World-leading automakers Aston Martin and Porsche are forging an alliance with the tech giant Apple to integrate the next-generation CarPlay experience seamlessly. The advanced CarPlay is purportedly slated for release in 2024, according to reports by Mark Gurman.
The esteemed British car manufacturer Aston Martin, has confirmed the collaboration, asserting that CarPlay will be intricately engraved into its vehicles, featuring contoured elements that promise to astound drivers during their initial experience with its refined cubbyholes. Aston Martin emphasized that the CarPlay feature will also grace the updated DB12 sports car, although the specifics remain esoteric, known only to a select few within the industry. Despite the confirmation of a 2024 release, the exact unveiling date remains undisclosed.
Conversely, Porsche is addressing the proverbial elephant in the room and has not divulged any potential information regarding its integration of CarPlay.
Apple unveiled the next-generation CarPlay experience on its maiden voyage in June 2022, pledging to achieve advanced integration with the instrument conglomeration and climate control widgets. The promise includes support for multiple displays across the dashboard, a dedicated FM radio app, widgets, and more.
The next-generation CarPlay interface is designed to be tailored for each specific vehicle model and the brand identity of the automaker, as illustrated below.
Aston Martin showcased CarPlay synchronization and interweaving with the instrument cluster and climate controls, while Porsche exemplified a custom elongated CarPlay interface on the central screen. Additionally, widgets for apps such as Calendar, Music, and Weather were featured on a second screen. With the next-generation CarPlay, a connected iPhone will provide app-related data, while the vehicle will offer driving-specific information such as tire pressure. Apple clarified that the connected iPhone will not collect data or track vehicle information.
In its initial rollout of the next-generation CarPlay, Apple enlisted committed automakers, including Acura, Audi, Ford, Honda, Infiniti, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Polestar, Porsche, Renault, and Volvo. Beyond the inclusion of Aston Martin, whether the company has made alterations to the list of participating automobiles remains undisclosed.
Below are the five key features expected from the next-generation CarPlay, as previewed by Apple last year.
Table of Contents
Instrument Cluster Integration:
The innovative CarPlay iteration seamlessly amalgamates with a vehicle’s instrument cluster, incorporating elements such as the speedometer, tachometer, odometer, fuel gauge, engine temperature gauge, oil pressure gauge, and more. Apple affirms that drivers can opt for diverse gauge cluster designs and layouts, encompassing those tailored to specific brands.
Climate Controls:
The latest iteration of CarPlay empowers users to access their vehicle’s climate controls directly, facilitating adjustments to the air conditioning or heating, fan speed, heated seats, heated steering wheel, and other parameters.
Multi-Display Support:
The enhanced CarPlay functionality seamlessly spans all displays within a vehicle, ensuring a uniform experience across the infotainment system, instrument cluster, and any supplementary screens on the dashboard. Apple emphasizes the customization of CarPlay for each distinct vehicle model, accommodating distinctive screen shapes and layouts.
Widgets:
Widgets assume a pivotal role in the cutting-edge CarPlay experience, furnishing users with quick-glance information such as trip duration, fuel economy, distance traveled, calendar events, weather updates, phone calls, and the status of a HomeKit-enabled garage door. Users have the ability to navigate and peruse widgets within the instrument cluster effortlessly.
FM Radio:
The upgraded CarPlay version will introduce a novel radio app, affording users seamless control over the FM radio in their vehicles, including facile station changes.
