Aston Martin and Porsche recently previewed the first vehicle interiors with Apple's next-generation CarPlay experience.
Aston Martin confirmed that it will release its first vehicles with next-generation CarPlay in 2024, including a new model of its high-end DB12 sports car. Porsche has yet to share a timeframe or specific details about its own plans.
Apple first previewed the next-generation CarPlay experience in June 2022, promising deeper integration with the instrument cluster, support for multiple displays across the dashboard, a dedicated FM radio app, widgets, and more. The interface can be tailored to each specific vehicle model and automaker's brand identity.
Next-generation CarPlay will be able to display vehicle and driving information, such as fuel level, engine temperature, and tire pressure. Built-in climate controls will let you control the A/C, heat, heated seats, and more directly through CarPlay.
When first unveiling next-generation CarPlay last year, Apple said committed automakers included Acura, Audi, Ford, Honda, Infiniti, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Polestar, Porsche, Renault, and Volvo. Beyond the addition of Aston Martin, it's unclear if this list has changed since that initial announcement.
It seems that next-generation CarPlay will require a brand new vehicle. It's unclear if any of the new features will be made available in existing CarPlay vehicles.
Aston Martin
Aston Martin previewed a two-dial instrument cluster with a speedometer and tachometer, and there is a Music app widget in between the dials. On the infotainment screen, climate controls can be seen within the CarPlay interface.
Porsche
Porsche previewed a three-dial instrument cluster that shows the speedometer, current speed, average speed, and the time and distance remaining until arrival at the destination. The main infotainment screen has a custom elongated CarPlay interface with dedicated Phone and Apple Maps views and climate controls, and a rectangular screen across the dashboard shows widgets for the Calendar, Apple Music, Apple Maps, and Weather apps.
Ahead, we recap next-generation CarPlay features previewed by Apple last year. As of now, it's unclear if the images shared by Apple below are associated with any future vehicle, or if they were created for demonstrative purposes only.
Next-Generation CarPlay Features
Instrument Cluster Integration
CarPlay will integrate with a vehicle's instrument cluster, including the speedometer, tachometer, odometer, fuel gauge, engine temperature gauge, oil pressure gauge, and more. Apple says drivers will be able to choose from several gauge cluster designs and layouts, including brand‑specific options.
Climate Controls
You'll be able to access your vehicle's climate controls directly within the CarPlay interface, allowing you to adjust the temperature of the A/C or heat, fan speed, heated seats, heated steering wheel, and other options.
Multi-Display Support
The new version of CarPlay will be able to appear across all of the displays in a vehicle, providing a consistent experience across the infotainment system, instrument cluster, and any additional screens on the dashboard. Apple says CarPlay will be tailored to each new vehicle model to accommodate unique screen shapes and layouts.
Widgets
Widgets will be a key part of the new CarPlay experience, offering at-a-glance information such as trip duration, fuel economy, distance traveled, calendar events, weather, phone calls, the status of a HomeKit-enabled garage door, and more. It will also be possible to view and scroll through the widgets within the instrument cluster.
FM Radio App
The new version of CarPlay will include an all-new Radio app that allows you to easily control the FM radio in your vehicle, such as to change the station.
