Apple’s Next-Generation CarPlay: Industry Skepticism and New Design Approach
For two years, Apple has been promoting its next-generation CarPlay, designed to unify interfaces across all car screens, including the instrument cluster. However, only Aston Martin and Porsche have committed to integrating the system, and even they have not provided specific release dates.
Industry Skepticism
The broader automotive industry has responded coolly to the next-gen CarPlay. Many car executives express reluctance to allow Apple to mediate their relationship with customers. Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius encapsulated this sentiment by stating that while CarPlay is welcome for some functions, relinquishing the entire cockpit interface to Apple is out of the question.
Apple’s Adaptation
In response to this skepticism, Apple has detailed its next-gen CarPlay architecture and design at WWDC 2024, emphasizing that automakers will retain significant control over the system’s look and functionality. Automakers can use their own interfaces for various features through a “punch-through UI,” positioning CarPlay more as a design toolkit rather than a comprehensive interface overhaul.
How CarPlay Works
Currently, CarPlay functions as an additional display for your phone, streaming a video feed to the car. Integrating more complex features like speedometers and climate controls requires CarPlay to collect and display car data in real-time, as well as control certain features directly. The new CarPlay divides tasks into layers: some run on the iPhone, while others run on the car itself to ensure stability even if the phone disconnects, a notable concern given the new system only supports wireless connections.
- Overlay UI: Handles basic functions like turn signals and the odometer, entirely controlled by the car and not modifiable by Apple.
- Local UI: Manages dynamic elements like the speedometer and tachometer, customizable by automakers in terms of style and layout but limited to Apple’s San Francisco font.
- Remote UI: Runs on the phone, covering features like maps and music, and can extend to any screen in the car.
- Punch-Through UI: Allows automakers to integrate their existing systems, such as backup cameras and advanced driver-assistance features, directly into CarPlay.
Customization and Control
Apple aims for CarPlay to load instantly when the driver opens the door, with local UI elements pre-loaded from the phone during pairing. Automakers can update the look and functionality over time. This approach grants them flexibility but also risks creating a disjointed user experience if not managed carefully.
Challenges and Prospects
Despite the flexibility offered, connectivity issues remain a major challenge, particularly with the shift to wireless-only connections. Apple’s Tanya Kancheva emphasized the importance of stable and high-performance wireless connections, as connectivity problems are common with the current CarPlay.
Apple’s concessions to automakers, allowing extensive customization and integration of existing interfaces, could accelerate adoption. However, the mixed integration of Apple’s and automakers’ interfaces might lead to a fragmented user experience.
No physical demonstrations of the next-gen CarPlay have been seen yet; only renders have been shown. The real test will come with the release of vehicles from Porsche and Aston Martin, potentially influencing other manufacturers to adopt the system.
