Apple updated its website this week to confirm that the first U.S. models with next-generation CarPlay support will be available in 2024, but did not provide a more specific timeline or say when it would begin to be available in other countries. The first beta of iOS 17.4 released today references eight new CarPlay apps:
Auto Setup: This app lets you manage your paired iPhone and adjust vehicle settings.
Car Camera: This application will display the rear view camera footage of your vehicle.
Charging: For electric vehicles, this app will display battery level, charging status, time remaining until the battery is fully charged, and more.
Climate: This app provides access to your vehicle's climate controls in CarPlay, allowing you to adjust the air conditioning or heating system's temperature, fan speed, heated seats, heated steering wheel, and more.
Closed: This app will show if any of the vehicle's doors are open and may also display vehicle warning signs.
Media: The app will offer FM and AM radio station control in CarPlay, as well as additional media options like SiriusXM. It's unclear whether SiriusXM will offer satellite connectivity or be limited to internet streaming. Users can choose from a list of music genres such as Top40 and Rock.
Tire Pressure: The app will display the air pressure in each tire of your vehicle and provide low pressure, high pressure and puncture warnings.
Trips: The app will provide a variety of driving-related data, including the vehicle’s average speed, fuel or energy efficiency, total elapsed time and distance traveled.
An image exposed in the iOS 17.4 beta shows that the next generation of CarPlay may display a "goodbye" screen after the driver turns off the vehicle:
As Apple previously announced, additional images from the iOS 17.4 beta confirm that users will be able to adjust the theme and color scheme of the next generation of CarPlay, including the appearance of the dashboard:
Apple first previewed the next generation of CarPlay in June 2022. As Aston Martin and Porsche teased in late December, the interface can be customized to specific models and the automaker's brand image. Aston Martin said it will release the first models equipped with next-generation CarPlay in 2024, including new models of its high-end sports car DB12. Porsche did not provide a timeline or specific details of its plans.
When it first announced next-generation CarPlay, Apple said committed automakers included Acura, Audi, Ford, Honda, Infiniti, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Polestar, Porsche, Renault and Volvo. Aside from the addition of Aston Martin, it's unclear if the roster has changed since it was originally announced.
Apple didn't say whether it would offer next-generation CarPlay functionality on existing vehicles that support traditional CarPlay. Apple said iOS 17.4 will be released in March, so more details may be announced by then.