Next-generation Apple CarPlay will support vehicle instruments and infotainment from 2023

Tech giant Apple has moved its closer yet to a manufacturer of its own cars, revealing a new variant of its CarPlay system that now controls all of the car’s screens and functions.

Revealed overnight in initial images, the new CarPlay system goes from a static app in the car’s infotainment system to a new user interface for not just the infotainment, but also the car’s dashboard. and key driver displays.

While the current version of CarPlay’s infotainment features 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 displays speed, rpm, fuel level, temperature and other key metrics, and can be configured in a number of different styles, from traditional circular displays to futuristic scroll bars or a widescreen map.

A number of widgets will also be available, displaying weather, music, air quality, calendar and the status of connected home devices.

Apple says the first vehicles with the revamped CarPlay system will be “announced” in late 2023 – although that date refers to when it goes on sale or a global reveal is unclear.

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

The 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 Google’s Android Automotive infotainment system architecture.

Volvo and Polestar vehicles currently lack Apple CarPlay in any form; although Polestar cars should win it within months, Volvo should follow.

It’s also unclear whether the new Apple CarPlay system will be available to drivers of current CarPlay-enabled vehicles – although Apple’s wording suggests it won’t (or, at least, not the full system).