How to customize the apple carplay screen
William Clark
Updated on March 29, 2026
If you use Apple CarPlay with your iPhone, you might be wondering how to change the order of the icons on your car’s infotainment screen. The solution is buried in the Settings app—we’ll walk you through how to set it up.
At this writing, you can only customize CarPlay on your iPhone, not the touch screen in your car. This is to prevent you from having an accident because you’re messing with the touch screen. Also, you can only customize CarPlay after you link your iPhone to a vehicle that supports it.
To get started, tap the Gear icon on your iPhone to open “Settings.”
Scroll down and tap “General.”
On the next screen, tap the vehicle for which you want to configure the CarPlay display. Each vehicle listed can support its own configuration of icons. If the vehicle you want isn’t on the list (and it’s compatible with CarPlay), you’ll need to link your iPhone to it first.
Tap “Customize” in the settings for your vehicle’s make.
Next, you’ll see a long list of CarPlay-compatible apps on your iPhone. Here, you can tap and hold any app to drag it and rearrange the order. The apps on the CarPlay display in your vehicle will reflect the order in which they appear in this list.
For example, let’s say you arrange the apps as shown in the image below on your iPhone.
The CarPlay display in your vehicle would then look similar to the arrangement shown in the image below. Of course, the appearance will vary based on the screen’s size and resolution.
If you want to remove an app icon from the CarPlay display, tap the red minus sign (-) next to it in the list on your iPhone. The app will move to the area at the bottom under “More Apps.” Apps that don’t have a red minus sign can’t be removed from the CarPlay screen.
To add an app from the “More Apps” section to the CarPlay display area, tap the green plus sign (+) next to it in the list on your iPhone.
If you ever mix everything up and want to reset the arrangement of the app icons to their default state, just tap “Reset” in the upper-right corner.
When you’re done configuring, you can exit “Settings,” and your chosen icon arrangement will be set. If your iPhone is linked to your vehicle, you should see the results instantly.
Otherwise, just link your vehicle to CarPlay, and you’ll then see the new arrangement the next time you use it. Drive safely!
If you use Apple CarPlay with your iPhone, you might be wondering how to change the order of the icons on your car’s infotainment screen. The solution is buried in the Settings app—we’ll walk you through how to set it up.
At this writing, you can only customize CarPlay on your iPhone, not the touch screen in your car. This is to prevent you from having an accident because you’re messing with the touch screen. Also, you can only customize CarPlay after you link your iPhone to a vehicle that supports it.
To get started, tap the Gear icon on your iPhone to open “Settings.”
Scroll down and tap “General.”
On the next screen, tap the vehicle for which you want to configure the CarPlay display. Each vehicle listed can support its own configuration of icons. If the vehicle you want isn’t on the list (and it’s compatible with CarPlay), you’ll need to link your iPhone to it first.
Tap “Customize” in the settings for your vehicle’s make.
Next, you’ll see a long list of CarPlay-compatible apps on your iPhone. Here, you can tap and hold any app to drag it and rearrange the order. The apps on the CarPlay display in your vehicle will reflect the order in which they appear in this list.
For example, let’s say you arrange the apps as shown in the image below on your iPhone.
The CarPlay display in your vehicle would then look similar to the arrangement shown in the image below. Of course, the appearance will vary based on the screen’s size and resolution.
If you want to remove an app icon from the CarPlay display, tap the red minus sign (-) next to it in the list on your iPhone. The app will move to the area at the bottom under “More Apps.” Apps that don’t have a red minus sign can’t be removed from the CarPlay screen.
To add an app from the “More Apps” section to the CarPlay display area, tap the green plus sign (+) next to it in the list on your iPhone.
If you ever mix everything up and want to reset the arrangement of the app icons to their default state, just tap “Reset” in the upper-right corner.
When you’re done configuring, you can exit “Settings,” and your chosen icon arrangement will be set. If your iPhone is linked to your vehicle, you should see the results instantly.
Otherwise, just link your vehicle to CarPlay, and you’ll then see the new arrangement the next time you use it. Drive safely!
