The release of iOS 18 brings a fresh wave of features to Apple users, and while much of the attention has focused on the customizable home screens and advanced messaging options, Apple CarPlay has quietly received some fantastic upgrades. If you’re an iPhone user who depends on CarPlay for your in-car experience, there are several new features to explore, especially if you’re driving a newer model like the 2024 Toyota Crown. Here’s what you need to know about the latest CarPlay updates in iOS 18 and what’s on the horizon.

A Glimpse at Apple Intelligence (Coming Soon)

One of the most anticipated additions to iOS 18.1 is the Apple Intelligence feature, which introduces AI to the CarPlay ecosystem. While not available in the initial iOS 18 rollout, Apple Intelligence promises to elevate how we interact with our in-car displays, offering smarter suggestions and improved voice controls. Currently, this feature is only set to be available in select countries, including the U.S., but it’s sure to be a game-changer once it arrives.

Sleeker Apple Maps Interface

Frequent users of Apple Maps will immediately notice a cleaner, more streamlined interface on CarPlay with iOS 18. Icons have been refined to be more visible, and the navigation markers are sharper and clearer. Whether you’re driving in the city or out on the highway, these subtle enhancements make following directions even more intuitive, helping drivers stay focused on the road.

New Color Filters for a Personalized Display

CarPlay has added new color filter options, inspired by the customization tools available on iPhones. This feature is more than just aesthetic; it’s designed to help those with visual impairments or anyone who prefers a specific color scheme. The filters can tint the entire display or apply a grayscale option for better visibility in certain lighting conditions. You can also switch on bold text for enhanced readability, making the driving experience more accessible.

Siri’s Enhanced Voice Control (Coming Soon)

Siri is about to get even more useful for drivers. With the upcoming iOS 18.1 update, Siri’s interface will feature larger, brighter on-screen animations. These new visual cues, such as a pulsating border around the display when Siri is listening, are meant to provide drivers with more confidence that their voice commands are being processed without having to take their eyes off the road. This feature is not yet available in iOS 18, but drivers can expect it soon with the next update.

Simplified Home Button for Quicker Access

A small but noticeable change is the updated home icon in CarPlay. Apple has replaced the old icon with a new rectangular design, which simplifies navigation back to the main screen. This more intuitive home button reflects Apple’s broader goal of making in-car interactions quicker and easier, allowing drivers to focus more on the road and less on navigating through CarPlay’s menus.

Messaging App Now Shows Contact Photos

One of the most practical changes to CarPlay is the addition of contact photos in the messaging app. Now, when a message appears on the CarPlay screen, you’ll see the sender’s photo alongside their name. While Siri still handles voice-to-text commands, this added visual cue offers drivers a quicker way to recognize who’s messaging, adding a layer of convenience to in-car communication.

Find Your Apple Devices via CarPlay

Misplacing your AirPods or Apple Watch has never been fun, but iOS 18 offers a solution through CarPlay. By using the familiar “Find My” feature, you can now ask Siri to locate your lost devices directly from the CarPlay interface. This feature sends out a sound through the missing device, helping you recover it without needing to pull out your phone.

Silent Mode for Uninterrupted Driving

CarPlay’s new Silent Mode feature gives drivers more control over in-car notifications. If you prefer your phone on loud but don’t want it interrupting your drive, this setting allows you to mute incoming call notifications and other alerts while keeping the rest of your phone’s functions intact. It’s a thoughtful feature for those who enjoy an undisturbed ride while staying connected.

Anticipated Sound Recognition Alerts (iOS 18.1)

In what could be a breakthrough for driver safety, CarPlay is expected to feature Sound Recognition alerts in iOS 18.1. This feature will detect nearby sounds like car horns or emergency vehicle sirens and notify the driver via a pop-up on the CarPlay screen. Ideal for drivers who are hard of hearing or for situations where external sounds might be missed, Sound Recognition aims to make driving even safer. While it’s not available yet, it’s set to be one of the key features in the iOS 18.1 update.

New Wallpapers for Added Customization

For those who like to personalize their screens, iOS 18 brings several new wallpaper options to CarPlay. You can now choose from four new colors and patterns to freshen up your display. Plus, the light and dark mode settings automatically adjust the wallpaper gradients, ensuring optimal visibility no matter the time of day.

More on the Horizon with the iOS 18.1 Update

While iOS 18 has already packed in a variety of exciting new features for CarPlay, even more is expected with the upcoming iOS 18.1 update. With the debut of Apple Intelligence and enhanced Siri voice controls, the driving experience is set to become even more streamlined and interactive. Stay tuned for these additions in the coming months as Apple continues to push the envelope in the world of connected cars.