CarPlay

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

CarPlay
Original author(s)Apple Inc.
Developer(s)Apple Inc.
Initial releaseMarch 10, 2014; 10 years ago (2014-03-10)
Stable release
iOS 17.4.1 / March 21, 2024; 2 months ago (2024-03-21)
Operating systemiOS
PlatformiPhone
Available inSame language as the connected iPhone
TypeTelematics
Websiteapple.com/ios/carplay/

CarPlay is an Apple standard that enables a car radio or head unit to be a display and controller for an iOS device. It is available on iPhone 5 and later models running iOS 7.1 or later.

More than 800 car models support CarPlay, according to Apple.[1] Vehicle owners can add support by installing certain aftermarket vehicle audio products.[2]

Most CarPlay systems connect to iOS through USB,[2] some are wireless,[3] and wireless support can be added through aftermarket dongles.[4]

Software[edit]

Apple's CarPlay-enabled apps include:

Developers must obtain permission[5] from Apple to develop CarPlay-enabled apps.[6] Such apps fall into five categories:

  • Audio: primarily provide audio content, such as music or podcasts. Examples: Amazon Music, Audible, Google Play Music, iHeartRadio, QQ Music, Spotify, and Overcast.
  • Navigation: turn-by-turn guidance, including searching for points of interests and navigating to a destination. Examples: AutoNavi, Baidu Maps, Google Maps, ChargeFinder and Waze.
  • Automaker-made apps allow a user to control vehicle-specific features such as climate controls, gas levels, or radio via CarPlay.
  • Messaging/Voice over IP (VoIP): listen to new messages and reply using dictation in an audio-only interface. Messaging apps on CarPlay integrate with third-party Siri support (known as SiriKit), while VoIP apps integrate with the iOS calling interface using CallKit. Examples: Telegram, WhatsApp, and Zoom.
  • Food-ordering and parking-services apps.[7]

To discourage distracted driving, Siri is used extensively, providing voice turn-by-turn navigation guidance and voice-input for text messages. Newscast-style weather and stock results are announced instead of displayed.[8] Requests that bring up visual information may be blocked when the car is in gear, and most native CarPlay apps deliver audio content with minimal interaction.

CarPlay-enabled apps installed on the device appear on the CarPlay home screen unless disabled by the user. The inclusion or exclusion and order of app appearance can be changed on a per-vehicle basis.

Hardware[edit]

Most of the CarPlay software runs on the connected iPhone, and the CarPlay interface provides the audio and display connection to the car's infotainment system. CarPlay adapts to various display sizes and control interfaces for each vehicle: touch screen, rotary dials, buttons, steering-wheel controls, and hands-free microphones.

Aftermarket head units may support CarPlay or Android Auto.[2][9]

The iPhone can connect to the car through a USB cable or wirelessly in two ways: by exchanging network credentials with a supporting CarPlay receiver over Bluetooth, establishing a two-way Wi-Fi connection; or by using a dongle adapter to enable a wireless connection to the system's USB port.[10]

History[edit]

Predecessor[edit]

In 2008, one year after the release of the iPhone, Mercedes vehicles were first to sell an audio system incorporating both the iPod and iPhone, equipped with 30-pin iOS input jacks. The new 2008 Harman Kardon NTG 2.5 featured full audio streaming, syncing, charging and control integrated into the steering wheel controls, instrument panel, and head unit. Apple was working with Mercedes to develop iOS compatible audio systems into their cars first only a year after iPhone launch. With an Apple Lightning-to-30-pin adapter, iPhones/iPods remain backwards-compatible with the Harman Kardon 2.5 and later models. This is the earliest audio system specifically engineered for iPod/iPhone integration, which predated CarPlay and every other manufacturer incorporating iOS into vehicles.[11]

