iOS 17.4 brings eight new apps to the next-generation CarPlay interface for quick access to in-car features like climate control, rear-view cameras and more.
MacRumors contributors Aaron Perris and Steve Moser have managed to unearth icons from the iOS 17.4 code that will be used to illustrate some of the native controls coming with the next generation of Apple’s CarPlay software.
These controls (apps) will let you view driving-related information and interact with the car’s radio, cameras, batteries, settings and other subsystems.
8 new CarPlay apps coming with iOS 17.4
MacRumors has outlined the eight new CarPlay apps in iOS 17.4:
- Auto Settings: Manage paired iPhones and adjust vehicle settings.
- Car Camera: Display the vehicle’s rear-view camera feed.
- Charge: For electric vehicles, display battery level, charging status, time remaining until the battery is fully charged, and more.
- Climate: Adjust the temperature of the A/C or heating system, fan speed, heated seats, heated steering wheel and more.
- Closures: This app will display if any of the vehicle’s doors are opened and might also display vehicle warning symbols.
- Media: Access FM/AM radio station controls and media options like SiriusXM (you’ll be able to select from a list of music genres, like Top 40 and Rock).
- Tire Pressure: Display air pressure for each tire and get warnings for low pressure, high pressure and flat tire.
- Trips: Driving stats like the vehicle’s average speed, fuel efficiency or energy efficiency, time elapsed, distance traveled on a trip and more.
Deep integration with in-car sensors
Apple confirmed that the next-generation CarPlay experience will integrate deeply with the car’s sensors, instrument clusters and other subsystems.
This will let you do things today’s CarPlay can’t, like control car functions from the CarPlay interface and display real-time readouts of the current speed, fuel level, temperatures, etc. You’ll be able to customize it with widgets like Weather and Music and different designs for gauge clusters across multiple screens.
Next-generation CarPlay coming in 2024
Apple previewed next-gen CarPlay in June 2022, with the first vehicles supporting it scheduled to arrive in 2024, according to the company’s CarPlay page.
Aston Martin and Porsche recently previewed this version of CarPlay designs coming to their infotainment systems in 2024. Other car brands that have confirmed supporting next-generation CarPlay include Acura, Audi, Ford, Honda, Infiniti, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Polestar, Renault and Volvo.