One key function drivers search for when shopping for a brand new automotive is whether or not it options Apple CarPlay integration. We’re nonetheless ready for the upcoming all-new design, which ought to be accessible in choose autos quickly, however Apple has continued to boost the software program.
With the latest iOS 18 launch, Apple added just a few new options to CarPlay. On this article, I’ll focus on 5 CarPlay options which have made my life simpler.
Announce Notifications assist: Announce Notifications can learn aloud your notification summaries when utilizing AirPods or CarPlay. This iOS 18 function is particularly helpful now that Apple Intelligence is offered, offering an outline of your notifications.
Let contacts monitor your journey: There are a number of methods to let somebody monitor your journey utilizing your iPhone, together with with CarPlay. When you begin a visit with Apple Maps or Google Maps in your automotive, you possibly can share your ETA on the backside of the display. Apple will recommend just a few names out of your listing of contacts, and you’ll share them utilizing a wide range of messaging apps. This may be mixed with the Verify In function in your iPhone and Apple Watch.
Set a Focus Mode: You most likely already know concerning the Focus Mode function that debuted in iOS 15. What you may not know is that you could create a Driving Focus Mode. Apple already gives a pre-made mode, however I recommend you customise it. By going to Settings, then Focus, and tapping on Driving, you possibly can resolve who can message you whereas driving. You can even personalize the expertise by deciding on a customizable iPhone Lock Display and Apple Watch watch face. Then, as soon as your iPhone connects to CarPlay, Apple mechanically permits this Focus Mode.

SharePlay: Apple enables you to collaborate with another person’s Apple Music queue utilizing SharePlay. When you begin taking part in a music, another person can faucet the SharePlay icon, seize their telephone, scan a QR code, and add songs to the queue. That is particularly helpful so that you don’t must preserve unlocking your iPhone, and even when the particular person doesn’t have an Apple Music subscription, they’ll preserve including songs so long as they’ve the Music app downloaded.
Change Wallpaper: I like that CarPlay lets me customise the background of the show. With each new CarPlay replace, Apple provides extra backgrounds. Within the Settings app in CarPlay, choose Wallpaper and select the one which fits your temper. Don’t neglect to verify again after any main software program replace, as extra choices might be accessible.