CarPlay on iOS 14 is bringing a wide variety of changes to vehicles, all through a simple update on their phones. We break down exactly what is coming to users with iOS 14 and how it will affect their daily commutes and road trips.
New with CarPlay
Apple initially promoted a simple change in CarPlay, but it will be noticed immediately. That is a quintet of new origins. Rather than getting stuck with the gloomy black or white backgrounds Apple offered before, users have five new colorful options to choose from.
Five new wallpapers in iOS 14 for CarPlay
In iOS 13, Apple brought a settings app to the CarPlay interface to make adjustments easier, such as activating Do Not Disturb While Driving or automatic mode change. That’s also where you’ll find the five new wallpapers that look like the ones in iOS 14. These wallpapers are also dynamic and adjust light to darkness based on time of day, if dark and light mode switch is enabled .
Parking, EV charging, and fast food ordering apps coming to CarPlay
New types of applications are also coming to iOS 14 CarPlay. EV charging, parking, and fast food ordering are coming to CarPlay through apps added by developers. We might see a charging station app that shows you the latest EV charger for your nearby vehicle, an app for ordering pizza on the way to the restaurant, or an app that highlights all open parking within range.
More with iOS 14
CarPlay also benefits from the iOS 14 update as a whole. So while these are not CarPlay exclusive features, CarPlay users will certainly benefit from them.
Take maps for example. Maps received a major overhaul as part of iOS 14 and CarPlay will see those depicted in the vehicle. By using Maps, users will receive red light alerts or speed up traffic cameras while driving.
Maps in iOS 14 CarPlay
When navigating, electric vehicle users will have navigation routes that have EV charging stations. Maps will know what EV you have, so it will only show compatible chargers along your route. Keeping this in mind should ease any range tension you may have during a new trip.
In areas that are heavily congested and may have restrictions, such as Paris, these restricted zones will be noted and diverted.
Then there is Siri. Siri has an updated look when invoked through CarPlay, mimicking the new look on iPhone. It looks sleeker and more defined as it appears in the middle of the screen.
Sending voice messages with Siri on iOS 14 CarPlay
Siri also has new tricks. Siri can now send voice messages. Just like in the Messages app, if you ask Siri to send a voice message, a new user interface will appear asking you what it means. Siri will record your message before sending it on its way. At this point your recipient will hear you say your message.
Along with Maps, Siri can also send your ETA. You can submit your ETA earlier from the Maps app, but now Siri can do it for you. At the same time, Siri reminds you of privacy implications, such as sharing your iCloud email with your ETA recipient. Once shared, you can view it on Maps and stop sharing it whenever you want.
CarKey is coming
Apple also took the time during WWDC to announce CarKey. Carkey is a new way to lock, unlock, and start your car through your iPhone.
Unlocking the BMW 5 Seriers with iPhone
As demonstrated, users can tap their iPhone against the door handle to lock or unlock the vehicle, then once inside they can put their phone in the wireless charger and press the power button to start the vehicle.
Keys can also be shared, including short temporary restricted access or full access through Messages.
Apple has included iOS 14, iPadOS 14, macOS 11 Big Sur, tvOS 14 and watchOS 7 with many new features, so stay tuned for AppleInsider for all our other content related to the latest Apple updates.
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