- iOS 18.4 Beta update adds a third row of apps in Apple CarPlay
- Not every Infotainment -System is compatible
- The update is welcome but we are still waiting for news on CarPlay 2.0
Some Apple iPhone users are already experiencing some of the admittedly smaller updates that the latest iOS 18.4 Beta update entails, including smarter priority messages using Apple Intelligence.
However, there has been a more subtle change of the Apple CarPlay experience, which has previously been announced and has only been discovered by some users by chance.
After connecting a vehicle’s infotainment system, either wirelessly or via a cable, a thread user (below) found that Apple CarPlay -App -Display now shows a third row of applications on the main screen, with three rows with four increased number of apps it can appear without having to push to reveal more.
Post by @jacecraftmiller
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Despite the fact that Apple CarPlay was introduced in March 2014, it has only really had many minor updates on what it looks like, feels and performs, apparently ignoring the fact that many modern vehicles are now coming with huge infotainment screens.
The latest update seems to tackle this problem that is scaled up in a relationship with the screen size it appears on.
That said, there is currently no news about the parameters required to enjoy the extra range of applications only that it seems to work on the larger infotainment screens, especially those with a portrait orientation.
CarPlay 2 can’t come fast enough
Apple initially said we would see a brand new version of its CarPlay system in 2024, but it suggested that the timeline has already gone and we are still waiting to see what’s coming next.
Far from just being a way to mirror a handful of apps from your iPhone, the Apple CarPlay 2 promises greater integration with all the screens found in a modern vehicle and effectively takes over everything from the digital instrument cluster to the infotainment system.
Apple revealed that it worked with Porsche and Aston Martin on a brand-specific system that would remain true to Marques’ heritage and distinct design, but would effectively form the operating system on which everything is running.
This would mean that applications and Apple user interface would be available from all the digital touch points, including the digital instrument binnacles and passenger-facing touch screens in the front and rear seats.
Porsche is undoubtedly the only car manufacturer that utilizes the power of Apple’s car manufacturer tool set and expands the Apple CarPlay offer within its vehicles so far.
Introducing more Apple functionality in its My Porsche app negates the need to leave Apple CarPlay to do things like changing the radio station, heat for cool cabin and checking vehicle mode and other settings.
But this is still a bit away from the integration levels that Apple CarPlay 2 has previously promised, and this may be part of the problem.
To take over an entire dashboard, Apple has had to work with the notorious slow car production giants, which has effectively asked for permission to access both vehicle and user data, which is probably something that older car manufacturers have not been particularly comfortable with.
