Apple unveiled the next generation of CarPlay at the WWDC 2022 keynote, and it looks truly stunning. CarPlay's complete takeover of the infotainment display, dashboard controls, and more is also building anticipation for the Apple Car.
While Project Titan remains a research and development project for now, Apple says the first cars that will work with the next-generation CarPlay won't be announced until late next year. It's very likely that drivers will have to wait until 2024 or 2025 to get behind the wheel of the next generation of CarPlay. However, iOS 16 includes a few updates to CarPlay that will be available to everyone in the fall.
CarPlay apps
Apple sometimes adds new app categories to CarPlay during major iOS updates. Previous categories include apps for ordering groceries, parking, and charging electric vehicles. iOS 16 expands app support to include two new categories: apps for refueling and driving tasks. applying Apple the whole thing:
Fueling and driving task apps available in CarPlay Your favorite apps that help you fuel up, provide you with road information, tolls, towing assistance, and more can find a home in CarPlay.
So expect apps in these categories to be supported by CarPlay starting this fall and throughout next year.
Messages
Two other changes coming to CarPlay with iOS 16 won't require future app updates. Apple is speeding up the message flow when using Siri, and the Podcasts app is expanding its library. Starting with iOS 16, CarPlay users will have the option to automatically send a message after Siri reviews it. If the speech-to-text feature works as expected, this will eliminate a step currently required when reviewing messages in CarPlay. If you decide to edit the message, CarPlay will offer an "Edit" button to revise your message.
Podcasts
With iOS 16, Apple is also making more features of the Podcasts app available in CarPlay. The current Podcasts app on CarPlay focuses on the "Listen Now" feature; other ways to find the right podcast episode require the iPhone app. Starting with iOS 16, users will be able to find episodes that have been downloaded or saved. The app now also lets you view the latest episodes of shows in your library. There will likely also be new wallpapers, although these are not yet included in the first developer beta. Whether your device is compatible with the new software, you can find out here. (Image: Apple)
