CarPlay didn't receive much attention during the WWDC keynote, but the iPhone-based software platform did receive a few new features with iOS 17, including SharePlay support in the Music app and real-time electric vehicle charging station availability.
SharePlay support in the Music app allows all passengers in a car to control what music is playing from their own devices, even if they do not have an Apple Music subscription. The primary user can initiate a SharePlay session from CarPlay.
Apple Maps now provides electric vehicle drivers with real-time charging availability information for their preferred charging network, and this feature extends to the Maps app on CarPlay, making it easy to find an available charging location while driving.
CarPlay also includes a new interface for replying to messages, as seen in this screenshot shared by Will Sigmon:
The new CarPlay features are automatically available after updating an iPhone to iOS 17. The software update will be released to the public later this year for the iPhone XS and newer, and it is currently available in beta for developers.
The wait continues for the next generation of CarPlay that Apple announced at WWDC 2022. Apple said the first vehicles with next-generation CarPlay support would be announced in late 2023, so more details should be provided in the coming months. New features previewed last year included integration with a vehicle's instrument cluster and climate controls, support for multiple displays, a built-in FM radio app, widgets, and more.
Apple said automakers committed to offering the next generation of CarPlay in future vehicles included Acura, Audi, Ford, Honda, Infiniti, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Polestar, Porsche, Renault, and Volvo.
