CarPlay explained

CarPlay
Screenshot Size:300px
Author:Apple Inc.
Developer:Apple Inc.
Latest Release Version:iOS 17.4.1
Operating System:iOS
Platform:iPhone
Language:Same language as the connected iPhone
Genre:Telematics

CarPlay is an Apple standard that enables a car radio or head unit to be a display and controller for an iOS device. It is available on iPhone 5 and later models running iOS 7.1 or later.

More than 800 car models support CarPlay, according to Apple.[1] Vehicle owners can add support by installing certain aftermarket vehicle audio products.

Most CarPlay systems connect to iOS through USB,[2] some are wireless,[3] and wireless support can be added through aftermarket dongles.[4]

Software

Apple's CarPlay-enabled apps include:

Developers must obtain permission[5] from Apple to develop CarPlay-enabled apps.[6] Such apps fall into five categories:

To discourage distracted driving, Siri is used extensively, providing voice turn-by-turn navigation guidance and voice-input for text messages. Newscast-style weather and stock results are announced instead of displayed.[8] Requests that bring up visual information may be blocked when the car is in gear, and most native CarPlay apps deliver audio content with minimal interaction.

CarPlay-enabled apps installed on the device appear on the CarPlay home screen unless disabled by the user. The inclusion or exclusion and order of app appearance can be changed on a per-vehicle basis.

Hardware

Most of the CarPlay software runs on the connected iPhone, and the CarPlay interface provides the audio and display connection to the car's infotainment system. CarPlay adapts to various display sizes and control interfaces for each vehicle: touch screen, rotary dials, buttons, steering-wheel controls, and hands-free microphones.

Aftermarket head units may support CarPlay or Android Auto, usually both. [9]

The iPhone can connect to the car through a USB cable or wirelessly.

Wireless CarPlay works by having the phone exchange network credentials with a supporting CarPlay receiver over Bluetooth, establishing a two-way Wi-Fi connection.

Alternatively, it is possible to use a third-party dongle adapter plugged into the car infotainment system's USB port enable a wireless connection. This still requires a car infotainment system that supports standard (wired) CarPlay. [10]

History

Predecessor

In 2008, one year after the release of the iPhone, Mercedes vehicles were first to sell an audio system incorporating both the iPod and iPhone, equipped with 30-pin iOS input jacks. The new 2008 Harman Kardon NTG 2.5 featured full audio streaming, syncing, charging and control integrated into the steering wheel controls, instrument panel, and head unit. Apple was working with Mercedes to develop iOS compatible audio systems into their cars first only a year after iPhone launch. With an Apple Lightning-to-30-pin adapter, iPhones/iPods remain backwards-compatible with the Harman Kardon 2.5 and later models. This is the earliest audio system specifically engineered for iPod/iPhone integration, which predated CarPlay and every other manufacturer incorporating iOS into vehicles.[11]

The concept of CarPlay was based on the iOS 4 feature called "iPod Out" which was produced through several years of joint development by Apple and the BMW Group's Technology Office USA.[12] iPod Out enabled vehicles with the necessary infrastructure to "host" the analog video and audio from a supporting iOS device while receiving inputs, such as button presses and knob rotations, from a car's infotainment system, to drive the "hosted" user interface in the vehicle's built-in display. It was announced at WWDC 2010 and first shipped in BMW Group vehicles in early 2011. The BMW and Mini option was called "PlugIn" and paved the way for the first cross-OEM platforms, introducing the concept of requiring a car-specific interface for apps (as opposed to MirrorLink's simple and insufficient mirroring of what was shown on the smartphone's screen).[13]

Development

CarPlay's codename was Stark.[14] Apple's Eddy Cue announced it as iOS in the Car at WWDC 2013.[15] In January 2014, it was reported that Apple's hardware-oriented corporate culture had led to release delays.[16] iOS in the Car was then rebranded and launched as CarPlay with significant design changes at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2014[17] with Ferrari, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo among the first car manufacturers.[18]

At WWDC 2022, Apple introduced an all-new version of CarPlay (informally known as CarPlay 2) which can control vehicle functions, access vehicle stats, and take over multiple vehicle screens completely. The projected release date from Apple for this new CarPlay is late 2024.[19] Manufacturers that are planning to adopt the new CarPlay include: Audi, Acura, Ford, Honda, Infiniti, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Polestar, Porsche, Renault, and Volvo.[20]

