reason to remain optimistic is that a similar situation happened last year. Apple said the first next-generation CarPlay cars would be unveiled in late 2023, and while that seemed increasingly unlikely as the end of the year approached, Aston Martin and Porsche finally shared some dashboard concepts on December 20. Just in time!
But that's all we have for now. Concepts, leaks and promises.
Last year, Aston Martin said next-generation CarPlay would be available in its DB12 sports car, but didn’t share any specific plans. Meanwhile, Porsche told us it had no immediate plans to launch next-generation CarPlay as of late November.
It’s been more than two and a half years since Apple first announced next-generation CarPlay at WWDC 2022, and it still hasn’t launched.
Apple hasn’t publicly commented on next-generation CarPlay in a long time, but it has continued to make preparations behind the scenes. Last month, for example, iOS 18.2 code showed off a number of redesigned next-generation CarPlay icons. However, iOS 18.2 was released earlier this week, and there’s still no sign of the new CarPlay.
Apple also filed to protect its next-generation CarPlay designs in the European Union last month.
When Apple first announced the next generation of CarPlay a few years ago, it promised deeper integration with the instrument cluster and climate controls, support for multiple dashboard displays, a dedicated FM radio app, widgets, and more. The interface will be tailored to each vehicle model and the automaker’s branding.
The next generation of CarPlay is expected to be available only in new vehicles. It will not be an upgrade to standard CarPlay.
Here’s how Apple describes it:
This next generation of CarPlay is the best iPhone experience for the car. It brings content to all of the driver’s screens, including the instrument cluster. This enables a cohesive design that is the best of your car and your iPhone — with a design for each automaker that expresses your vehicle’s character and brand. In-car features like radio and temperature control are controlled directly from CarPlay. And the personalization options, from widgets to a choice of specially curated dashboard designs, make it unique to the driver.
At its initial announcement, Apple said the automakers included Acura, Audi, Ford, Honda, Infiniti, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Polestar, Porsche, Renault, and Volvo. Aston Martin was later announced. It’s unclear if that list will remain accurate, however, as some automakers have since expressed doubts about handing over in-car software to Apple. That doesn’t guarantee next-generation CarPlay is dead, but the list of partners may eventually get smaller.
Apple hasn’t responded to our multiple requests for comment about next-generation CarPlay this year, but for now, its website still promises a 2024 launch. Apple and automakers have 19 days left to accomplish the feat within that time frame.
Do you think Apple will ever release the next-generation CarPlay or are you convinced it’s a waste of time? Let us know in the comments section.
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