If you use Apple CarPlay with your iPhone, you might be wondering how to change the order of the icons on your car’s infotainment screen. The solution is buried in the Settings app—we’ll walk you through how to set it up.
At this writing, you can only customize CarPlay on your iPhone, not the touch screen in your car. This is to prevent you from having an accident because you’re messing with the touch screen. Also, you can only customize CarPlay after you link your iPhone to a vehicle that supports it.
To get started, tap the Gear icon on your iPhone to open “Settings.”
Scroll down and tap “General.”
On the next screen, tap the vehicle for which you want to configure the CarPlay display. Each vehicle listed can support its own configuration of icons. If the vehicle you want isn’t on the list (and it’s compatible with CarPlay), you’ll need to link your iPhone to it first.
Tap “Customize” in the settings for your vehicle’s make.
Next, you’ll see a long list of CarPlay-compatible apps on your iPhone. Here, you can tap and hold any app to drag it and rearrange the order. The apps on the CarPlay display in your vehicle will reflect the order in which they appear in this list.
For example, let’s say you arrange the apps as shown in the image below on your iPhone.
The CarPlay display in your vehicle would then look similar to the arrangement shown in the image below. Of course, the appearance will vary based on the screen’s size and resolution.
If you want to remove an app icon from the CarPlay display, tap the red minus sign (-) next to it in the list on your iPhone. The app will move to the area at the bottom under “More Apps.” Apps that don’t have a red minus sign can’t be removed from the CarPlay screen.
To add an app from the “More Apps” section to the CarPlay display area, tap the green plus sign (+) next to it in the list on your iPhone.
If you ever mix everything up and want to reset the arrangement of the app icons to their default state, just tap “Reset” in the upper-right corner.
When you’re done configuring, you can exit “Settings,” and your chosen icon arrangement will be set. If your iPhone is linked to your vehicle, you should see the results instantly.
Otherwise, just link your vehicle to CarPlay, and you’ll then see the new arrangement the next time you use it. Drive safely!
RELATED: What Is Apple CarPlay, and Is It Better Than Just Using a Phone in Your Car?
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Gone are the days of boring dashboards. With Apple CarPlay, you can take your vehicle’s infotainment console to another level. Access a world of apps without fumbling with your iPhone while driving.
Of course, as with everything Apple, you can expect plenty of options including the ability to make phone calls, listen to music and get GPS directions straight from your dash. Tap or click here to see what Kim has to say about CarPlay.
While these basics are handy, several other features can enhance your experience, too. Here are 10 tips and tricks to help you get the most out of Apple CarPlay.
1. Map enhancements
If you rely on Apple Maps for directions, you can now use it to view buildings like gas stations and restaurants in 3D. Tap or click here for Apple Maps tricks you have to try. You can even use it to find the nearest restroom!
Furthermore, Siri now offers more specific instructions and you can share your ETA with others right from your console.
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2. Siri controls
The voice assistant is about to make your road trips a lot easier. In addition to using Siri to read and reply to texts, the smart assistant supports several third-party apps, which eliminates the need to rely on Apple’s built-in defaults.
For example, you can ask Siri to complete a number of tasks, such as take you to a specific business using Google Maps or play music with Pandora.
3. Improved settings
Through Apple CarPlay’s Settings app, you can tweak a number of different options. You can turn features such as Siri Suggestions, Album art, and Do Not Disturb While Driving on and off.
The color scheme of CarPlay is also adjustable between the default dark mode and light mode. You can either change it manually or set the background color to adjust automatically for day or nighttime driving.
To adjust your settings, simply go to Settings, then General and tap CarPlay. Choose your connected vehicle (or set up CarPlay from here) and tap Customize. This will reveal all the apps you can use while you’re driving.
4. See what’s playing
With the Now Playing app, you can view full details on whatever audio is playing. If you currently have an audio app open, tap the audio graph icon (upper right corner) to access Now Playing. Alternatively, you can open the app from the home screen.
5. Create a radio station
Ever play a song and wish you could create a station that played nothing but similar tunes? Now you can. Any time you are listening to a song from Apple Music, you can create a radio station.
While in the Now Playing screen, click the three-dot menu to create your station.
