Where Is CarPlay 2?

Apple announced its next-generation CarPlay 2 in 2022, aiming to enhance the integration of smartphones with vehicle dashboards. This new version is designed to extend CarPlay's functionality beyond the central infotainment screen to include additional displays like gauge clusters and dashboards, contingent on automakers' willingness to collaborate. However, many car manufacturers have expressed hesitance to relinquish control over their vehicle interfaces, with Mercedes-Benz notably rejecting the idea of ceding design authority to Apple. Despite the challenges, Porsche and Aston Martin have committed to working with Apple on the new CarPlay. Yet, both companies have not provided updates on the timeline for its release. Apple has indicated that the first vehicles featuring this technology are expected to debut in 2024, but with only a few months left in the year, uncertainty remains. At the WWDC conference, Apple addressed some automakers' concerns by introducing a 'punch-through UI' that allows car manufacturers to maintain control over certain interface elements, such as driver assistance visuals, even while CarPlay is active. This development suggests that Apple is attempting to find a balance between its vision for CarPlay and the needs of automakers. The new CarPlay will also require closer integration with vehicle software, enabling it to provide specific car-related information, such as tire pressure and climate settings, directly on its interface. As the launch date approaches, the collaboration between Apple and automakers will be crucial in determining the success of this innovative technology.