Timeline

June 2013: Apple introduced iOS in the Car; an early version of CarPlay that never got publicly released, at WWDC 2013.[21]

June 2013: BMW officials announced their cars would not support iOS in the Car; they later changed their minds.[22]

November 2013: Siri Eyes Free mode was offered as a dealer-installed accessory in the US to some Honda Accord and Acura RDX & ILX models.[23] In December, Honda offered additional integration, featuring new HondaLink services, on some US and Canada models of the Civic and the Fit.[24]

March 2014: Apple introduced CarPlay, which was renamed from iOS in the Car with significant design changes, at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show with automakers Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo.[25]

September 2014: A Ferrari FF was the first car with a full version of CarPlay.[26]

November 2014: Hyundai announced the Sonata sedan would be their first model with available CarPlay by the end of the first quarter of 2015.[27]

January 2015: Volkswagen announced CarPlay support would be coming later in 2015 and would be either standard or available on the majority of their 2016 model year lineup.[28]

May 2015: General Motors announced CarPlay would be available starting with 14 different 2016 model year Chevrolet vehicles.[29]

July 2015: Honda announced CarPlay would be available in their vehicles starting with the 2016 Honda Accord.[30]

December 2015: Volvo implemented CarPlay in the 2016 Volvo XC90 as their first vehicle with CarPlay support.[31]

December 2015: Mercedes-Benz confirmed that CarPlay would be available starting with select 2016 model year vehicles.[32]

January 2016: Apple released a list detailing the car models which support CarPlay.[33]

January 2016: Ford announced CarPlay would be available on all 2017 Ford/Lincoln model year vehicles equipped with the Sync 3 infotainment system.[34]

January 2016: FCA (now a part of Stellantis) announced CarPlay would be available on their UConnect infotainment system starting with select 2016 model year vehicles.[35]

March 2016: Subaru announces the beginning of CarPlay and Android Auto support starting with the 2017 Impreza. [36]

June 2016: Nissan announced CarPlay would be available in their vehicles beginning with the 2017 Nissan Maxima.[37]

September 2016: BMW adds CarPlay as a standalone option in most of their vehicles.[38]

February 2017: Harman announced the first implementation of wireless CarPlay which made its debut in the 2017 BMW 5 series.[39]

April 2017: The new generation Scania range became the first heavy duty truck in Europe to support CarPlay.[40]

July 2017: The new Volvo VNL became the first heavy duty truck in the United States to support CarPlay.[41]

October 2017: The 2018 Honda Gold Wing became the first motorcycle to support CarPlay.[42]

January 2018: Toyota, which was, up until this point, a notable holdout for Apple CarPlay, began to implement CarPlay starting with the 2019 Toyota Avalon.[43]

July 2018: Mazda began to implement CarPlay starting with the 2018 Mazda6.[44] Mazda also began offering a CarPlay retrofit to support previous vehicles that are 2014 model year or newer and are equipped with the MZD-Connect system.[45]

August 2018: Harley-Davidson CarPlay support was added to 2019 Touring models equipped with Boom! Box GTS radio.[46]

December 2019: BMW no longer requires a subscription to use CarPlay.[47]

June 2022: Apple introduced an all-new version of CarPlay at WWDC 2022 which can control vehicle functions and take over multiple vehicle screens.[19] The projected release date from Apple for the new CarPlay is late 2023.

March 2023: General Motors announced plans to phase out CarPlay support in their electric vehicles in favor of a new Android Automotive system. This CarPlay phase out will start with the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV. New GM vehicles that are not electric vehicles, as well as any GM electric vehicle model that was released before the Blazer EV, will retain CarPlay support for the time being. [48]

July 2023: Porsche announced tighter CarPlay integration with vehicle functions through the My Porsche App. These added functions include control of the vehicle’s HVAC system, ambient lighting, radio and sound controls. While having similar features, this is not yet the all-new CarPlay Apple showed at WWDC 2022.[49]

December 2023: Porsche and Aston Martin were the first automakers to preview vehicles running the next-generation of CarPlay (informally CarPlay 2), Aston Martin confirmed next-generation CarPlay will be launched sometime in 2024, starting with their DB12 sports car. Porsche did not state a timeline for their next-generation CarPlay rollout. [50]

Improvements by iOS version

Competition

The Open Automotive Alliance's Android Auto is a similar implementation used for Android devices.