6. Find your car
Never waste time wandering a parking lot in search of your car again. With its Show Parked Location feature, Apple CarPlay makes it easier to locate your vehicle.
To enable the feature, go into Settings and select Maps. Turn on Show Parked Location. Tap or click to learn how you never have to lose your car in a parking lot again with this clever trick.
7. Set up Do Not Disturb While Driving
Distracted driving is a huge no-no. To help you maintain focus on the road, CarPlay has an option that will prevent notifications from popping up. You can turn on the Do Not Disturb While Driving feature via the built-in controls on your console.
Go into Settings. Click Do Not Disturb While Driving and enable Activate with CarPlay. Once enabled, the feature will send an automatic reply to anyone who texts you.
8. View your calendar
Have a flurry of appointments scheduled for the day? Apple CarPlay makes it easy to keep up with your calendar. The operating system provides a multiview option that can display any upcoming engagements from your calendar.
A quick tap on an entry and you can view more information. You also have the option to initiate a phone call for your appointment if a number is attached to the event.
9. No link
With the iOS 13 update, your console no longer mirrors whatever app is open on your iPhone. Now, your passenger can open any app and it won’t affect what’s displayed on your dashboard. Tap or click to reveal nine essential iOS 13 tips and tricks you need to know.
10. Customize the screen
It’s easy to customize the screen icons in Apple CarPlay. You can hide or rearrange both default and third-party apps from the home screen. For this feature, you will need your iPhone.
Open Settings, tap General and select CarPlay. Next, tap the desired vehicle. The screen you observe is the same as is displayed on the car’s console. Press down on icons to move or hide them.
В настройках CarPlay можно изменить обои, включить режим «Не беспокоить водителя», изменить внешний вид экрана CarPlay, включить или выключить предложения на приборной панели CarPlay, а также показать или скрыть обложку альбома.
Использование режима «Не беспокоить водителя» с CarPlay
Функция «Не беспокоить водителя» помогает не отвлекаться от дороги за рулем. Когда iPhone подключен к CarPlay, уведомления и текстовые сообщения ограничиваются или для них отключается звук.
Откройте приложение «Настройки» CarPlay, используя встроенные элементы управления автомобиля.
Примечание. Если на дисплее показана приборная панель CarPlay и в списке недавних приложений слева нет приложения «Настройки», коснитесь кнопки для просмотра страниц со всеми приложениями CarPlay, включая Настройки.
Выберите функцию «Не беспокоить водителя».
Включите параметр «Активировать с CarPlay».
Когда Вы не управляете автомобилем, Вы можете выполнить описанные ниже действия в приложении «Настройки» на iPhone.
Выбрать пользователей, которым нужно отправлять автоматический ответ.
Выбор оформления CarPlay
По умолчанию в большинстве автомобилей для CarPlay установлена темное оформление. Если Вы хотите, чтобы система CarPlay автоматически переключалась между темным и светлым оформлением, выполните описанные ниже действия.
Откройте приложение «Настройки» CarPlay, используя встроенные элементы управления автомобиля.
Выберите «Всегда темное».
Темное оформление оптимизировано для использования устройств в условиях низкой освещенности, например ночью.
Изменение обоев в CarPlay
Откройте «Настройки» в CarPlay, используя встроенные элементы управления автомобиля, выберите «Обои», затем выберите один из доступных вариантов.
Показ и скрытие предложений на приборной панели CarPlay
Откройте приложение «Настройки» CarPlay, используя встроенные элементы управления автомобиля, а затем включите или выключите предложения в CarPlay.
Показ или скрытие обложки альбома
Откройте приложение «Настройки» CarPlay, используя встроенные элементы управления автомобиля, а затем включите или выключите параметр «Показывать обложку альбома».
How to Customize the Apple CarPlay Screen
If you use Apple CarPlay with your iPhone, you might be wondering how to change the order of the icons on your car’s infotainment screen. The solution is buried in the Settings app—we’ll walk you through how to set it up.
At this writing, you can only customize CarPlay on your iPhone, not the touch screen in your car. This is to prevent you from having an accident because you’re messing with the touch screen. Also, you can only customize CarPlay after you link your iPhone to a vehicle that supports it.
