CarPlay 2.0: Apple at a Crossroads
Set for a 2024 release, the next generation of CarPlay is shrouded in uncertainty, with unfulfilled promises and manufacturers' reluctance casting doubt on its future.
CarPlay d’Apple: The Pending Innovation
The promise of a new CarPlay version by Apple, the embedded vehicle interface, remains unfulfilled. Announced in 2022, this significant update is expected to launch in 2024, according to “Apple’s website”. Yet, no significant progress appears on the horizon.
Moreover, an increasing number of automakers are adopting Android Automotive OS (AAOS) as their vehicle operating system, including luxury brands like Porsche! The automotive operating system market is rapidly growing. In 2022, it was valued at over 5 billion dollars and is expected to see a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13% from 2023 to 2032.
Inconsistent Changes
Some changes have been noted, such as CarPlay mapping directions appearing on the dashboards of certain vehicles from Polestar, Porsche, and Lincoln. This includes vehicles with display screens large enough to support Apple’s vision for its infotainment software, like the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus. Manufacturers like Porsche and Aston Martin had announced their cars would be the first to feature the new CarPlay, but have recently declined to provide timelines to Wired.
General Anticipation
The stance of some companies on the new Apple CarPlay remains uncertain. Some, like Mercedes-Benz, have even openly declined full support for the software. Outside of Apple, manufacturers such as General Motors and Rivian have positioned themselves against this major update to CarPlay, as well as against Google’s Android Auto. It seems their desire to maintain more control over their vehicles outweighs the adoption of these new technologies.
An Uncertain Future for CarPlay
Despite lukewarm reception, Apple continues to promote its plans for the software. However, it remains unclear which vehicles, if any, will embrace this evolution. Ultimately, the next generation of CarPlay appears to still be in limbo, leaving drivers uncertain about the future of their onboard experience.