If you’re a long-time CarPlay user, you probably know that Apple has barely improved the experience with its iPhone mirroring system in the last few years. CarPlay only gets updates as part of new iOS releases, as it can’t be serviced separately like a dedicated app.
One of these changes concerns the Messages app.
As many users know, CarPlay displays a popup banner when someone sends them a text. However, the notification does not include text information, only showing the sender’s name and a generic contact icon.
Starting with the upcoming iOS 18, CarPlay will display contact photos when receiving a new message in the Messages app. This means that drivers will be able to see who texted them with a glance at the screen, and we all know how important this is from a distraction perspective.
Additionally, the Messages app on CarPlay will also display contact photos, contributing to a more modern and refined experience. It’s not much, so I wouldn’t be surprised if many people don’t even notice the change.
Meanwhile, all eyes are on the new-generation CarPlay, which is still nowhere to be seen. Apple announced an upgraded CarPlay experience at WWDC 2022, promising to release the first vehicle announcements by the end of 2023. The first carmakers confirmed to adopt CarPlay 2.0 are Porsche and Aston Martin, but neither unveiled a vehicle offering the new experience.
CarPlay 2.0 will use all displays in the car, including the instrument cluster, and will access more vehicle information, including battery data. Like Google and Android Automotive, Apple will allow carmakers to customize the look and feel of the new CarPlay experience so they can retain their brand identity despite using similar software underpinnings.
Apple used this year’s WWDC to provide a closer look at the CarPlay 2.0 design system, presenting all customization options and how carmakers can personalize the experience. Apple is believed to be working with several other car manufacturers on the adoption of CarPlay 2.0, but no new names have been unveiled. However, the first cars with the new CarPlay should land by the end of this year.
Apple has so far remained tight-lipped on everything related to the debut of CarPlay 2.0. The system will continue to be powered by an iPhone, albeit it won’t be available in vehicles where the current generation is installed. Apple is expected to discuss its CarPlay plans at the iPhone 16 unveiling in September.