Some vehicle manufacturers have their own systems for syncing the car with smartphones, for example: BMW ConnectedDrive, NissanConnect, Hyundai Blue Link, iLane, MyFord Touch, Ford SYNC, OnStar, and Toyota Entune.

General Motors has released an API to allow the development of apps which interact with vehicle software systems.

MirrorLink is a standard for car-smartphone connectivity, currently implemented in vehicles by Honda, Volkswagen, SEAT, Buick, Skoda, Mercedes-Benz, Citroën, and Smart with phones by manufacturers including Apple, HTC, Samsung, and Sony.[58] [59]

Tesla and Rivian's infotainment systems notably exclude support for CarPlay and Android Auto. [60]

Huawei's HiCar has similar implementation used for Huawei EMUI Android and HarmonyOS smartphones with various domestic and international car partners.[61]

Phaseout by General Motors

In April 2023, General Motors announced that it would gradually stop including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in its electric vehicles so that it could collect and monetize more driver data and deliver a better user experience.[62] For instance, GM executive Scott Miller said, company-made software could warm up the electric automobile's battery before driving, something Apple software cannot do. The company said drivers would still be able to connect smartphones to their car with Bluetooth.

The announcement was widely panned by consumers; the Detroit Free Press reported that some longtime GM customers said the lack of CarPlay would lead them to look at buying a Ford vehicle instead.[63] [64] The move was widely interpreted by the press as promoting its partnership with Google and cutting off revenue streams to Apple at the expense of its customers. Some noted that the move would severely inhibit customers' data privacy.[65] [66] [67] [68]