The concept of CarPlay was based on the iOS 4 feature called "iPod Out" which was produced through several years of joint development by Apple and the BMW Group's Technology Office USA.[12] iPod Out enabled vehicles with the necessary infrastructure to "host" the analog video and audio from a supporting iOS device while receiving inputs, such as button presses and knob rotations, from a car's infotainment system, to drive the "hosted" user interface in the vehicle's built-in display. It was announced at WWDC 2010 and first shipped in BMW Group vehicles in early 2011. The BMW and Mini option was called "PlugIn" and paved the way for the first cross-OEM platforms, introducing the concept of requiring a car-specific interface for apps (as opposed to MirrorLink's simple and insufficient mirroring of what was shown on the smartphone's screen).[13]

Development[edit]

CarPlay's codename was Stark.[14] Apple's Eddy Cue announced it as iOS in the Car at WWDC 2013.[15] In January 2014, it was reported that Apple's hardware-oriented corporate culture had led to release delays.[16] iOS in the Car was then rebranded and launched as CarPlay with significant design changes at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2014[17] with Ferrari, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo among the first car manufacturers.[18]

At WWDC 2022, Apple introduced an all-new version of CarPlay (informally known as CarPlay 2) which can control vehicle functions, access vehicle stats, and take over multiple vehicle screens completely. The projected release date from Apple for this new CarPlay is late 2024.[19] Manufacturers that are planning to adopt the new CarPlay include: Audi, Acura, Ford, Honda, Infiniti, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Polestar, Porsche, Renault, and Volvo.[20]

Timeline[edit]

June 2013: Apple introduced iOS in the Car; an early version of CarPlay that never got publicly released, at WWDC 2013.[21]

June 2013: BMW officials announced their cars would not support iOS in the Car; they later[when?] changed their minds.[22]

November 2013: Siri Eyes Free mode was offered as a dealer-installed accessory in the US to some Honda Accord and Acura RDX & ILX models.[23] In December, Honda offered additional integration, featuring new HondaLink services, on some US and Canada models of the Civic and the Fit.[24]

March 2014: Apple introduced CarPlay, which was renamed from iOS in the Car with significant design changes, at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show with automakers Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo.[25]

September 2014: A Ferrari FF was the first car with a full version of CarPlay.[26]

November 2014: Hyundai announced the Sonata sedan would be their first model with available CarPlay by the end of the first quarter of 2015.[27]

January 2015: Volkswagen announced CarPlay support would be coming later in 2015 and would be either standard or available on the majority of their 2016 model year lineup.[28]

May 2015: General Motors announced CarPlay would be available starting with 14 different 2016 model year Chevrolet vehicles.[29]

July 2015: Honda announced CarPlay would be available in their vehicles starting with the 2016 Honda Accord.[30]

December 2015: Volvo implemented CarPlay in the 2016 Volvo XC90 as their first vehicle with CarPlay support.[31]

December 2015: Mercedes-Benz confirmed that CarPlay would be available starting with select 2016 model year vehicles.[32]

January 2016: Apple released a list detailing the car models which support CarPlay.[33]

January 2016: Ford announced CarPlay would be available on all 2017 Ford/Lincoln model year vehicles equipped with the Sync 3 infotainment system.[34]

January 2016: FCA (now a part of Stellantis) announced CarPlay would be available on their UConnect infotainment system starting with select 2016 model year vehicles.[35]

March 2016: Subaru announces the beginning of CarPlay and Android Auto support starting with the 2017 Impreza. [36]

June 2016: Nissan announced CarPlay would be available in their vehicles beginning with the 2017 Nissan Maxima.[37]

September 2016: BMW adds CarPlay as a standalone option in most of their vehicles.[38]

February 2017: Harman announced the first implementation of wireless CarPlay which made its debut in the 2017 BMW 5 series.[39]

April 2017: The new generation Scania range became the first heavy duty truck in Europe to support CarPlay.[40]

July 2017: The new Volvo VNL became the first heavy duty truck in the United States to support CarPlay.[41]

