Apple CarPlay could soon replace driver dials, climate controls and plenty more
An Apple Car has been rumoured to be on the cards for years, but for now, they’ve only been able to beat traditional car makers in one regard – infotainment.
There’s no denying Apple CarPlay is significantly easier to use than most car makers’ own systems. And now Apple has confirmed it’s going one step further – the upcoming Apple CarPlay update will allow it to take over more of your car’s key features.
The teaser above shows exactly what we’re talking about. The iOS 16 update introduces a number of updates that will allow CarPlay to take over your digital driver display. That means it’ll show your speed, fuel level, revs and lots of other key info.
In some ways, it’s to be expected. After all, the amount of new cars that now feature a digital driver display as standard has increased significantly over the last few years.
And it doesn’t stop with the driver. The update will also enable Apple CarPlay to completely take over air conditioning and climate control functions, as well as the obligatory radio and phone functions.
So, what do car makers reckon? Despite many of them spending millions on developing their own software, Apple says that it is working with lots of the biggest companies including Audi, Volvo, Ford and Honda.
It’s certainly not a bad thing for lots of car companies, as they look to cut costs and save money – instead focusing on developing the next generation of EV and hybrid technologies.
It also raises the question of whether Android Auto will soon offer a similar functionality; there’s no denying Apple’s upcoming system will be aiming to dominate the in-car tech sector and knock Android Auto off its perch.
What do you reckon? Would you let your phone run your car, or do you prefer good old-fashioned dials? Let us know in the comments below.