To get started, tap the Gear icon on your iPhone to open “Settings.”
Scroll down and tap “General.”
On the next screen, tap the vehicle for which you want to configure the CarPlay display. Each vehicle listed can support its own configuration of icons. If the vehicle you want isn’t on the list (and it’s compatible with CarPlay), you’ll need to link your iPhone to it first.
Tap “Customize” in the settings for your vehicle’s make.
Next, you’ll see a long list of CarPlay-compatible apps on your iPhone. Here, you can tap and hold any app to drag it and rearrange the order. The apps on the CarPlay display in your vehicle will reflect the order in which they appear in this list.
For example, let’s say you arrange the apps as shown in the image below on your iPhone.
The CarPlay display in your vehicle would then look similar to the arrangement shown in the image below. Of course, the appearance will vary based on the screen’s size and resolution.
If you want to remove an app icon from the CarPlay display, tap the red minus sign (-) next to it in the list on your iPhone. The app will move to the area at the bottom under “More Apps.” Apps that don’t have a red minus sign can’t be removed from the CarPlay screen.
To add an app from the “More Apps” section to the CarPlay display area, tap the green plus sign (+) next to it in the list on your iPhone.
If you ever mix everything up and want to reset the arrangement of the app icons to their default state, just tap “Reset” in the upper-right corner.
When you’re done configuring, you can exit “Settings,” and your chosen icon arrangement will be set. If your iPhone is linked to your vehicle, you should see the results instantly.
Otherwise, just link your vehicle to CarPlay, and you’ll then see the new arrangement the next time you use it. Drive safely!
Get the most out of CarPlay with these tips
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What to Know
- Download CarPlay-compatible apps on your iPhone.
- Customize the CarPlay screen in iPhone by selecting Settings >General >CarPlay.
- Select your car. Tap Customize and the plus sign (+) or minus sign (–) to add or remove apps.
This article explains how to customize CarPlay with apps and rearrange the apps on the CarPlay screen using an iPhone with iOS 14 or iOS 13. It includes a few hidden tricks.
Which Apps Come With CarPlay?
Apple’s CarPlay isn’t so much an app as it is an interface that allows you to access certain features of your iPhone through your car’s infotainment system.
CarPlay is controllable by Siri voice commands. Siri makes phone calls, reads your text messages, sends your dictated replies and adds events to your calendar. CarPlay is also designed to work with each car’s available knobs, buttons, and touch screen, and it includes an app for your car that takes you back to the home screen with a tap.
The CarPlay dashboard comes equipped with the iPhone, Music, Maps, Messages, and Calendar apps, and it supports additional apps you can opt to use with CarPlay.
One of the best parts of CarPlay is the opportunity to customize it.
Apps Compatible With CarPlay
Apple makes it easy to install apps: Select them on your iPhone, and they appear on your CarPlay screen. If you use more than eight apps, you can swipe to the next screen just as you do on your iPhone. So which apps can you install on CarPlay? Among the compatible apps are:
- Music Apps. You aren’t limited to Apple Music. CarPlay supports alternatives such as Spotify, YouTube Music, Tidal, and Amazon Music. You can listen to your music no matter where it is located. You can also stream music from Radio Disney.
- Radio Apps. Sirius XM Radio,CBS Radio, iHeartRadio, and Pandora allow you to listen to real radio stations or create your own custom radio stations. Have a favorite local station? Check to see if it has an app. Many radio stations are moving into the App Store.
- PodCast Apps. If you are addicted to podcasts, you aren’t limited to Apple’s Podcasts app. Some of the podcast player apps available are Overcast, Downcast, and Stitcher.
- News Apps. There are a few great apps for getting your news fix on your daily commute. NPR One is designed with the commuter in mind. The Stitcher podcast player does double duty as it stitches together news from several publishers, and MLB.com’s At Bat is a must-have for baseball fans.
- Audiobooks. In addition to audiobooks available through iBooks, you can also install the Audible or Audiobooks app.
- Messaging apps. Whether you prefer Apple’s Messages app or WhatsApp Messenger, CarPlay has you covered.
