Even as CarPlay 2 work keeps chugging along, Apple has been slowly adding new features to the existing CarPlay too. Last fall CarPlay got some Apple Intelligence enhancements, and recently Ford EV owners gained NACS routing. When iOS 18.4 arrives, there are three more new CarPlay features coming with it.
#1: Third row of app icons
One of the complicated things about CarPlay is that it needs to adapt to a wide range of vehicle infotainment systems.
Fortunately, iOS 18.4 brings a nice enhancement for vehicles that have especially large displays.
Users throughout the beta have found that on certain screen sizes, CarPlay gains a third row of app icons where it only supported two before.
This extra screen real estate for apps should pair nicely with this next CarPlay addition…
#2: Sports apps
Apple has made a new API available to app developers that will bring sports apps to CarPlay.
Starting in iOS 18.4, apps that show sports scores can integrate with CarPlay. This way, you can stay on top of how your favorite team’s doing even while in the car.
It could take some time for third-party sports apps to officially add CarPlay support, but here’s hoping we get a CarPlay update for the Apple Sports app as soon as iOS 18.4 launches to all users.
#3: Default navigation in EU
iOS 18.4 comes with a long-awaited new option for EU users: the ability to set a default navigation app.
That’s right, rather than relying on Apple Maps, users in the EU can set alternatives like Google Maps as their default.
This change should have a huge impact on the CarPlay experience.
Why? Because it means you’ll be able to tell Siri, “Take me to X” and the assistant will use your chosen navigation app to route you. Quick, seamless, and hassle-free—just like voice computing in the car should be.
CarPlay iOS 18.4 features: wrap-up
CarPlay’s latest updates may not be for everyone—if your vehicle’s display is small, and you’re outside the EU, this list shrinks very quickly—but they’re welcome nonetheless.
While we continue waiting for CarPlay 2, anything Apple can do to continue improving the existing CarPlay is a win in my book. Seen in that light, iOS 18.4 is a solid step down the right path.
What are your thoughts on iOS 18.4’s new CarPlay features? Let us know in the comments.
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