CarPlay 2, known as the next version of CarPlay, was first revealed during the summer of 2022. At that time, Apple indicated that a list of compatible vehicles would be released in 2023, with two manufacturers expected to introduce compatible models in 2024.
Today marks the deadline for that announcement, and Apple’s CarPlay page still reflects that promise. Unless an unexpected update is shared today, the pressing question remains: Will the release date be discreetly pushed to 2025, or is this initiative effectively scrapped?
CarPlay
Originally unveiled as “iOS in the Car” in 2013, it was rapidly rebranded to CarPlay, with the first version launching alongside iOS 7. A fresh design debuted in 2019.
The CarPlay Dashboard represents the most significant redesign of the CarPlay Home screen since its inception. Over the years, enhancements like app rearrangement and app hiding were added, but iOS 13 introduced an entirely new Home screen to the left of the existing icon grid, featuring a dynamic cluster of information in a grid layout.
The left side of the Dashboard displays your location on a map, current navigation, or a summary of your route. Conversely, the right side is even more dynamic, offering quick access to upcoming calendar events—including addresses—route suggestions, playback controls for audio applications, and Siri Suggestions for HomeKit tasks, such as opening your garage door upon arriving home.
Promises of CarPlay 2
Apple revealed a major update for CarPlay during WWDC 2022, stating that it would integrate seamlessly with the entire vehicle dashboard.
This next generation of CarPlay aims to deliver the ultimate iPhone experience within vehicles, providing information to all screens, including the instrument cluster. This approach promises a unified design that highlights the best features of both the car and the iPhone. Built-in vehicle controls for aspects like radio and climate settings will be accessible directly through CarPlay. Additionally, customization options—from widgets to personalized gauge cluster designs—will tailor the experience to each driver.
The webpage indicated “vehicle announcements expected in late 2023,” showcasing a remarkable list of automakers anticipated to adopt the technology:
- Land Rover
- Mercedes Benz
- Lincoln
- Audi
- Volvo
- Honda
- Porsche
- Nissan
- Ford
- Jaguar
- Acura
- Polestar
- Infiniti
- Renault
By year-end, both Porsche and Aston Martin—previously absent from the initial list—confirmed their plans to introduce new models equipped with CarPlay 2 in 2024. However, as of December 31, Apple’s website still maintains that it will be released this year.
Will It Launch in 2025, or Is the Project Over?
Unless there’s a sudden unveiling from a vehicle manufacturer today, the promised launch date will need to be postponed to 2025. The more pressing inquiry is whether it will actually happen at all.
This year, one of the brands from the original lineup retracted its support. When The Verge‘s Nilay Patel questioned CEO Ola Källenius about Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to the next-gen CarPlay and Apple’s full ownership of the infotainment system, he straightforwardly declined, stating, “the short answer is no.”
At that time, we observed that other brands were maintaining silence on the subject, which didn’t bode well. By September, Porsche confirmed they had no current updates, and Aston Martin opted not to comment.
With the continued absence of announcements, it’s increasingly probable that other manufacturers share Mercedes’ sentiments. Given the advanced technology of today’s vehicles, relinquishing complete control of their systems to a third-party company seems illogical, particularly as we move closer to fully autonomous driving.
It remains to be seen whether Apple will revise the deadline or discreetly eliminate all references to the next-gen CarPlay. Should I place a wager, I would predict that it might never fully launch—or if it does, it will likely resemble more of an incremental update than a revolutionary overhaul, akin to CarPlay 1.2.
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Image: Apple
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