Apple has opted against updating the launch timeline for its next generation of CarPlay smartphone mirroring technology, which was originally slated to launch in 2024.
Sweeping changes and upgrades to Apple CarPlay software were expected to be rolled out last year, but the tech giant went quiet on the project and ultimately abandoned those plans.
Apple has now broken its extended silence on next-generation CarPlay in a statement provided to MacRumors, although it still remains unclear when we will see the new-and-improved version.
“The next generation of CarPlay builds on years of success and insights gained from CarPlay, delivering the best of Apple and the automaker in a deeply integrated and customisable experience,” the statement read.
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“We continue to work closely with several automakers, enabling them to showcase their unique brand and visual design philosophies in the next generation of CarPlay.
“Each car brand will share more details as they near the announcements of their models that will support the next generation of CarPlay.”
First revealed at Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) event in 2022, the next-generation CarPlay system was set to debut last year in Aston Martin and Porsche models.
It will still require an iPhone to setup and operated app-related functions, but will have access to a number of vehicle-related features like the radio and climate control, among others.
It will also extend beyond central multimedia touchscreens across to other screens, like digital instruments cluster and increasingly common passenger displays.
Apple teased the new system in a ‘coding’ video aimed at carmakers earlier this year, showing off CarPlay’s new array of layouts and features.
Among the changes is a flexible layout system that can adapt to any carmaker’s hardware configuration, and enhanced customisation to better integrate CarPlay into native infotainment screens.
New car buyers have become increasingly wedded to Apple CarPlay, which is now available in over 98 per cent of new vehicles sold in the US.
A recent consumer survey revealed around one third of consumers would refuse to buy a car that lacks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity integration.
Results from the survey, conducted by global management consulting firm McKinsey & Company and shared by Automotive News, found 30 per cent of global EV buyers and 35 per cent of global combustion car buyers consider a lack of support for third-party smartphone mirroring a deal-breaker.