October 2017: The 2018 Honda Gold Wing became the first motorcycle to support CarPlay.[42]

January 2018: Toyota, which was, up until this point, a notable holdout for Apple CarPlay, began to implement CarPlay starting with the 2019 Toyota Avalon.[43]

July 2018: Mazda began to implement CarPlay starting with the 2018 Mazda6.[44] Mazda also began offering a CarPlay retrofit to support previous vehicles that are 2014 model year or newer and are equipped with the MZD-Connect system.[45]

August 2018: Harley-Davidson CarPlay support was added to 2019 Touring models equipped with Boom! Box GTS radio.[46]

December 2019: BMW no longer requires a subscription to use CarPlay.[47]

June 2022: Apple introduced an all-new version of CarPlay at WWDC 2022 which can control vehicle functions and take over multiple vehicle screens.[19] The projected release date from Apple for the new CarPlay is late 2023.

March 2023: General Motors announced plans to phase out CarPlay support in their electric vehicles in favor of a new Android Automotive system. This CarPlay phase out will start with the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV. New GM vehicles that are not electric vehicles, as well as any GM electric vehicle model that was released before the Blazer EV, will retain CarPlay support for the time being. [48]

July 2023: Porsche announced tighter CarPlay integration with vehicle functions through the My Porsche App. These added functions include control of the vehicle’s HVAC system, ambient lighting, radio and sound controls. While having similar features, this is not yet the all-new CarPlay Apple showed at WWDC 2022.[49]

December 2023: Porsche and Aston Martin were the first automakers to preview vehicles running the next-generation of CarPlay (informally CarPlay 2), Aston Martin confirmed next-generation CarPlay will be launched sometime in 2024, starting with their DB12 sports car. Porsche did not state a timeline for their next-generation CarPlay rollout. [50]

Improvements by iOS version[edit]

  • iOS 9 added the ability to link car and iPhone wirelessly, not just a wired USB connector. It also enabled vehicle manufacturers to load apps that allow a user to control vehicle-specific features such as climate controls or radio via CarPlay.[51]
  • iOS 10's Messages app enabled the user to listen to new messages and reply using dictation in an audio-only interface.[52]
  • iOS 12 added turn-by-turn guidance, including searching for points of interests and navigating to a destination, as well as support for third-party navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze.
  • iOS 13 added Dashboard, an alternative to the app home screen, which presents a split layout of maps, media information, Calendar, or Siri Suggestions. It also added Calendar to the home screen, allowing suggested events to link towards map directions to the event location. A new Settings app enabled users to configure certain CarPlay specific settings, such as switching between light and dark modes, adjusting album art in CarPlay’s Now Playing screen, or enabling Do Not Disturb While Driving while in a CarPlay session.[53] Third-party maps may also be displayed on Dashboard starting with iOS 13.4.[54][55] It also added Apple's News app.
  • iOS 15 improved Apple Maps and Focus modes, allowing users to customize (prioritize or postpone) notification delivery, particularly while driving.
  • iOS 16 removed the confirmation process in sending a message.
  • iOS 17 added SharePlay in the Car, allowing for passengers in the vehicle to add songs to the music queue via Apple Music.[57]

Competition[edit]

The Open Automotive Alliance's Android Auto is a similar implementation used for Android devices.

Some vehicle manufacturers have their own systems for syncing the car with smartphones, for example: BMW ConnectedDrive, NissanConnect, Hyundai Blue Link, iLane, MyFord Touch, Ford SYNC, OnStar, and Toyota Entune.

General Motors has released an API to allow the development of apps which interact with vehicle software systems.