Ford, a GM rival, announced that its vehicles would continue to offer CarPlay. Ford noted that GM's announcement meant that Ford's inclusion of CarPlay further distinguished itself among EV manufacturers because Tesla and Rivian have historically not included CarPlay.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: iOS - CarPlay - Available Models . November 6, 2023 . Apple . en-US.
  2. Web site: CarPlay. Apple. November 16, 2015.
  3. Web site: March 17, 2023 . Apple CarPlay vs Android Auto: Smartphone mirroring showdown . May 27, 2023 . Drive . en-AU.
  4. Web site: Kingsley-Hughes . Adrian . February 20, 2023 . How to add wireless Apple CarPlay to your car . May 27, 2023 . ZDNET . en.
  5. Web site: CarPlay - Apple Developer. Apple. November 5, 2015.
  6. Web site: MPPlayableContentManager Class Reference. Apple. November 5, 2015.
  7. Web site: Everything new coming to CarPlay with iOS 14. June 28, 2020. AppleInsider. June 24, 2020 . en.
  8. Web site: Control the location information you share on iPhone . November 7, 2023 . Apple Support . en.
  9. Web site: JVC's first Apple CarPlay receiver is now available. Singleton. Micah. July 2016 . July 16, 2016.
  10. Web site: Hall. Zac. May 4, 2020. Review: This adapter turns standard CarPlay into Wireless CarPlay, and somehow it actually works. June 28, 2020. 9to5Mac. en-US.
  11. http://www.mercupgrades.com/manuals/navigation/USA-COMAND-NTG2.5-MY10-manual.pdf Operator's Manual
  12. Web site: BMW supports iPod Out by Apple. YouTube. December 28, 2015.
  13. Web site: iOS 4's hidden "iPod Out" feature brings iPhone support to your car without the messy third party UI. TechCrunch. Greg. Kumparak. July 13, 2010 . December 28, 2015.
  14. Web site: CarPlay: The present and future of Apple automotive . Rene . Ritchie . February 19, 2015 . iMore.
  15. WWDC 2013 Keynote. Cue, Eddy; Cook, Tim; Federighi, Craig; Ive, Jony. 1:43:28. June 10, 2013. Apple. Moscone West, San Francisco, California. etal.
  16. Web site: Organizational strife said to bedevil Apple's iOS in the Car initiative. AppleInsider. Shane. Cole. January 28, 2014. January 28, 2014.
  17. Web site: Apple unveils CarPlay iPhone system at Geneva show. BBC News. BBC. March 4, 2014. April 22, 2014.
  18. Web site: Apple CarPlay debuts with Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo. The Guardian. Stuart. Dredge. March 3, 2014. April 22, 2014.
  19. Web site: June 6, 2022 . Apple Announces Multi-Display CarPlay With Integrated Speedometer, Climate Controls, and More . July 17, 2023 . MacRumors . en.
  20. Web site: April 14, 2023 . All-New Apple CarPlay Launching This Year Starting With These 14 Automakers . July 17, 2023 . MacRumors . en.
  21. Web site: Brian . Matt . June 10, 2013 . Apple announces 'iOS in the Car,' offers access to Maps, messages, and more . July 17, 2023 . The Verge . en-US.
  22. Web site: Neff . John . June 12, 2013 . Why BMW doesn't plan to integrate Apple's iOS in the Car [UPDATE] ]. June 27, 2013 . Autoblog.
  23. Web site: Slivka . Eric . November 26, 2013 . Siri Eyes Free Now Available for Select Honda and Acura Vehicles, Deeper Integration Coming Soon . December 12, 2013 . MacRumors.
  24. Web site: Slivka . Eric . December 3, 2013 . Honda Boosts iOS Car Integration with New HondaLink Services for 2014 Civic, 2015 Fit . December 12, 2013 . MacRumors.
  25. Web site: Apple Rolls Out CarPlay Giving Drivers a Smarter, Safer & More Fun Way to Use iPhone in the Car . July 17, 2023 . Apple Newsroom . en-US.
  26. Web site: Lynn . Walford . September 2014 . Ferrari wins iPhone race 1st CarPlay Connected Car . September 12, 2014 . Auto Connected Car . Aproprose.
  27. Web site: Hyundai expects CarPlay to be available in Sonata by end of quarter . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20150221031908/http://applecarplayforum.com/hyundai-expects-carplay-to-be-available-in-sonata-by-end-of-quarter/ . February 21, 2015 . February 21, 2015 . Apple Carplay News and Owners Group . Mike Szostech.
  28. Web site: Ziegler . Chris . January 5, 2015 . CarPlay and Android Auto will be in Volkswagen cars this year . July 17, 2023 . The Verge . en-US.
  29. Davies . Alex . Chevy's Taking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to the Mass Market . en-US . Wired . July 17, 2023 . 1059-1028.
  30. Web site: Honda adopts Apple CarPlay, Android Auto for 2016 Accord . July 17, 2023 . CNET . en.
  31. Web site: December 7, 2015 . Volvo brings Apple CarPlay to its XC90 crossover . January 12, 2016 . Roadshow . CNET.
  32. Web site: December 11, 2015 . Mercedes confirms Apple's CarPlay headed to select models for 2016 . July 17, 2023 . appleinsider.com.
  33. Web site: January 11, 2016 . Apple finally put together a full list of cars with CarPlay . January 12, 2016 . . Vox Media.
  34. Web site: Ziegler . Chris . January 4, 2016 . Ford is finally adding CarPlay and Android Auto to its cars . October 30, 2023 . The Verge . en.
  35. Web site: Snavely . Brent . FCA's Uconnect to adopt Apple CarPlay, Android Auto . October 30, 2023 . Detroit Free Press . en-US.
