Next-gen CarPlay outed in keynote speech

APPLE has revealed details of its next-generation CarPlay technology. The Cupertino-based firm’s new software is said to be capable of completely integrating with vehicles’ screens and systems to offer drivers a personalisable, “deeply integrated” experience.

The technology will allow users to adapt their vehicles’ functionality via an enhanced interface that can “override traditional vehicle information” and even burrow deep into vehicle data systems for a more accurate presentation of information, Apple claims.

The next iteration of CarPlay will display typical metrics, such as vehicle speed, engine speed, temperature, oil pressure, battery status and fuel level, alongside any number of other available parameters, but in “unprecedented new ways”, the Big Tech firm says, which added that 98 per cent of new vehicles sold in the US are CarPlay compatible.

New or revised navigation, infotainment, climate control and service status readouts will be incorporated in the update to offer users a “unified and consistent” experience.

Information is presented through a range of available “gauge clusters” and application widgets, while the navigation app will offer up to 15 waypoints en route to destinations. The system is automatically synchronised with a user’s iPhone to enable out-of-car planning and customisation.

Apple kept its keynote speech brief, but said it would provide a list of compatible vehicles next year, as well as more detailed information on its latest in-car tech. 

GoAuto understands the technology will be compatible with models from Acura, Audi, Ford, Honda, Infiniti, Jaguar Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz (compatible MBUX vehicles), Nissan, Polestar, Porsche, Renault and Volvo.

The release was announced as part of Apple’s iOS 16 software rollout, which promises the “biggest update ever to the (iPhone’s) Lock Screen” – one that will apparently change the way users experience the Californian company’s smartphone.

iOS 16 introduces iCloud Shared Photo Library to seamlessly share photos with family or friends, updates to Messages and Mail that help users stay in touch, and powerful enhancements to Live Text and Visual Look Up, Apple outlined in its keynote speech.

“iOS 16 is a big release with updates that will change the way you experience iPhone,” said Apple senior vice president of software engineering Craig Federighi.

“We have re-imagined how the Lock Screen looks and works with exciting new features that make it more personal and helpful, introduced iCloud Shared Photo Library for families, streamlined communication through new capabilities in Messages and Mail, and harnessed enhanced intelligence with updates to Live Text and Visual Look Up.”

Interestingly, the upcoming Apple Car did not get a mention in the company’s latest keynote speech. The fully autonomous vehicle is believed to be under development and feature deep integration with iOS and, naturally, CarPlay. The United States Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has granted Apple a testing permit for its vehicle and GoAuto understands self-driving software is currently being assessed.

Apple first announced details of its car under the Project Titan banner in 2014. The firm is rumoured to have more than 1,000 vehicle experts and engineers working on the vehicle, which is said to require no user intervention to operate. The ambitious project is said to include the most powerful and advanced microprocessor Apple has ever utilised, however the company hasn’t offered a solid date for the model’s release.

“We’re focusing on autonomous systems,” said Apple CEO Tim Cook in June 2017. “It’s a core technology that we view as very important. We sort of see it as the mother of all AI projects. It’s probably one of the most difficult AI projects to work on.”