Apple did not mention CarPlay when it unveiled iOS 18 in June, but the update includes a handful of new features for the in-car iPhone system.
iOS 18 includes some changes to the Messages app, Settings app, and Siri on CarPlay. The update should be widely released later in September.
Below, we recap CarPlay's key new features on iOS 18.
1. Contact Photos in Messages App
iOS 18 adds contact photos next to names in the Messages app, making it easier to identify conversations at a glance.
The contact photos are also visible in Messages app notifications.
2. Silent Mode Settings
In the Settings app, you can now choose to have Silent mode on your iPhone automatically turn on or off when the device is connected to CarPlay.
3. Color Filters
Apple has expanded Color Filters to CarPlay. This accessibility feature can help individuals with color blindness to differentiate colors on the CarPlay interface.
There is a grayscale option and three other color filters available to choose from.
4. Voice Control
Voice Control is another new accessibility feature that allows you to control CarPlay entirely with Siri voice commands through a connected iPhone.
5. Sound Recognition
Sound Recognition is expanding to CarPlay to provide notifications for driving-related sounds, such as car horns and sirens. This feature can be especially beneficial to drivers or passengers who are deaf or hard of hearing.
6. Siri Interface Tweaks
For some queries, Siri now displays a large card with relevant information. If you ask Siri for a sports score, for example, it will now show a scoreboard on the screen. This works for NBA and NHL games at a minimum.
Waiting for next-generation CarPlay? Here's the latest on that.
