Unleash the Power of CarPlay: Everything New in iOS 18 Explained
Apple CarPlay: What’s New in iOS 18
Apple has announced that iOS 18, the latest generation of its mobile operating system, will roll out on September 16. Our team has covered the latest and greatest features in the new software release, including Apple Intelligence, a more customizable home screen, and more. But what about CarPlay? Here’s what you need to know.
Apple Intelligence
CarPlay isn’t being left out of the Apple Intelligence revolution, but you’ll still have to wait a little while to get it. No Apple Intelligence features will be available in the initial release of iOS 18. Instead, they’ll start rolling out in iOS 18.1, due out in October. The revamped Siri in CarPlay is a game-changer. Visual improvements include colorful edges around the screen when initiated, making it easier to use voice controls in the car. Additionally, Siri will be able to access personalized information to help you find details from emails, text messages, and more.
Messages App
The Messages app in CarPlay is getting a visual tweak too. In iOS 18, instead of only showing names or phone numbers, Messages will also show profile pictures. This design tweak should help make it easier to find the right contact at a glance without having to take your eyes off the road for more than a split second.
Color Filters
CarPlay is also getting a little better for those with certain visual impairments. iOS 18 will allow users to select a color filter for CarPlay, which will help those with different types of color blindness. Color filters essentially tint the entire display based on the filter you select, and there’s a grayscale option as well. Users will even be able to choose from three levels of intensity for these color filters.
Voice Control
In iOS 18, you’ll be able to navigate CarPlay without actually touching a screen. There’s a new voice control feature that allows users to navigate the CarPlay interface simply by speaking. This can help users navigate CarPlay without needing to tap a button or scroll. It’s a great way to use CarPlay completely hands-free, though it might take a little getting used to for some.
Sound Recognition
Along with new features for the visually impaired, there are some for the hearing impaired too. The new sound recognition feature essentially shows notifications for different driving-related sounds. For example, a notification could appear on the display when CarPlay detects the sound of a siren or a car honking. The notification will pop up on the screen just like any other notification.
Silent Mode
When it arrives, iOS 18 will allow CarPlay users to set default Silent Mode settings, so they can get in their car and drive without having to manually enable Silent Mode if they use it. The feature is available in the Settings app in CarPlay and lets you choose whether you want your iPhone to automatically turn Silent Mode off or on, or if you want it to simply retain whatever setting is already enabled on your phone when you connect to CarPlay.
New Information Cards
Siri is getting additional visual interface features in CarPlay as well. For certain queries, you’ll now see information cards on the display related to things like sports scores, weather, and more. It’s an interesting move, considering that the goal is usually to minimize how much you’re looking at the screen in your car, but it could be helpful when parked or for the hearing impaired, who might not be able to hear answers to their queries.
Image: Apple Intelligence update on iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Image: Message Profile Pictures in CarPlay on iOS 18
Image: Color Filters in CarPlay on iOS 18
Image: Voice Control in CarPlay on iOS 18
Image: Sound Recognition in CarPlay on iOS 18
