×
Photo via MacRumorsNext

11 New Apple CarPlay Features You Need to Know from iOS 18 and iOS 18.1

100% reliable
9 mins
338.17K views
Apple
  • CarPlay’s latest updates are packed with features that make driving easier and smarter—here’s what you need to know.
  • Your drive just got more personal: custom wallpapers, improved Siri, and smarter notifications are here.
  • Missed the latest CarPlay upgrades? iOS 18 and 18.1 are changing the game.

Apple CarPlay has steadily evolved over the years, bringing drivers new and enhanced features that make driving more connected and safer. The iOS 18 update and its follow-up, iOS 18.1, introduced a host of improvements, some of which you might have missed. Below, we outline the standout CarPlay features from both updates, specifying which version each came from.

New and Notable CarPlay Features:

1. Contact Photos in Messages (iOS 18) With iOS 18, Apple added contact photos next to names in the CarPlay Messages app and in notifications. This small but impactful visual update makes it easier to identify who’s messaging at a glance, enhancing safety by reducing distractions.

2. Silent Mode Controls (iOS 18) This new feature allows users to automatically enable or disable Silent Mode when connecting their iPhone to CarPlay. Found in the Settings menu, it ensures that driving interruptions are minimized and phone notifications stay silent.

3. Accessibility Enhancements: Color Filters and Bold Text (iOS 18) iOS 18 introduced Color Filters and Bold Text options for CarPlay. These features make the display more accessible to users with visual impairments or color blindness. Drivers can customize the interface for better clarity with options like grayscale and bold text.Color Filters on Apple CarPlay.Photo via 9to5Mac // Color Filters on Apple CarPlay.

4. Voice Control with Siri (iOS 18) Siri’s expanded voice control capabilities allow drivers to manage CarPlay entirely hands-free. From sending messages to adjusting navigation, this feature ensures that focus stays on the road.

5. Custom Wallpapers (iOS 18) Personalization has become a key part of CarPlay, and iOS 18 lets users select different wallpapers through the Settings app. Each major update brings new background options, so be sure to check for fresh additions.You can now set custom wallpapers on Apple CarPlay.Photo via 9to5Mac // You can now set custom wallpapers on Apple CarPlay.

6. SharePlay for Collaborative Listening (iOS 18) CarPlay now supports SharePlay, allowing passengers to contribute songs to the Apple Music queue without needing an iPhone hand-off. By scanning a QR code, even those without an Apple Music subscription can add their choices, making road trips more interactive and fun.

7. Share Your ETA (iOS 18) Drivers can now easily share their estimated time of arrival through Apple Maps or Google Maps. A simple tap on the CarPlay display suggests contacts to notify and supports various messaging platforms, adding a layer of connectivity and safety.

8. New Siri Interface (iOS 18.1) The iOS 18.1 update gave Siri a visual refresh within CarPlay. Instead of appearing as a small orb, Siri now lights up the screen with a glowing border when activated. This change creates a consistent interface across Apple devices and enhances driver awareness of when Siri is listening.The new, glowing Siri (not Apple Intelligence) on iOS 18.1.Photo via AutoEvolution // The new, glowing Siri (not Apple Intelligence) on iOS 18.1.

9. Improved Voice and Pronunciation (iOS 18.1) Siri’s voice enhancements in iOS 18.1 make speech sound more natural and expressive. This update improves the clarity of spoken directions, including the pronunciation of street names.

10. Intelligent Notification Management (iOS 18.1) The Reduce Interruptions feature, part of Apple Intelligence, allows CarPlay to filter and prioritize incoming notifications based on urgency. Located in Settings > Focus, this feature ensures that drivers receive only essential notifications while on the road, reducing distractions.

11. Sound Recognition Alerts (iOS 18.1) Sound Recognition expands to CarPlay in iOS 18.1, providing alerts for important external sounds like car horns and sirens. This feature, found under Settings > Accessibility, is especially beneficial for drivers who are hard of hearing and adds an extra layer of situational awareness for everyone.

Enhanced Driving Experience: Focus Mode and Safety

Driving Focus Mode (iOS 18) Personalize your driving experience with Driving Focus Mode. Available through Settings > Focus > Driving, this feature allows you to select who can contact you while driving and enables automatic activation of a unique iPhone lock screen or Apple Watch face when CarPlay is connected.

Conclusion

From improved accessibility options and personalization features in iOS 18 to the smarter, AI-driven enhancements of iOS 18.1, Apple continues to refine CarPlay. Whether you’re looking to streamline your notifications, enjoy more collaborative music sessions, or enhance safety with sound alerts, these updates add significant value to the in-car experience. As Apple pushes forward, CarPlay users can expect even more intuitive and helpful features on the road, especially with the upcoming introduction of CarPlay 2.

