You can already get Apple’s new CarPlay experience

While Apple’s WWDC 2022 keynote focused on Macs and OS updates, the company used a small portion to do something unusual – preview technology that is not coming to an end of the year, coming almost a year and a half later. A big extension, especially CarPlay, is the iOS feature that bridges the iPhones with the car’s infotainment system. You see, Apple is really playing catch-up with Android Automotive, which is in the vehicle when we talk. In the long run, this is likely to be related to Apple Car’s foundation, as well as to Google-based futures.

Also read: Apple has announced at WWDC what we want to see on Android

How does Apple plan to expand CarPlay?

The current incarnation of CarPlay extends iOS apps and services to dashboard displays, which is usually more convenient and less confusing than trying to control everything from your iPhone. There are CarPlay versions of apps like Spotify and Google Maps and you can also tap on the original Apple services like Siri, Messages or Apple Maps. Everything is presented in a simplified form, although you can still toggle a multi-window view to control your music or podcast while viewing information on.

The new technology, which will debut at the end of 2023, will take things much further. This allows CarPlay to replace each control or gauge on your dashboard. It includes buttons for things like your speedometer, gas / battery readout, and things like air conditioners and radios. The level of control and customization will depend a lot on the automakers and how many screens a car has, but in principle, driving with this new version of CarPlay can feel a lot like a Tesla, moving to the screen as much as possible.

It is not yet clear whether you will always need to connect your iPhone to do this Normally, cars will need some kind of fallback interface if you do not have your phone with you

The following brands are still committed to bringing some kind of expanded carpel to their products:

On top of that, Apple is providing curated visual styles and widgets for things like iOS Calendar and Weather app. You’ll even be able to access the HomeKit Smart Home controls, so you can activate a compatible garage door opener with a single touch.

Related: Everything you need to know about Apple HomeKit

Why Android Automotive is one step ahead

First, let’s get rid of some confusion – related to Android Auto and Android Automotive, but different. The former is similar to the current CarPlay, which expands the apps on your Android phone to a more driver-friendly format. No phone, no auto.

Views: Check Android Auto Driving with VW ID.4

Autonomous, however, is a self-contained, pre-installed platform. You never need your phone and it can be connected directly to the Internet via a car’s own cellular link. When a connection is active, you may be able to sign in to your Google Account via an in-car touchscreen. (You don’t have to sign in, but it does limit functionality.)

Users get a scale-back version of the Play Store that is limited to compatible apps, not something you want to try PUBG Mobile On the highway. Keep in mind that Automotive is not yet widely supported by developers, so you may find some favorite apps missing.

The most important aspect of our discussion is that the car controls are baked For example, in a Polyester 2, you can use the main display, like its tablet, to control the lighting, air conditioning and seat position. You can also check the car’s camera and the Google Maps version estimates how much battery you have left for a particular destination.

Some automotive implementations have an analog clock-like instrument cluster and / or widget. Polyester probably has the best layout so far, since its “tablet” can run up to four apps simultaneously on a grid, with essential controls at the top and bottom.

A major problem with automotive is model support. Relatively few vehicles have adopted the technology, and they are often out of the average person’s price range for models, such as the Polestar 2, Volvo XC60, or Hummer EV. Ford is promising to install platforms on “millions” of cars starting in 2023, which is expected to reduce sticker prices.

Anything on the road gives Android Automotive an expanded CarPlay vs. Headstart. There is no definite car model for the latter, the price tag or release date is much lower. When asked to support Apple’s plan, A dozen automakers Either refuses to comment or says they are exploring possibilities.

As we mentioned at the outset, one of the company’s biggest concerns is (almost certainly, however) laying the groundwork for the upcoming Apple car. While we won’t see anything for sale until 2025, Apple has been testing self-driving technology in public for years, and there have been many reports to suggest cars aren’t coming. The first model may be semi-autonomous depending on development progress and relevant legislation.

Read: Here is what we know about Apple Car

Apple not only needs to create a complete car interface, but also sell people based on its potential and eliminate any bugs or design issues. This can be a barrier to third party adoption of “CarPlay Plus” – they know what’s coming, and they may be hesitant to become a guinea pig or the primary marketing tool for a product that will steal their market share.

Automakers, on the other hand, were infamous for creating their own infotainment systems, so customer demand could force their hands. There are even licensing opportunities out there, as automakers are not paying anything for CarPlay at the moment, they may be willing to pay Apple for a self-contained platform, assuming the company decides to go that route. The catch is that Apple needs to provide some basic functionality for Android users. Many drivers will be annoyed if they can’t pair an Android phone for something as simple as Bluetooth calling.

If nothing else, Apple will have to worry about shutting down Android Automotive. If the company did nothing, it would end up in a situation where millions of cars are using Android, encouraging people to stay in the Google / Android ecosystem for things like phones and smart speakers. If Apple succeeds with CarPlay and / or Apple Car, it could lock-in platforms like Apple Watch’s reliance on the iPhone – not only is $ 400 wearable, people will be connected to more than $ 40,000 in cars.

Continue: The best Android Auto app to get the most out of it