- Navigation. In addition to Apple Maps, you can use Waze, Google Maps, Sygic, and any of several Japanese-language navigation maps.
How to Customize the CarPlay Screen
You customize the CarPlay screen on the iPhone. It’s easy to add and remove apps, and you can do it any time on your iPhone—even when you don’t have CarPlay active. Here’s how:
Tap General.
Tap CarPlay.
Select your car for settings specific to it.
Tap Customize.
Use the plus sign (+) or minus sign (–) to add or remove apps.
Tap and drag apps to change the order they appear on the CarPlay screen.
The next time your iPhone connects with CarPlay in your car, the changes transfer.
Hidden CarPlay Tricks and Secrets
Using CarPlay is straightforward. Turning it on is as easy as connecting your iPhone with your car, and the interface is similar to your smartphone. There are a few hidden secrets buried in CarPlay you may not have run across.
CarPlay is no doubt the best way to use your iPhone when behind the wheel since you can safely drive without too many distractions. It gets even better with all the music and podcasting apps available, as well as third-party navigation apps such as Google Maps and Waze. With more apps being added to CarPlay every day, it becomes more necessary to rearrange your home screen.
CarPlay units usually have eight app icons on each home screen page, so there’s not a lot of room for your favorites apps without having to swipe — unless you have a bigger screen. Even then, a car that can display 10 apps on each screen might still need some app prioritization to get your most used apps up front and center.
For instance, if you don’t want to use Apple Maps for getting directions, you’re probably going to want to move Google Maps or Waze to the first page of the home screen and move Apple Maps back (you can’t delete Apple Maps if you were wondering). Ditto if you use a different podcasting app than Apple’s Podcast.
Reordering your home screen apps on your CarPlay display is actually pretty easy, it’s just not obvious since you don’t actually do it from the in-dash display — you do it from your iPhone — no matter if you have a factory-installed system or an aftermarket one.
Step 1: Access Your CarPlay Settings
Launch the Settings app on your iPhone, tap “General,” then tap “CarPlay.” This is the section where you can access the options for the CarPlay dashboard for any car you have connected. So under My Cars, tap the car you want to customize.
If you don’t see your car in this section, wait a minute for it to appear under the Other Cars category, where you’ll be able to add new cars. You can have multiple cars programmed with custom home screens, which is necessary because each CarPlay-compatible touchscreen is different depending on the manufacturer.
It’s worth noting that you don’t have to connect your iPhone to your car to customize the CarPlay home screen layout. You can do so at any time with a saved profile. If you rearrange apps without having it connected, it’ll update on your car’s display the next time you connect your iPhone.
Step 2: Rearrange & Delete Apps
Within the CarPlay section, you’ll be able to see all your iPhone apps that support CarPlay. To move the apps, just tap-and-hold on an app to grab it, then drag and drop it wherever you want. It’s basically just like rearranging the apps on your iPhone except you don’t have to long-press to enter customization.
You can also delete unwanted CarPlay apps by tapping on the minus sign above the apps. This only works for third-party apps; You cannot delete Apple’s stock apps like Phone, Messages or Maps.
You will also see three additional controls for CarPlay in these settings. There’s “Allow CarPlay While Locked,” “Reset,” and “Forget This Car,” which are all self-explanatory. The first lets you use CarPlay when the iPhone is locked. The second resets the layout for the vehicles CarPlay screen. The third forgets the vehicle in case you won’t be driving it anymore.
CarPlay home screen customization is very simple but very hidden, and that makes the process harder than it needs to be. One day, it’d be nice if you could access this menu directly on the CarPlay display’s screen or, at least, let you long-press on apps to enter “wiggle” edit mode like on the iPhone home screen.
Find Aftermarket Apple CarPlay Receivers: Amazon | Best Buy | Walmart
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With new digital car keys and the already seamless experience of Apple CarPlay, there are more ways than ever to take your iPhone on the road. With car keys, you can now unlock and start your car with iPhone. And CarPlay gives you the ability to safely use what you love about your iPhone while you drive.
Car keys
Unlock and start your car with your iPhone.