Recommended by the editors:

Thank you for visiting Apple Scoop! As a dedicated independent news organization, we strive to deliver the latest updates and in-depth journalism on everything Apple. Have insights or thoughts to share? Drop a comment below—our team actively engages with and responds to our community. Return to the home page.

Published to Apple Scoop on 2nd November, 2024.
Luke Everett

Luke Everett

Lead Technology Journalist

Luke Everett is Apple Scoop’s Lead Technology Journalist with 7 years of experience reporting on Apple hardware, software, and breaking news. Known for his investigative insights and in-depth analysis, Luke covers everything from major Apple keynotes to the latest rumors in the industry, helping readers stay ahead of the curve.

Luke's journalism More about Apple
Stories related to Apple

Apple’s iPhone 16e Is Selling Faster Than the Cheaper iPhone SE

100% reliable 9 mins

Trump Tariffs: Could Your Next iPhone Suddenly Cost More?

100% reliable 15 mins

Explained: What Is Skeuomorphism?

100% reliable 12 mins

The End of Skeuomorphism: How iOS 7 Changed UI Design

100% reliable 10 mins

Apple Drops Plans for Larger iPhone 17 Air Due to 'Bendgate' Concerns

72% reliable 8 mins

Apple’s Foldable iPhone May Cost Twice as Much as the iPhone 16 Pro Max

60% reliable 11 mins

The Apple Intelligence Scandal: Why Siri’s Future is in Jeopardy

64% reliable 12 mins

Apple Considered Removing the USB-C Port from 'iPhone 17 Air'

73% reliable 11 mins

Apple WWDC 2025 Rumors: Expect a Radical Software Overhaul for iPhone, iPad & Mac

66% reliable 9 mins

Apple R1 Chip Explained: What Is It, Why Does It Matter, and What's Next?

100% reliable 9 mins

'iPhone 17 Air' Rumored to Include These 8 New Features

70% reliable 13 mins

Apple’s C1 Modem Explained: What Is It, Why Does It Matter, and What's Next?

100% reliable 15 mins

iPhone 17 Ultra May Replace 'Pro Max' Model with 3 New Features

61% reliable 12 mins

5 New iOS 18.4 Features You Need to Know

96% reliable 11 mins

Apple's Foldable iPad Pro: Rumors, Release Date, Features, and More

57% reliable 11 mins

M4 MacBook Air: 8 New Features You Need to Know

100% reliable 12 mins

Here's Why Apple’s Slimmest iPhone May Not Be That Slim

68% reliable 9 mins

macOS 16 Rumors: Release Date, New Features, Supported Devices, and More

58% reliable 9 mins

iOS 19 Rumors: Release Date, Major Redesign, New Features, and Latest Leaks

73% reliable 9 mins

100+ Best Free Wallpapers in 2025 for iPhone and Android

100% reliable 6 mins
Recommended

Apple’s iPhone 16e Is Selling Faster Than the Cheaper iPhone SE

100% reliable 9 mins

Trump Tariffs: Could Your Next iPhone Suddenly Cost More?

100% reliable 15 mins

Explained: What Is Skeuomorphism?

100% reliable 12 mins

The End of Skeuomorphism: How iOS 7 Changed UI Design

100% reliable 10 mins

Apple Drops Plans for Larger iPhone 17 Air Due to 'Bendgate' Concerns

72% reliable 8 mins

Apple’s Foldable iPhone May Cost Twice as Much as the iPhone 16 Pro Max

60% reliable 11 mins

The Apple Intelligence Scandal: Why Siri’s Future is in Jeopardy

64% reliable 12 mins

Apple Considered Removing the USB-C Port from 'iPhone 17 Air'

73% reliable 11 mins

Apple WWDC 2025 Rumors: Expect a Radical Software Overhaul for iPhone, iPad & Mac

66% reliable 9 mins

Apple R1 Chip Explained: What Is It, Why Does It Matter, and What's Next?

100% reliable 9 mins

'iPhone 17 Air' Rumored to Include These 8 New Features

70% reliable 13 mins

Apple’s C1 Modem Explained: What Is It, Why Does It Matter, and What's Next?

100% reliable 15 mins
Apple

Apple

Microsoft

Microsoft

Google

Google

Samsung

Samsung

Meta

Meta

Wallpaper categories


iOS 18

MacBook Pro

Black

Christmas

Dark

Anime

Blue

Car

Pink

iPhone 15 Pro

Red

Apple

Gradient

iPhone

Purple

BMW

Abstract

4K

iPhone 16

Cars

Green

Apple Logo

Art

Orange

iOS

Space

Gold

iPhone 15

Nature

iPad