iOS 26 is set to bring tapbacks in messages, widgets, a stylish redesign, and more to Apple CarPlay this fall for a smarter in-car experience.
CarPlay Ultra, an enhanced version of Apple CarPlay, aims to provide the best in-car experience. Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis are also planning to adopt the system in their models soon.
You see, while I clearly see the point of maximising screen size for my phone, I can’t quite follow the same logic for the dashboard of my daily driver.
Will the analogue interface be overwhelmed by the dazzling dominance of touchscreens and UI/UX of tech-laden cars? Maybe not.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have become so ubiquitous that pretty much every new car on the market today has no option but to offer these connectivity options as standard features.
At WWDC 2024, Apple revealed its next-gen CarPlay which will make its way into the production vehicles later this year. The new interface comes with more control capabilities and customisation possibilities.
Apple is overhauling the CarPlay software to support multiple screens within the car, essentially taking over the entire digital real estate of the vehicle. The new CarPlay will be supported by most major manufacturers, with the first cars to support it to arrive next year.
After introducing it on the Marazzo & the new-entrant XUV300, Mahindra has now added Apple CarPlay connectivity to its acclaimed SUV, the XUV500. With the update, the XUV500 now offers both Android Auto & Apple CarPlay.
New updates will be available as part of an optional smartphone connectivity package on new cars. Currently, existing customers in the UK can avail retroactive updates for their cars.
iOS 12 will roll out later this year, thus adding third-party navigation functionality to CarPlay.