
Whilst CarPlay 2 work retains chugging alongside, Apple has been slowly including new options to the prevailing CarPlay too. Final fall CarPlay acquired some Apple Intelligence enhancements, and just lately Ford EV homeowners gained NACS routing. Now, with iOS 18.4, there are three extra new CarPlay options that simply arrived.
#1: Third row of app icons

One of many sophisticated issues about CarPlay is that it must adapt to a variety of car infotainment methods.
Happily, iOS 18.4 brings a good enhancement for autos which have particularly giant shows.
Customers all through the beta discovered that on sure display sizes, CarPlay gained a 3rd row of app icons the place it solely supported two earlier than.
This additional display actual property for apps pairs properly with this subsequent CarPlay addition…
#2: Sports activities apps

Apple has made a brand new API accessible to app builders that can convey sports activities apps to CarPlay.
Beginning in iOS 18.4, apps that present sports activities scores can combine with CarPlay. This manner, you possibly can keep on prime of how your favourite workforce’s doing even whereas within the automotive.
It might take a while for third-party sports activities apps to formally add CarPlay help, however right here’s hoping we get a CarPlay replace for the Apple Sports activities app earlier than lengthy.
#3: Default navigation in EU

iOS 18.4 introduced a long-awaited new possibility for EU customers: the flexibility to set a default navigation app.
That’s proper, reasonably than counting on Apple Maps, customers within the EU can set alternate options like Google Maps as their default.
This variation ought to have a big impact on the CarPlay expertise.
Why? As a result of it means you’ll be capable of inform Siri, “Take me to X” and the assistant will use your chosen navigation app to route you. Fast, seamless, and hassle-free—identical to voice computing within the automotive needs to be.
CarPlay iOS 18.4 options: wrap-up
CarPlay’s newest updates will not be for everybody—in case your car’s show is small, and also you’re exterior the EU, this record shrinks in a short time—however they’re welcome nonetheless.
Whereas we proceed ready for CarPlay 2, something Apple can do to proceed enhancing the prevailing CarPlay is a win in my e book. Seen in that mild, iOS 18.4 is a strong step down the proper path.
What are your ideas on iOS 18.4’s new CarPlay options? Tell us within the feedback.
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