×
Photo via Apple Inc.Next

Apple’s CarPlay 2 Will Change How You Drive — Here’s Why It’s Worth the Wait

90% reliable
11 mins
106.15K views
Apple
  • CarPlay 2 is about to control more than just your tunes—think speedometer and fuel gauges, too.
  • Full wireless integration is coming in 2024, but will CarPlay 2’s connection hold up?
  • Spatial Audio on the road? CarPlay 2 promises next-level sound... if you can wait for it.

Apple first previewed its next-generation CarPlay system at WWDC 2022, alongside iOS 16. Fast forward two years, and CarPlay 2 is yet to hit the market. While much remains speculative, leaks and rumors give us a glimpse into what Apple might have in store for the future of in-car software. Apple’s goal is clear: they want to extend CarPlay’s capabilities beyond infotainment and into full vehicle control.The CarPlay 2 dashboard, featuring customizable layouts that reflect each car brand's unique design.Photo via Apple Inc. // The CarPlay 2 dashboard, featuring customizable layouts that reflect each car brand's unique design.

The Future of CarPlay: A Seamless Vehicle Interface

One of the most anticipated features of the upcoming Apple CarPlay is its ability to integrate with a vehicle’s entire dashboard, controlling every aspect from the speedometer to the fuel gauge. This would allow drivers to see key information like fuel levels, tachometer readings, and temperature indicators on a unified screen. This deep integration also means car manufacturers can retain their brand identity by customizing the interface’s design.

The goal? A bespoke experience that caters to each brand’s aesthetic while maintaining Apple’s clean and user-friendly interface. Expect to see an assortment of gauge cluster designs, making it possible to select what best suits your driving style.

Expanding the Dashboard

In a significant upgrade, the new CarPlay will expand beyond just the infotainment screen, allowing seamless integration across multiple displays inside the car. Your dashboard will no longer be segmented; instead, gauges and controls will appear unified on one continuous screen. This customizability will let manufacturers adjust CarPlay to their own design preferences while delivering a cohesive look.

“CarPlay in the Driver’s Seat”

CarPlay is expanding its footprint in your car, aiming to take over control of not just entertainment but essential vehicle functions, too.Insider sources spoken to by Apple Scoop reveal.

In addition to vehicle displays, Apple CarPlay 2024 will reportedly allow users to control climate settings directly from the main screen. Adjustments like fan speed and temperature could soon be just a tap away. There will also be better integration with rear parking cameras and electric vehicle monitoring, including charge levels.

Widgets, another CarPlay staple, will be front and center in the new design. These provide at-a-glance details such as weather, trip info, and fuel economy.

A New Standard for Vehicle Control

CarPlay’s new generation will include features such as controlling HomeKit-compatible devices from the car, which means being able to adjust your home’s lights or thermostat from the driver’s seat. More significantly, CarPlay will go fully wireless, eliminating the need for an iPhone cable. However, while wireless integration is promising, it does raise questions about connection stability.

New Apps for a Connected Experience

The 2024 version of CarPlay isn’t just about redesign; it’s about enhanced functionality. Expect new apps specifically designed for vehicle control, including tools for managing paired iPhones, checking charging status, adjusting climate settings, and even monitoring tire pressure.

Apple’s latest CarPlay will primarily be offered in high-end vehicles, with early adopters likely to include Audi, Ford, and Mercedes-Benz. While the new system is expected to hit select models in 2024, no official launch date has been confirmed.

The Long-Awaited Spatial Audio Support

Apple CarPlay enthusiasts have long been waiting for Spatial Audio to make its debut in vehicles. This feature, promised during the release of iOS 18, would offer a superior listening experience for vehicles with multichannel audio capabilities.

Recent reports suggest that Spatial Audio could finally be on the horizon. According to user feedback, iOS 18.0.1 is beginning to show signs of the feature’s development. One Reddit user claimed they spotted the “Spatial Audio” flag while playing a song through CarPlay, but noted it could have been a bug since it didn’t reappear for other songs. This hints that Apple might be quietly testing the feature ahead of a broader release in iOS 18.1.

A Mixed Bag of Features

While Apple has been gradually improving CarPlay, many long-requested features are still missing. Spatial Audio is one feature Apple fans are desperate to see but has yet to officially roll out. Meanwhile, iOS 18 brought only minor updates to CarPlay, such as adding contact icons in Messages and notification banners for texts.

CarPlay’s evolution seems to have stalled for now, but all eyes are on the next-generation system that Apple teased in 2022. If this new version delivers on its promises, it could revolutionize how drivers interact with their vehicles. However, given the delay in its release, CarPlay 2 may not arrive until well into 2024, potentially with no meaningful impact before 2025.CarPlay 2 will offer wireless integration, removing the need for any physical connection to your iPhone.Photo via MacRumors // CarPlay 2 will offer wireless integration, removing the need for any physical connection to your iPhone.


Key Takeaways:

  1. Expanded Dashboard Control: Next-gen CarPlay will integrate with vehicle gauges like the speedometer and odometer, offering a seamless, fully customizable interface.
  2. Wireless Connection: Apple is ditching cables for a fully wireless experience, though concerns about stability remain.
  3. Spatial Audio Coming Soon: iOS 18.1 could finally bring the highly anticipated Spatial Audio support to CarPlay.
  4. High-End Models First: Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Ford are expected to be among the first to roll out vehicles with the new CarPlay system in 2024.

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 11th October, 2024.
Flynn Lo Faro

Flynn Lo Faro

Team Leader / Editor-in-Chief

Flynn has been covering technology for over a decade, with a deep focus on all things Apple. As the Editor-in-Chief of Apple Scoop, Flynn ensures the team delivers the most accurate and up-to-date information on Apple news, rumors, and product releases. His passion for tech journalism and editorial expertise guide the site’s vision and maintain its high standards.

Flynn'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