the future of Apple CarPlay in 4 predictions

carOS and a self-driving electric car from Apple: the future of CarPlay can be quite exciting. In this article, we’ll let our imaginations run wild and look ahead to the next steps of Apple’s driving platform.

The future of Apple CarPlay

Before we start, it is important to mention that except Apple, no one knows exactly what the future of CarPlay will look like. Thinking about this is of course possible. This article is therefore not based on concrete rumors or claims, but on logical thinking and the continuation of the steps already taken. We expect this from the future of Apple CarPlay.

1. The future is wireless …

The future is wireless, it is often said in the tech world. More and more accessories and techniques work without having to deal with cables. Consider, for example, the AirPods and wireless chargers. You can currently also use CarPlay wirelessly, although only a few cars support this option.

In all likelihood, this offer will only increase in the future and wireless CarPlay will become the standard. MagSafe, the magnetic connection that made its comeback on iPhone 12 phones, probably played a major role in this.

Currently there are already car holders with MagSafe on the market, with which you can securely and easily click your smartphone on the dashboard of your car. It is not surprising that Apple will further develop this wireless connection in the future and add extra functions.

2.… And filled with apps

It is also expected that the range of apps will grow strongly in the coming years. For the time being, the options are limited. Apple likes to stay in control and currently only allows apps that allow you to navigate, listen to music and send messages. Hands-free calling is of course also possible.

However, the potential of CarPlay goes much further. When we dream about it for a while, we see a future in which not only apps for CarPlay will be added, but also that they also become smarter. How nice would it be to have the home delivery of your favorite meal coincide with the moment you arrive?

In theory, this shouldn’t be that difficult at all. You must ensure that the navigation app communicates your estimated time of arrival to the food delivery app so that the restaurant knows exactly what time to send the delivery person out. For example, this food delivery app could be on the home screen of CarPlay, and only work when you are standing still.

3. Prelude to carOS

CarPlay is sometimes described as a car platform, but basically it is nothing more than an extension of your iPhone. Without your phone nearby, it will not work because all apps, calls and songs are played through your device. The logical next development of CarPlay is therefore that it becomes independent.

carOS, as we just call the imaginary operating system, would compete with Android Automotive. This Google platform is the spiritual successor of Android Auto, the deadly counterpart of CarPlay. Android Automotive can do everything Android Auto can do, but it is a standalone operating system.

There are several advantages to this. So you no longer need a smartphone to start it up, because Automotive is ‘ingrained’ in the car. Furthermore, the control system for the road is integrated with all kinds of car sensors. For example, when navigating, the remaining range of your electric car is taken into account.

carOS could get the same profile, although it doesn’t seem plausible. After all, Apple likes to stay in control and develops its hardware and software itself as much as possible. This is an important cultural difference with Google, which sees it as an important mission to open up its products as much as possible to individual companies, whether they make phones or cars.

4. Drive off with the Apple Car

The full development of CarPlay is therefore the Apple Car, also known as iCar. Rumors have it that Apple has been tinkering with its own all-electric car for years, but so far it’s just stories. However, the claims are becoming more and more concrete. For example, Apple would cooperate with Hyundai and take a popular frame from them, although this message was later withdrawn by the manufacturer.

The fact remains that the iPhone maker has shown serious interest in cars for years. Internally, this mysterious project would be known as Project Titan. Apple recently hired an ex-Porsche executive and invested more than $ 3 billion in Kia to produce cars. A wild rumor also claims that the first Apple car is completely autonomous and therefore does not have to be driven by a human. After all, the self-driving start-up Drive.ai was taken over in 2019 for a reason, right?

Also interesting: Apple Car: we already know this about Apple’s first car

More about CarPlay

February 2021 state iPhoned all about CarPlay. We dive into the world of Apple’s platform for on the go, list the best apps and explain what to do if the connection of CarPlay is lost. All published stories can be found on our CarPlay theme overview page, or press the links below to continue reading directly.