The next generation of Apple CarPlay: features revealed at WWDC 2024

Apple unveiled the long-awaited CarPlay update at WWDC 2024. The new version promises to dramatically change the way drivers interact with their cars, adding a host of new features and improvements. Let’s take a look at the main ones. These updates are in line with the evolution of the automotive industry. Screens in cars are bigger than ever. With the rise of electric cars, drivers are likely to spend more time in their cars, especially considering charging times. Apple seems to have taken these new factors into account when designing its next-generation interface. As a result, automakers will now have ample opportunities to customize screen layouts, fonts, and content such as maps and audio, among other features.

Apple’s new interface will be available to carmakers.

Apple CarPlay has also become a sore spot for some automakers as electric cars become increasingly software-defined. General Motors, perhaps notoriously now, doesn’t offer the system on its new EVs in favor of its own Google-based infotainment system. Ford, on the other hand, is leaning toward using the system, and it’s expected to appear on some Porsche vehicles first.

Ford is leaning toward using the system, and it’s expected to appear on some Porsche vehicles first.

That said, for those automakers that have adopted the popular system, Apple’s goal is —to make important information easily accessible and allow a ton of customization on top of it. Here’s a rundown of the innovations.

The following is a summary of the innovations.

Sensor Cluster Customization

As the digital space in the vehicle cockpit continues to expand, automakers will have ample opportunity to personalize the instrument cluster. For starters, the dashboard font (Sans-serif) will no longer be limited to just light or bold. The new variable font will be flexible in the weight and width of the letters, whether they are elongated or compressed, and whether their corners are soft or sharp. This flexibility will also extend to indicators and graphics.

Automakers will get a wide range of gauge design styles. For example, the speedometer and fuel level gauge can come in a variety of colors and designs — from minimalist to technically circular.

The speedometer will always be paired with a fuel gauge for gasoline cars or a charge status indicator for EVs. The images shown here give just a general idea of the possibilities — ultimately, each brand will tailor these elements to suit its unique philosophy.

All of these elements will be designed to fit its unique philosophy.

Sensor Features

Updates aren’t just aesthetic. They carry real-world functions that also come with some changes. Important gauges like the speedometer and fuel gauge will remain paired and installed permanently. As mentioned above, they can be customized.

For cruise control, the target speed is indicated by a dot on the dashboard, and the target speed is displayed next to it. With adaptive cruise control, if the vehicle slows down, a line is drawn between the current speed and the target speed, which «clearly» shows that the adaptive cruise control will return to the target speed.

A line is drawn between the current speed and the target speed, which «clearly» shows that the adaptive cruise control will return to the target speed.

Although it may seem complicated in writing, the video above demonstrates it much better. It’s really clever and aesthetically pleasing to watch.

And aesthetically pleasing to watch.

Apple CarPlay’s next-generation cruise control

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In contrast, the speed limiter shows a simple line (to distinguish it from the cruise control dot), and there’s plenty of room for road signs.

The next-generation CarPlay will also support additional sensors. You’ll be able to customize the display of an engine coolant temperature gauge or gear shift indicator — this, of course, applies to gasoline-powered cars. For electric cars, CarPlay will display driving modes and EV-specific supercharger and regenerative braking graphs. For hybrids, there’s also a special indicator that shows how much electric power is being used compared to engine power, displayed in parallel.

Create Layout

As mentioned above, speed and fuel sensors are mandatory. Secondary sensors, such as temperature or regenerative braking readings, are optional. The fun part — putting them together. If you prefer minimalism, you can keep only the speedometer and fuel gauge. Or you can swap them out for information-rich variants, where all the available secondary gauges are added next to the important information.

All of these gauges are optional.

For drivers, all layouts will have room for what Apple calls «dynamic content». You can have large devices with compact space for content like maps, or vice versa. It’s worth noting that this is just the first example of Apple’s next-generation CarPlay capabilities. How automakers customize it individually and how flexible it will be for car owners, we’ll find out over time.

We’ll find out in time.

But overall these updates look fantastic, and car screens are about to get a lot cooler.