USB-C Reigns Supreme: CarPlay 2’s Uncertain Future

2025 Off to a Fierce Start: Who’s in the Firing Line?

The tech world is already heating up in 2025, with some companies on the brink of greatness while others are lagging behind. As we head into the year’s first week, we’re spotlighting the winners and losers, starting with two major announcements: the victory of USB-C and the mystery of Apple CarPlay 2.

Winner: USB-C

In a long-awaited move, the EU has standardized charging for mobile devices, making USB-C the sole permitted standard. This means the end of annoying proprietary charging solutions, and consumers can expect seamless compatibility across devices. Apple, which has been moving towards USB-C for the past few years, is among the winners, ditching its Lightning standard and adopting the new norm. The implications are significant, as this change will save thousands of tons of e-waste, hundreds of millions in replacement chargers, and ensure interoperability for iPhone and Android users.

Image: Airpods 4 with ANC USB-C port

Loser: Apple CarPlay 2

Apple’s CarPlay 2, once touted as a revolutionary upgrade, has gone silent. The planned launch on 2024 Aston Martin and Porsche models has come and gone, and there’s been no word from Apple on the status of this technology. This has left fans and car enthusiasts wondering if CarPlay 2 has been delayed or even canceled. If true, this would be a significant setback for the tech giant, which has struggled to find its footing in the automotive sector.

Image: Apple CarPlay on a Porsche

The lack of transparency from Apple has raised questions about the project’s future, leaving users to speculate on its fate. If CarPlay 2 is indeed delayed, Apple’s silence on the matter only adds to the mystery. For now, the world is left to wonder: what happened to Apple CarPlay 2?