Apple’s iOS 18 update brings a wealth of improvements and new features to Apple CarPlay, the company’s in-car infotainment system. These enhancements aim to provide a more intuitive, visually appealing, and accessible user experience for drivers. The video below gives us a detailed look at 10 key features that iOS 18 Apple CarPlay has to offer:
1. Refreshed Siri Animation
iPhone 15 and newer users will be greeted with a revamped Siri animation in CarPlay. The updated visual design includes a screen outline, making interactions with Siri more engaging and user-friendly. This improvement enhances the overall aesthetics and usability of the virtual assistant.
2. Streamlined Home Button Functionality
iOS 18 introduces a redesigned home button icon, replacing the previous dots with a sleek square design. This change not only modernizes the look of the interface but also simplifies user interaction. Now, a long press on the home button activates Siri, providing a more efficient way to access the virtual assistant while driving.
3. Expanded Wallpaper Options
With iOS 18, CarPlay users gain access to four new wallpapers, offering greater personalization options. These wallpapers intelligently adapt to light and dark modes, ensuring a cohesive and visually pleasing interface throughout different lighting conditions. The expanded wallpaper selection allows drivers to customize their CarPlay experience according to their preferences.
4. Enhanced Apple Maps Design
Apple Maps receives a visual upgrade in iOS 18, with Points of Interest (POI) now featuring a glowing outline. This enhancement improves the readability and visibility of key locations on the map, making it easier for drivers to navigate and identify important destinations. The improved design contributes to a more user-friendly and efficient navigation experience.
5. Siri and Apple Intelligence Advancements
As part of the Apple Intelligence initiative, Siri undergoes a design enhancement in iOS 18. This update, available for iPhone 15 or newer in select countries, focuses on delivering a more seamless and intelligent user experience. The improved Siri integration in CarPlay aims to provide drivers with more accurate and contextually relevant assistance.
6. Expanded Accessibility Features
iOS 18 introduces several accessibility features to make CarPlay more inclusive and accommodating to a diverse range of users. These features include:
- Sound Recognition for car horns and sirens
- Color filters to optimize visibility
- Voice control options for hands-free interaction
By incorporating these accessibility enhancements, Apple ensures that CarPlay can be enjoyed by a wider audience, promoting equal access to technology.
7. Convenient Device Locator
With iOS 18, you can now use Siri to locate devices connected to the Find My Network directly from CarPlay. This feature proves invaluable in situations where you may have misplaced your iPhone or other Apple devices. By simply invoking Siri and requesting to find a lost device, you can quickly and easily retrieve it, saving time and reducing stress.
8. Distraction-Free Driving Mode
iOS 18 CarPlay introduces a new silent mode option that can be enabled when the system starts up. This feature helps minimize distractions while driving, allowing you to focus on the road. Additionally, the Driving Focus mode can be activated to filter out unnecessary calls and notifications, further reducing potential disruptions during your journey.
9. Call Recording Capability
Although not directly accessible through CarPlay, iOS 18 brings a new call recording feature to the iPhone. This functionality allows users to record phone conversations and save them as notes for later reference. While the feature may not be used within CarPlay itself, it provides a useful tool for those who need to document important calls.
10. Motion Sickness Mitigation
iOS 18 introduces a thoughtful feature designed to alleviate motion sickness for passengers using their iPhones while in a moving vehicle. The system intelligently adjusts the phone’s display based on the car’s movements, aiming to provide a more stable and comfortable viewing experience. This feature demonstrates Apple’s commitment to user well-being and enhancing the overall CarPlay experience. It’s important to note that the highly anticipated next-generation CarPlay, which promises full dashboard integration, is still in development. While manufacturer adoption has been limited thus far, Apple continues to work on expanding the capabilities and partnerships to bring this advanced CarPlay iteration to more vehicles in the future.
Summary
Apple’s iOS 18 brings a suite of enhancements and new features to Apple CarPlay, focusing on improving user experience, accessibility, and functionality. From the refreshed Siri animation and streamlined home button to the expanded wallpaper options and enhanced Apple Maps design, these updates demonstrate Apple’s commitment to providing a seamless and enjoyable in-car infotainment system. As Apple CarPlay continues to evolve with each iOS iteration, drivers can look forward to an increasingly intuitive and feature-rich experience on the road.
Source & Image Credit: Nick O’Leary
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