Beginning with select new 2021 car models, you can now unlock and start your car with iPhone. Sharing keys with friends or family is easy too. You can also create restricted profiles, perfect for new drivers. Car keys will even work for up to five hours after your iPhone battery runs out. 1
See how to unlock and
start your car with car keys
CarPlay
The ultimate copilot.
CarPlay is a smarter, safer way to use your iPhone while you drive. You can get directions, make calls, send and receive messages, and enjoy your favorite music. All on your car’s built-in display. And with iOS 14, CarPlay introduces all-new app categories and custom wallpapers for your CarPlay Dashboard.
Let your iPhone
show you the way.
The power and simplicity of Apple Maps is available in your car. CarPlay can predict where you’re going using addresses from your email, text messages, contacts, and calendars. And with a more detailed map, turn‑by‑turn spoken directions, and immersive 3D experiences, it’s easier than ever to get where you need to go. One‑tap access to your go‑to and must‑see destinations also helps you find more to see and do when you get there — whether you’re searching for points of interest, driving to a favorite restaurant, or looking for nearby gas stations.
Phone
The road is calling.
Make calls, return missed calls, and listen to voicemail. Siri can help you do all of these things. All you have to do is ask.
Messages
Reading and writing is now
listening and dictating.
You can now send audio messages with Siri on iOS and CarPlay, so you never have to look at your iPhone while driving. You can also ask Siri to share your ETA with someone from your contacts list while navigating with Apple Maps, to help keep everyone who needs to know in the know.
Music
All your music.
Beautifully arranged.
Access all your content from your Apple Music subscription and additional audio apps using your car’s built‑in controls. Search by artist, album, or song. See what’s playing and what’s up next. You can ask Siri to play your favorite song by Arcade Fire, act as your personal DJ, or stream one of more than 100,000 live radio stations.
Calendar
Stay on top of your day
when you’re on the road.
The Calendar app gives you a quick, simple view of the day ahead while you’re on the go. And if you have a meeting, you can just tap to get directions or dial in, using your car’s speakers and microphones to keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
Control with a word.
Or a touch. Or a twist.
CarPlay with Siri voice control is specially designed for driving scenarios. CarPlay also works with your car’s controls — knobs, buttons, touchpad, or touchscreen. And the apps themselves have been reimagined for the car, so you can use them while your eyes and hands stay where they belong.
To activate Siri voice control, just press and hold the voice control button on the steering wheel.
Touch
If your CarPlay-equipped vehicle has a touchscreen, you can use it to control CarPlay.
Knobs and Controls
CarPlay also works with the knobs, dials, or buttons in the car. If it controls your screen, it controls CarPlay.
Invite more apps
along for the ride.
CarPlay supports other apps on your iPhone — like your favorite audio, messaging, and voice apps, along with apps in new categories, like third-party parking, EV charging, and quick food-ordering apps. Apps developed by car manufacturers are also supported, so you can control more of your car’s features without ever leaving CarPlay. 2 You can personalize your experience by rearranging exactly how your apps appear in CarPlay through settings on your iPhone. And app developers now have access to a variety of tools and templates that enable them to provide smarter, safer ways to use iPhone in the car.
- News+
- Podcasts
- Audiobooks
- LINE
- iHeartRadio
- Tidal
- At Bat 3
- Stitcher
- CBS Radio
- Overcast
- Audiobooks.com
- Audible
- Pandora
- LiveXLive
- VOX
- NPR One
- Downcast
- Radio Disney
- Amazon
- Google Play Music
- SiriusXM Radio
Choose your favorite
navigation app.
CarPlay supports third-party navigation apps directly from the Dashboard. So you have even more choices to get where you’d like to go.
