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iOS 17.4 CarPlay 2.0 features explained

Last Updated on February 26, 2024
A CarPlay logo on a white background, compatible with iOS 17.4.
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With its latest iOS software update, Apple aims to make the integration of your iPhone and your car even smoother. Essentially, Apple CarPlay is an Apple standard that lets your car head unit or radio display act as a display and controller for an iOS device. With the release of iOS 17.4, Apple CarPlay 2.0 is set to revolutionize the in-car entertainment and vehicle monitoring experience. So, in this article, we’ll explore the new features and enhancements that iOS 17.4 CarPlay 2.0 brings to the dashboard. Let’s get started!

What does iOS 17.4 CarPlay 2.0 do?

The iOS 17.4 CarPlay feature, also known as CarPlay 2.0, enhances the in-car experience by internally integrating with a wider range of car systems. To put it simply, CarPlay seems to now have access to a lot more data from your car than it did previously; this means that you’ll be able to both monitor and control a larger list of in-car capabilities, from climate control to live feeds from car cameras.

Aaron Perris and Steve Moser (via MacRumors) spotted these eight new apps in the recent Apple iOS 17.4 Beta that shed light on some of the new CarPlay features that will be coming to supported CarPlay vehicles following the full iOS 17.4 launch in early March.

  • Auto Settings – This functionality allows users to manage any iPhones currently connected to their vehicle and access vehicle settings from the main screen.
  • Car Camera – Displays the live feed from the vehicle’s rear-view camera.
  • Charge – For electric vehicles, this feature will display battery level, charging status, remaining time until the battery is fully charged, and other related details.
  • Climate – This tool grants access to a vehicle’s climate controls within CarPlay, enabling adjustment of A/C or heating system settings, fan speed, heated seats, heated steering wheel, etcx.
  • Closures – This particular function shows if any of the vehicle’s doors are open, and may also indicate any vehicle warning or troubleshooting symbols.
  • Media – This capability offers access to FM and AM radio station controls within CarPlay, as well as other media apps SiriusXM and Apple Music.
  • Tire Pressure – Displays the air pressure for each of the vehicle’s tires, providing you with warnings for low pressure, high pressure, and flat tires.
  • Trips – This application shows you a range of interesting driving-based data, including the energy efficiency and fuel efficiency of your car, your average speed, and the distance you traveled on particular trips.

What’s new in Apple CarPlay 2.0 iOS 17.4?

Apple has been teasing the release of CarPlay 2.0 for quite some time now, and the anticipation has been building. As well as the list of new apps that include live feed from car cameras, tire pressure monitoring and driving data, as well as next-gen CarPlay customization, an update to the Apple Maps configuration is also coming to CarPlay 2.0. The iOS 17.4 update is bringing a ‘new instrument cluster experience’, meaning that Maps as well as other media content and info you need will now be displayed on the instrument cluster screen too – this is the screen located directly behind the steering wheel.

What cars support CarPlay 2.0?

CarPlay 2.0 is set to make its debut in select cars before the end of the year. While specific details on supported vehicles are not yet available, Porsche and Aston Martin have already confirmed their commitment to integrating CarPlay 2.0 in their upcoming models. However, when it comes to other car manufacturers, it’s expected that they will follow suit and announce their support for this new CarPlay update following its full launch. Apple has previously confirmed that over 600 models are compatible with CarPlay, and a full list can be found on the Apple website.

Conclusion

Apple CarPlay 2.0 is undoubtedly an exciting advancement in the world of in-car entertainment systems. With its expanded integration, new features, and sleek design, CarPlay 2.0 promises to enhance the driving experience for Apple enthusiasts around the world. Whether it’s controlling your car’s climate, accessing live camera feeds, or monitoring tire pressure, CarPlay 2.0 offers a seamless and intuitive interface that keeps you connected and informed. We’ll be keeping our nose to the ground to follow up on any further rumors concerning CarPlay 2.0.

Marla writes across a wide range of topics across PC Guide, including AI, PC hardware, and news on the latest tech releases. She's a passionate writer that's interested in the future of technology.