Apple CarPlay dives deeper into car infotainment for late 2023

Apple’s popular CarPlay infotainment system will take on even more of an iPhone or MacBook look in the coming year, with the launch of a new enhanced version that integrates more deeply with its host vehicle.

Just like the new Google-based operating systems used in vehicles from Volvo/Polestar and Stellantis, among others, the new CarPlay system will reach out with its own Apple-styled controls for heating and cooling – right through to the speedometer, fuel and temperature gauges in the display behind the steering wheel.

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A video released by Apple (see the embedded tweet below) shows the CarPlay update will also offer widgets for your calendar, home controls (integrating with gadgets compatible with Apple's Home platform), weather forecasts and air quality.

Apple says the first vehicles to support the new system will be announced in late 2023 (yes, late next year), although it has already confirmed a long list of partner brands, including Ford, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, Infiniti, Honda, Acura, Jaguar, Land Rover, Audi, Nissan, Renault, Volvo, Polestar and Porsche.

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A host of iPhone or MacBook-like widgets will be offered

Volvo is an interesting mention, because it has already transitioned newer models to its Google-based Android Automotive infotainment, and while it promised in 2021 that Carplay will return as an option for Apple users, it has not yet surfaced.

Full details on the new version of CarPlay are still to come. One item still to be clarified is whether partner auto brands will fully replace their entire infotainment systems with Apple’s platform (as brands using Google have done) or – as with the current CarPlay system – merely offer it as a projection over their existing built-in interface when an iPhone is connected.

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Fancy a Gulf colourway..?

But, given the list of brands above – most having made huge investments in their own infotainment – it seems unlikely this new version of CarPlay is intended as anything more than an expanded version of the existing system’s wired and wireless iPhone projection method. Google’s Android Automotive, on the other hand, is built directly into vehicles as its base infotainment system.

Will my car get this upgrade?

It's unclear at this point if the full spread of new CarPlay features will work on current CarPlay-comptible models.

If recent history is any indicator, your current car might get at least the widgets screen, but features requiring deeper access to the vehicle's computers – like heating/cooling, speedometer, selected gear, fuel and temperature gauges – will likely be exclusive to upcoming new cars not yet on sale.

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