MirrorLink is a standard for car-smartphone connectivity, currently implemented in vehicles by Honda, Volkswagen, SEAT, Buick, Skoda, Mercedes-Benz, Citroën, and Smart with phones by manufacturers including Apple, HTC, Samsung, and Sony.[58][59]

Tesla's infotainment system notably excludes support for CarPlay and Android Auto. [60]

Huawei's HiCar has similar implementation used for Huawei EMUI Android and HarmonyOS smartphones with various domestic and international car partners.[61]

Phaseout by General Motors[edit]

In April 2023, General Motors announced that it would gradually stop including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in its electric vehicles so that it could collect and monetize more driver data and deliver a better user experience.[62] For instance, GM executive Scott Miller said, company-made software could warm up the electric automobile's battery before driving, something Apple software cannot do. The company said drivers would still be able to connect smartphones to their car with Bluetooth.

The announcement was widely panned by consumers; the Detroit Free Press reported that some longtime GM customers said the lack of CarPlay would lead them to look at buying a Ford vehicle instead.[63][64] The move was widely interpreted by the press as promoting its partnership with Google and cutting off revenue streams to Apple at the expense of its customers. Some noted that the move would severely inhibit customers' data privacy.[65][66][67][68]

Ford, a GM rival, announced that its vehicles would continue to offer CarPlay. Ford noted that GM's announcement meant that Ford's inclusion of CarPlay further distinguished itself among EV manufacturers because Tesla and Rivian have historically not included CarPlay.

References[edit]