  36. Subaru Adds Eight Apps To The New 2017 Impreza Multimedia System . July 30, 2023 . www.prnewswire.com . en.
  37. Web site: June 10, 2016 . Nissan Finally Joins the Apple CarPlay Bandwagon with 2017 Maxima . July 17, 2023 . Car and Driver . en-US.
  38. Web site: September 6, 2016 . BMW will start offering Apple's CarPlay as a standalone service . July 17, 2023 . Business Insider . en-US.
  39. Web site: February 23, 2017 . Harman debuts first wireless Apple CarPlay integration, launches with BMW 5 Series sedan . July 17, 2023 . appleinsider.com.
  40. Web site: April 10, 2017 . Even Big Mercedes, Scania Trucks Getting Apple CarPlay Now . April 10, 2017 . Motor1.
  41. Web site: April 10, 2017 . Volvo's new semi trucks now have more autonomous features and Apple CarPlay . July 11, 2017 . The Verge.
  42. Web site: October 26, 2017 . Honda's 2018 Gold Wing is the first motorcycle with CarPlay . October 26, 2017 . Engadget.
  43. Web site: January 15, 2018 . 2019 Toyota Avalon . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20180204061619/http://pressroom.toyota.com/releases/attainable+premium+actualized+all+new+2019+toyota+avalon+beams+effortless+sophistication+style.htm . February 4, 2018 . February 4, 2018 . Toyota.
  44. Web site: Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ Availability for 2018 Mazda6 . July 18, 2023 . Mazda USA Newsroom.
  45. Web site: July 12, 2018 . Mazda Adds Smartphone Control to MZD Connect . Mazda.
  46. Web site: August 21, 2018 . H-D Delivers Bold Motorcycle Performance And Ride-Enhancing Technology For 2019 . Harley-Davidson . January 8, 2021 . January 20, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210120192402/https://www.harley-davidson.com/ap/en/about-us/hd-news/h-d-delivers-bold-motorcycle-performance-and-ride-enhancing-tech.html . dead .
  47. Web site: BMW will drop its Apple CarPlay fees (updated) . December 18, 2019 . Engadget . December 4, 2019 . en.
  48. News: White . Joseph . March 31, 2023 . GM plans to phase out Apple CarPlay in EVs, with Google's help . en . Reuters . July 17, 2023.
  49. Web site: October 7, 2023 . My Porsche App provides new features within Apple CarPlay® . July 24, 2023 . Porsche Newsroom . en.
  50. Web site: December 20, 2023 . First Vehicles With Next-Generation Apple CarPlay Announced Ahead of 2024 Launch . April 21, 2024 . MacRumors . en.
  51. Web site: June 8, 2015 . Apple Teases Wireless CarPlay And Automaker Apps . November 6, 2019 . TechCrunch . en-US .
  52. Web site: Hall . Zac . June 14, 2016 . CarPlay in iOS 10: Improved Apple Music, removing & rearranging apps, more . November 6, 2019 . 9to5Mac . en-US.
  53. Web site: Hall . Zac . June 13, 2019 . Hands-on with CarPlay in iOS 13: New apps, light mode, more . June 18, 2019 . 9to5Mac . en-US.
  54. Web site: August 10, 2020 . Enjoy Google Maps in Apple Car Play . August 10, 2020 . Blog.google . en-US.
  55. Web site: November 23, 2020 . Waze will soon support CarPlay's split-view dashboard mode . November 24, 2020 . The Verge . en-US.
  56. Web site: October 1, 2020 . iOS 14: All the New CarPlay Features . November 13, 2020 . iPhone Hacks #1 iPhone, iPad, iOS Blog . en-US . November 1, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201101124609/https://www.iphonehacks.com/2020/10/ios-14-carplay-features.html . dead .
  57. Web site: Bellan . Rebecca . June 5, 2023 . Aux 2.0: Apple's SharePlay lets everyone queue up a song in the car . July 17, 2023 . TechCrunch . en-US.
  58. Web site: MirrorLink. November 16, 2015.
  59. Web site: Members . Car Connectivity Consortium . August 9, 2018 .
  60. Web site: Staats . Noah . August 1, 2023 . The Real Reason Teslas Don't Have Apple CarPlay And Android Auto . March 21, 2024 . TopSpeed . en.
  61. Web site: Nilsson . Patricia . Liu . Qianer . White . Edward . VW talks to Huawei to boost flagging EV presence in China . Financial Times . March 30, 2024.
  62. Web site: Sozzi . Brian . April 25, 2023 . Here's why GM is dropping Apple CarPlay . May 27, 2023 . Yahoo Finance . en-US.
  63. Web site: Ford reportedly commits to Apple CarPlay 'because customers love the capability' . April 20, 2023 . Macworld . en.
  64. Web site: Adorno . José . April 14, 2023 . Ford commits to CarPlay in EVs as GM and Rivian wave adios . April 20, 2023 . BGR . en-US.
  65. Web site: Hawkins . Andrew J. . April 18, 2023 . GM thinks it can wean you off Apple CarPlay and Android Auto . April 20, 2023 . The Verge . en-US.
  66. Web site: Farrell . Nick . General Motors dumps Apple Carplay . April 20, 2023 . www.fudzilla.com . en-gb.
  67. Web site: George . Patrick . April 4, 2023 . Everybody hates GM's decision to kill Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for its EVs . April 20, 2023 . The Verge . en-US.
  68. Web site: Foote . Brett . April 19, 2023 . FORD RIVAL GM DOUBLES DOWN ON DITCHING ANDROID AUTO, CARPLAY . April 19, 2023 . Ford Authority.

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