Unveiled at the WWDC 2022 developer’s conference, the wireless next-gen CarPlay works instantly when you step into your car. As well as supporting existing features in iOS 17, such as SharePlay road trips via Apple Music, the new CarPlay furthers its integration with support for radio tuning, air-con and the like. It’s all designed so you needn’t switch between operating systems when driving and can enjoy an experience that’s far more in tune with what you might expect from a luxury car.
“With the next generation of CarPlay, we partnered with automakers to design an entirely new, unified experience that enables the very best of Apple and each particular automaker,” says Alan Dye, Apple’s vice president of human interface design. “We’ve designed a complete system of controls that allows for seamless interactions between vehicle functions alongside the features of iPhone.”
CarPlay meets Porsche and Aston Martin
When it was first announced almost two years ago, a range of automakers including Jaguar, Mercedes and Polestar were all confirmed as partners on the next-gen of CarPlay. As of today, we’ve got a much better idea of where we’ll first see the tech rollout. British motoring stalwart Aston Martin has confirmed it’ll debut in its cars in 2024, while Porsche will follow suit at a later date.
Although both brands and others are set to use the same CarPlay platform, its implementation will be entirely customised according to their own legacy and tradition. After all, you can’t risk having James Bond stepping into an Aston Martin Valhalla only to be greeted by the same implementation seen in a Honda Civic. As such, Apple has created a suite of layouts, gauges and components that both Porsche and Aston Martin have tailored to their varying screen shapes and sizes. “The integration of the latest state-of-the-art technology combined with a bespoke intuitive interface is paramount to creating the ultimate Aston Martin customer experience,” says Marco Mattiacci, global chief brand and commercial officer at Aston Martin.
So when exactly can you expect the next generation of CarPlay to arrive? Those details, as well as the cars it’ll feature in, are still under wraps. For now, we’re impressed with just how thoroughly Apple has overhauled its in-car platform and how lavishly both Aston Martin and Porsche have embraced this new setup. “We look forward to delivering an experience that adds the personal touch of a driver’s iPhone to the exclusivity of a Porsche,” says Michael Mauer, vice president of style at Porsche.