  1. ^ "iOS - CarPlay - Available Models". Apple. Retrieved November 6, 2023.
  2. ^ a b c "CarPlay". Apple. Retrieved November 16, 2015.
  3. ^ "Apple CarPlay vs Android Auto: Smartphone mirroring showdown". Drive. March 17, 2023. Retrieved May 27, 2023.
  4. ^ Kingsley-Hughes, Adrian (February 20, 2023). "How to add wireless Apple CarPlay to your car". ZDNET. Retrieved May 27, 2023.
  5. ^ "CarPlay - Apple Developer". Apple. Retrieved November 5, 2015.
  6. ^ "MPPlayableContentManager Class Reference". Apple. Retrieved November 5, 2015.
  7. ^ a b "Everything new coming to CarPlay with iOS 14". AppleInsider. June 24, 2020. Retrieved June 28, 2020.
  8. ^ "Control the location information you share on iPhone". Apple Support. Retrieved November 7, 2023.
  9. ^ Singleton, Micah (July 2016). "JVC's first Apple CarPlay receiver is now available". Retrieved July 16, 2016.
  10. ^ Hall, Zac (May 4, 2020). "Review: This adapter turns standard CarPlay into Wireless CarPlay, and somehow it actually works". 9to5Mac. Retrieved June 28, 2020.
  11. ^ Operator's Manual Mercedes Benz
  12. ^ "BMW supports iPod Out by Apple". YouTube. Retrieved December 28, 2015.
  13. ^ Kumparak, Greg (July 13, 2010). "iOS 4's hidden "iPod Out" feature brings iPhone support to your car without the messy third party UI". TechCrunch. Retrieved December 28, 2015.
  14. ^ Ritchie, Rene (February 19, 2015). "CarPlay: The present and future of Apple automotive". iMore.
  15. ^ Cue, Eddy; Cook, Tim; Federighi, Craig; Ive, Jony et al. (June 10, 2013). WWDC 2013 Keynote. Moscone West, San Francisco, California: Apple. Event occurs at 1:43:28.
  16. ^ Cole, Shane (January 28, 2014). "Organizational strife said to bedevil Apple's iOS in the Car initiative". AppleInsider. Retrieved January 28, 2014.
  17. ^ "Apple unveils CarPlay iPhone system at Geneva show". BBC News. BBC. March 4, 2014. Retrieved April 22, 2014.
  18. ^ Dredge, Stuart (March 3, 2014). "Apple CarPlay debuts with Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo". The Guardian. Retrieved April 22, 2014.
  19. ^ a b "Apple Announces Multi-Display CarPlay With Integrated Speedometer, Climate Controls, and More". MacRumors. June 6, 2022. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  20. ^ "All-New Apple CarPlay Launching This Year Starting With These 14 Automakers". MacRumors. April 14, 2023. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  21. ^ Brian, Matt (June 10, 2013). "Apple announces 'iOS in the Car,' offers access to Maps, messages, and more". The Verge. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  22. ^ Neff, John (June 12, 2013). "Why BMW doesn't plan to integrate Apple's iOS in the Car [UPDATE]". Autoblog. Retrieved June 27, 2013.
  23. ^ Slivka, Eric (November 26, 2013). "Siri Eyes Free Now Available for Select Honda and Acura Vehicles, Deeper Integration Coming Soon". MacRumors. Retrieved December 12, 2013.
  24. ^ Slivka, Eric (December 3, 2013). "Honda Boosts iOS Car Integration with New HondaLink Services for 2014 Civic, 2015 Fit". MacRumors. Retrieved December 12, 2013.
  25. ^ "Apple Rolls Out CarPlay Giving Drivers a Smarter, Safer & More Fun Way to Use iPhone in the Car". Apple Newsroom. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  26. ^ Lynn, Walford (September 2014). "Ferrari wins iPhone race 1st CarPlay Connected Car". Auto Connected Car. Aproprose. Retrieved September 12, 2014.
  27. ^ "Hyundai expects CarPlay to be available in Sonata by end of quarter". Apple Carplay News and Owners Group. Mike Szostech. Archived from the original on February 21, 2015. Retrieved February 21, 2015.
  28. ^ Ziegler, Chris (January 5, 2015). "CarPlay and Android Auto will be in Volkswagen cars this year". The Verge. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  29. ^ Davies, Alex. "Chevy's Taking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to the Mass Market". Wired. ISSN 1059-1028. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  30. ^ "Honda adopts Apple CarPlay, Android Auto for 2016 Accord". CNET. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  31. ^ "Volvo brings Apple CarPlay to its XC90 crossover". Roadshow. CNET. December 7, 2015. Retrieved January 12, 2016.
  32. ^ "Mercedes confirms Apple's CarPlay headed to select models for 2016". appleinsider.com. December 11, 2015. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  33. ^ "Apple finally put together a full list of cars with CarPlay". The Verge. Vox Media. January 11, 2016. Retrieved January 12, 2016.
  34. ^ Ziegler, Chris (January 4, 2016). "Ford is finally adding CarPlay and Android Auto to its cars". The Verge. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