- 2GIS
- Autonavi Map 高德地图
- Baidu Map 百度地图
- Google Maps
- KakaoNavi
- NAVER Map
- NAVITIME
- Sogou Map 搜狗地图
- Sygic Car Navigation:
GPS & Maps - Tencent Map 腾讯地图
- T Map
- TomTom
- Waze
The CarPlay Lineup
Every major automobile manufacturer has partnered with us in supporting CarPlay. There are over 600 models to choose from, with more on the way. 4
Your $40,000 car is lagging behind your $700 phone
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Photo by Vjeran Pavic / The Verge
Disclaimer: Before you email me telling me I’m wrong, and that CarPlay shows up on multiple screens in your car — which a surprising number of people have done since this story was published — please read carefully! This is not about split screens, or the ability to see CarPlay on the dashboard screen and your phone at the same time. This is about multiple in-car screens displaying CarPlay simultaneously. There aren’t any cars that can do that yet. I apologize if this story was confusing. But read on!
Car owners looking to test out some of Apple CarPlay’s newest and coolest features that are rolling out with iOS 13 may have a little while longer to wait than they’d prefer.
One of the biggest changes coming to CarPlay is the ability to project your iPhone’s display on two different screens in the vehicle at the same time. Think Spotify running on your main infotainment screen while Apple Maps is displayed on the digital instrument cluster behind your steering wheel or a head-up display. “Automakers can develop CarPlay systems that show information in a second screen, such as in a cluster or HUD,” Apple says. Sounds cool, right? Well, unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be any cars on the road today that support this function — at least not yet.
The Verge reached out to 11 major automakers about the updated version of CarPlay. Most of them said their vehicles will be compatible with the updated version of CarPlay, including the ability to support various-sized screens. But none of them said they would be able to support the multiscreen feature at this time.
Here’s what they told us:
Honda: “For the Honda lineup, our cars all use single infotainment screen displays. And, iOS 13’s new CarPlay works across all of the vehicles, regardless of the size of the display in our cars. : )”
Toyota: “Yes, it will work on multiple sized screens. Additionally, we do support the new multifunction dashboard within CarPlay which can display multiple applications (map, audio, etc.) on the same screen at the same time. Currently, we do not have any vehicles with multiple screens.”
GM: “All GM vehicles that are CarPlay capable will support the iOS13 update.” Will it work on multiple screens though? “We don’t have any more details to share beyond what I already sent. Stay tuned. ”
Fiat-Chrysler: “Any FCA vehicle with CarPlay support can run it, so all of our vehicles 2017 or newer are included.” Will it work on multiple screens? “More info on that at a later date.”
Photo by Vjeran Pavic / The Verge
Hyundai: “With iOS 13 we have support for our various screen sizes, including the All-New Palisade which features a large 10.25 display (it looks great!). I just tested it out. We don’t support the displaying on both displays (instrument cluster in this example) at this time – only the Main AVN screen.”
Ford: “All CarPlay capable SYNC 3 [Ford’s brand name for its infotainment system] vehicles in the field and newly produced will be compatible with the new Apple iOS 13 interface.” What about multiple screens? “I am not aware of such an availability currently, and cannot comment on future product plans.”
Volkswagen: “Basically, iOS 13 updates to CarPlay will be shown on the OCU, even on an older gen vehicle that has App Connect.” No response to our multiple screens follow-up.
BMW: “BMW vehicles with Apple CarPlay compatibility will support the new version of Apple CarPlay in iOS13 when it is released. No vehicle update will be required.” No response to our multiple screens follow-up.
iOS 13’s best upgrade is in your car
We’re still waiting to hear back from Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari, and Volvo.
We’re already hearing some people grumbling about their car being unable to keep pace with their phone’s software upgrades, and it’s an understandable gripe. Car companies have tried to keep Apple and Google at arm’s length for years, believing they could build in-car technology that rivaled the mobile industry for its usability and functionality. Now, we’re seeing carmakers basically throw in the towel and admit that their customers prefer their phone’s interface to their car’s.
Another issue that has the auto industry dragging its heels is over-the-air (OTA) software updates. Legacy automakers have struggled to catch up to Tesla, which has long been the leader in shipping OTA updates to its customers to change everything from its advanced driver assistance system to the layout and look of its touchscreen displays. GM is the first major automaker to implement an OTA system after Tesla. Ford has also said it would start rolling out software updates for its 2020 models.
That doesn’t help Tesla owners who are hoping to use CarPlay, however, as the company doesn’t support it at all.