One key characteristic drivers search for when shopping for a brand new automobile is whether or not it options Apple CarPlay integration. We’re nonetheless ready for the upcoming all-new design, which must be obtainable in choose autos quickly, however Apple has continued to boost the software program.
With the latest iOS 18 launch, Apple added a number of 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 characteristic is particularly helpful now that Apple Intelligence is accessible, offering an summary 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 automobile, you may share your ETA on the backside of the display screen. Apple will counsel a number of names out of your record of contacts, and you may share them utilizing quite a lot of messaging apps. This may be mixed with the Examine In characteristic in your iPhone and Apple Watch.
Set a Focus Mode: You most likely already know in regards to the Focus Mode characteristic that debuted in iOS 15. What you won’t know is that you may create a Driving Focus Mode. Apple already presents a pre-made mode, however I counsel you customise it. By going to Settings, then Focus, and tapping on Driving, you may determine who can message you whereas driving. You too can personalize the expertise by deciding on a customizable iPhone Lock Display screen and Apple Watch watch face. Then, as soon as your iPhone connects to CarPlay, Apple robotically permits this Focus Mode.

SharePlay: Apple allows you to collaborate with another person’s Apple Music queue utilizing SharePlay. When you begin taking part in a track, 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 have to maintain unlocking your iPhone, and even when the particular person doesn’t have an Apple Music subscription, they’ll maintain including songs so long as they’ve the Music app downloaded.
Change Wallpaper: I really 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 overlook to test again after any main software program replace, as extra choices could possibly be obtainable.