With every iOS update, CarPlay also gets a limited number of new functions, since it is part of iOS. Do not expect extensive extra functionality under iOS 18, but only a few improvements.
Finally, Accessibility options have been added to the Settings app within CarPlay. These options give you access to three new settings such as: Color Filters, Voice Control and Sound Recognition.
Adjust silent mode
In the CarPlay settings, a section called ‘Sounds’ has been added. This menu gives you the option to set CarPlay to ignore your iPhone’s silent mode. If your iPhone is always in silent mode, you will still be able to hear messages and phone calls when it is connected to CarPlay.
This can now be adjusted via this setting. When CarPlay is started, you have the choice of ‘Do not change silent mode’, ‘Turn silent mode off’ and ‘Turn silent mode on’.
Voice control, Sound recognition and color filters
CarPlay has three new accessibility features. These features are useful for people with hearing or visual impairments.
Voice control allows you to control certain parts of CarPlay with your voice. For example, you can control the CarPlay interface and apps.
The new sound recognition function in CarPlay shows a notification on the screen when it detects a siren, for example. A useful function for users who are hard of hearing.
Color filters can change the appearance of the CarPlay screen. You can choose between black and white or accentuate certain colors. This is especially useful for people who have difficulty seeing certain types of colors. There is also an option to make text extra bold on the screen.
Minor tweaks to the Messages app
There are some minor improvements to the Messages app in CarPlay. In the list of conversations, you can now see the contact photo for all contacts. This makes it easier to identify conversations.
Your contacts’ photos will now also be visible in CarPlay when you receive notifications. You will now see the contact’s photo in a notification on the screen, just like on the iPhone.
Next generation CarPlay
The first cars with support for ‘CarPlay next generation’ will appear on the market in 2024, according to Apple.
The new version of CarPlay can communicate with the vehicle systems and can therefore display driving information on the screens. Think of the speed, tachometer, etc. In addition, it is possible to operate the audio and air conditioning system via CarPlay, Siri can also be used for this. CarPlay can be optimized for each vehicle with brand-specific options and supports the unique screen shapes and layouts that can now be found in new cars.
It is not yet clear which car brands will support the new features of the renewed CarPlay. It is likely that this will initially only be the luxury brands such as Aston Martin (DB12) and Porsche.