What You Need To Know About Apple CarPlay’s Changes After iOS 18 Update

With the release of iOS 18, Apple has introduced a slew of exciting features for iPhone users, including customizable home screens, a refreshed control center, and more advanced messaging options. But one of the most exciting areas of improvement is Apple CarPlay, which has received some useful updates that are sure to enhance your driving experience. If you’ve already updated to iOS 18 and have an iPhone 15 Pro or later, you’ll be able to enjoy these new CarPlay features right away by plugging in or connecting wirelessly to your vehicle’s display. Here’s a rundown of the top upgrades to look forward to.

Apple Intelligence (Coming Soon in iOS 18.1)

One of the biggest upcoming features is Apple Intelligence, the tech giant’s new artificial intelligence software. Although it’s not available in the initial iOS 18 update, Apple plans to roll out this AI-driven feature with iOS 18.1. Initially available in a few countries, including the U.S., Apple Intelligence will be integrated into CarPlay, potentially offering more intelligent, voice-driven interactions with your car’s display.

Refreshed Apple Maps

For fans of Apple Maps, iOS 18 brings a cleaner and more polished look to the app within CarPlay. Icons have been slightly tweaked to make them more visible, and location markers now appear crisper and more defined. These subtle changes give the map interface a sleeker appearance, offering easier navigation and better on-screen clarity, especially when you’re on the move.

Color Filters for Accessibility

If you have visual impairments or just prefer a more personalized display, CarPlay now supports color filters similar to those available on your iPhone. You can tint the entire screen with a single color or apply a greyscale filter, making the display easier to view under different conditions. This feature, combined with the option to enable bold text, enhances readability and accessibility for all drivers.

Enhanced Siri Voice Control (Coming in iOS 18.1)

Siri is also getting a boost with iOS 18.1. Apple’s voice assistant will be better optimized for driving, featuring more prominent and vibrant on-screen animations when it’s listening. Instead of just the small circle at the bottom of the screen, the entire border will pulsate, letting you know that Siri is actively engaged. This should make voice commands more intuitive and less distracting while driving, though you’ll need to wait for iOS 18.1 to enjoy this upgrade.

Streamlined Home Icon

A small but meaningful change in iOS 18 is the redesigned CarPlay home icon. Apple replaced the traditional three-line icon with a single rectangle, reminiscent of the original iPhone home button. This new home button offers a more straightforward way to return to the main CarPlay menu, and holding it down will activate Siri, adding a touch of nostalgia with modern functionality.

Messaging Contact Photos

Communicating via text while driving just got a little easier. Now, when a message comes through CarPlay, the sender’s contact photo will appear on the screen alongside their name. This small but helpful update allows for quicker identification of who’s messaging you, and Siri continues to read the messages aloud, making the interaction safer for drivers on the go.

Ping Lost Devices

If you’ve ever misplaced your AirPods or Apple Watch, the new CarPlay update has your back. With iOS 18, you can ask Siri to “Ping my AirPods” or any other Apple device linked to your Find My account. The device will emit a sound, helping you track it down. While this feature isn’t new to Apple, it’s the first time it’s been integrated directly into CarPlay, making it even easier to find lost devices from behind the wheel.

Silent Mode for Ringer Control

With CarPlay’s new Silent Mode feature, you can now silence incoming calls and notifications while in the car without silencing your phone altogether. This handy update lets you enjoy a peaceful drive while keeping your phone’s settings as they are, providing more control over your in-car experience.

Sound Recognition Notifications (Possibly in iOS 18.1)

This potentially game-changing feature will make CarPlay even more useful, especially for drivers with hearing impairments. By enabling Sound Recognition through the Accessibility settings, you can receive alerts for external sounds like car horns or sirens. The feature isn’t fully rolled out yet, but Apple is expected to launch it in iOS 18.1, and it promises to be a great addition for added awareness on the road.

New Wallpapers for Customization

Finally, iOS 18 introduces more customization options for CarPlay with a selection of new wallpapers. You can choose from four new colors and patterns to personalize your in-car display. Additionally, the light and dark mode settings will adjust the wallpaper’s gradient for better visibility depending on the time of day.

What’s Next for CarPlay?

Apple is expected to roll out even more features and improvements with iOS 18.1, expanding on the updates we’ve already seen in iOS 18. From enhanced Siri animations to the debut of Apple Intelligence, there’s plenty more to come. Keep an eye out for future updates, which will continue to make CarPlay a smarter, safer, and more customizable experience.