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Next-generation Apple CarPlay to take over vehicle instruments, infotainment from 2023

The next version of Apple CarPlay will expand from an app within your car’s infotainment screen, to a brand-new interface for all instrumentation, climate controls and entertainment functions.

Tech giant Apple has moved its closest yet to a maker of its own cars, revealing a new variant of its CarPlay system that now commands all in-car screens and functions.

Revealed overnight in initial images, the new CarPlay system moves from a static app in the car’s infotainment system to a new UI for not only infotainment, but also the car’s instrument cluster and key driver readouts.

Whereas the current CarPlay version’s infotainment functions stop at media and maps, the new CarPlay system will integrate all other controls previously forced into the car’s native system, including radio and climate controls.

The new instrument cluster shows speed, rpm, fuel level, temperature and other key metrics, and can be configured in a number of different styles, from traditional circular readouts to futuristic slide bars or a widescreen map.

A number of widgets will also be available, showing weather, music, air quality, calendar and connected home device status.

Apple says the first vehicles with the revamped CarPlay system will be “announced” in late 2023 – though whether that date refers to on-sale timing or a global reveal isn’t clear.

The system will be available on the following brands’ vehicles: Jaguar, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Nissan, Infiniti, Ford, Lincoln, Volvo, Polestar, Honda, Acura, Renault and Audi.

Mention of Volvo, Polestar, Ford and Lincoln comes as a surprise, as these brands have adopted (or plan to roll out) new infotainment systems powered by rival Google’s Android Automotive infotainment system architecture.

Volvo and Polestar vehicles currently lack Apple CarPlay of any form; though Polestar cars are set to gain it within months, with Volvo slated to follow.

It’s also unclear if the new Apple CarPlay system will be available for drivers of current CarPlay-compatible vehicles – though Apple’s wording suggests this won’t be the case (or, at least, not the full system).

The post Next-generation Apple CarPlay to take over vehicle instruments, infotainment from 2023 appeared first on Drive.