  35. ^ Snavely, Brent. "FCA's Uconnect to adopt Apple CarPlay, Android Auto". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
  36. ^ "Subaru Adds Eight Apps To The New 2017 Impreza Multimedia System". www.prnewswire.com (Press release). Retrieved July 30, 2023.
  37. ^ "Nissan Finally Joins the Apple CarPlay Bandwagon with 2017 Maxima". Car and Driver. June 10, 2016. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  38. ^ "BMW will start offering Apple's CarPlay as a standalone service". Business Insider. September 6, 2016. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  39. ^ "Harman debuts first wireless Apple CarPlay integration, launches with BMW 5 Series sedan". appleinsider.com. February 23, 2017. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  40. ^ "Even Big Mercedes, Scania Trucks Getting Apple CarPlay Now". Motor1. April 10, 2017. Retrieved April 10, 2017.
  41. ^ "Volvo's new semi trucks now have more autonomous features and Apple CarPlay". The Verge. April 10, 2017. Retrieved July 11, 2017.
  42. ^ "Honda's 2018 Gold Wing is the first motorcycle with CarPlay". Engadget. October 26, 2017. Retrieved October 26, 2017.
  43. ^ "2019 Toyota Avalon". Toyota. January 15, 2018. Archived from the original on February 4, 2018. Retrieved February 4, 2018.
  44. ^ "Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ Availability for 2018 Mazda6". Mazda USA Newsroom. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  45. ^ "Mazda Adds Smartphone Control to MZD Connect". Mazda. July 12, 2018.
  46. ^ "H-D Delivers Bold Motorcycle Performance And Ride-Enhancing Technology For 2019". Harley-Davidson. August 21, 2018. Archived from the original on January 20, 2021. Retrieved January 8, 2021.
  47. ^ "BMW will drop its Apple CarPlay fees (updated)". Engadget. December 4, 2019. Retrieved December 18, 2019.
  48. ^ White, Joseph (March 31, 2023). "GM plans to phase out Apple CarPlay in EVs, with Google's help". Reuters. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  49. ^ "My Porsche App provides new features within Apple CarPlay®". Porsche Newsroom. October 7, 2023. Retrieved July 24, 2023.
  50. ^ "First Vehicles With Next-Generation Apple CarPlay Announced Ahead of 2024 Launch". MacRumors. December 20, 2023. Retrieved April 21, 2024.
  51. ^ "Apple Teases Wireless CarPlay And Automaker Apps". TechCrunch. June 8, 2015. Retrieved November 6, 2019.[permanent dead link]
  52. ^ Hall, Zac (June 14, 2016). "CarPlay in iOS 10: Improved Apple Music, removing & rearranging apps, more". 9to5Mac. Retrieved November 6, 2019.
  53. ^ Hall, Zac (June 13, 2019). "Hands-on with CarPlay in iOS 13: New apps, light mode, more". 9to5Mac. Retrieved June 18, 2019.
  54. ^ "Enjoy Google Maps in Apple Car Play". Blog.google. August 10, 2020. Retrieved August 10, 2020.
  55. ^ "Waze will soon support CarPlay's split-view dashboard mode". The Verge. November 23, 2020. Retrieved November 24, 2020.
  56. ^ "iOS 14: All the New CarPlay Features". iPhone Hacks | #1 iPhone, iPad, iOS Blog. October 1, 2020. Archived from the original on November 1, 2020. Retrieved November 13, 2020.
  57. ^ Bellan, Rebecca (June 5, 2023). "Aux 2.0: Apple's SharePlay lets everyone queue up a song in the car". TechCrunch. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  58. ^ "MirrorLink". Retrieved November 16, 2015.
  59. ^ "Members". Car Connectivity Consortium. Retrieved August 9, 2018.
  60. ^ Staats, Noah (August 1, 2023). "The Real Reason Teslas Don't Have Apple CarPlay And Android Auto". TopSpeed. Retrieved March 21, 2024.
  61. ^ Nilsson, Patricia; Liu, Qianer; White, Edward. "VW talks to Huawei to boost flagging EV presence in China". Financial Times. Financial Times. Retrieved March 30, 2024.
  62. ^ Sozzi, Brian (April 25, 2023). "Here's why GM is dropping Apple CarPlay". Yahoo Finance. Retrieved May 27, 2023.
  63. ^ "Ford reportedly commits to Apple CarPlay 'because customers love the capability'". Macworld. Retrieved April 20, 2023.
  64. ^ Adorno, José (April 14, 2023). "Ford commits to CarPlay in EVs as GM and Rivian wave adios". BGR. Retrieved April 20, 2023.
  65. ^ Hawkins, Andrew J. (April 18, 2023). "GM thinks it can wean you off Apple CarPlay and Android Auto". The Verge. Retrieved April 20, 2023.
  66. ^ Farrell, Nick. "General Motors dumps Apple Carplay". www.fudzilla.com. Retrieved April 20, 2023.
  67. ^ George, Patrick (April 4, 2023). "Everybody hates GM's decision to kill Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for its EVs". The Verge. Retrieved April 20, 2023.
  68. ^ Foote, Brett (April 19, 2023). "FORD RIVAL GM DOUBLES DOWN ON DITCHING ANDROID AUTO, CARPLAY". Ford Authority. Retrieved April 19, 2023.

External links[edit]