The major change expected in the upcoming version of Apple CarPlay is that it would appear to take a more all-encompassing role than what we have seen thus far. This version will also expand to cover all of the car’s screens — including the instrument cluster. CarPlay also expands its scope to include native vehicle functions like climate control and radio settings. This deeper integration will allow users to manage these features directly within the CarPlay interface, eliminating the need to switch between separate systems.
It is pertinent to note that the use of the next generation of Apple CarPlay would still require an iOS device to be connected to the car. However, the host vehicle could also relay driving and vehicle-specific data via the CarPlay interface to be displayed on the car’s instrument cluster.
As mentioned earlier, Porsche and Aston Martin are among the first carmakers to adopt this new approach. While Porsche hasn’t revealed how soon their vehicles will incorporate the latest CarPlay system, Aston Martin has indicated that its 2024 models — which include vehicles like the DB12 coupe and DB12 convertible, nicknamed Volante — would be compatible with the updated Apple CarPlay version.