Collaborating with Apple, upscale carmakers Porsche and Aston Martin previewed next-generation, more fully integrated CarPlay interfaces for upcoming models Wednesday.
Apple announced next-gen CarPlay in 2022, set to start rolling out in vehicles from more than a dozen makers by the end of 2023 and in 2024.
Porsche and Aston Martin preview next-gen Apple CarPlay interfaces
Porsche and Aston Martin showed their approaches to the updated and more fully integrated system, which Apple unveiled at WWDC22. The new system integrates more deeply with car functions such as the primary instrument cluster (speed, fuel level, etc.) and climate controls while allowing for increased personalization. And rather than surfacing only in the car’s infotainment screen, new CarPlay will commandeer all of the vehicle’s displays.
The two carmakers’ versions are distinct from one another because CarPlay will be brand-specific, according to reports in Car & Driver and Cool Hunting. For example, the wallpaper behind the gauges in the image below is specific to Porsche design.
Alan Dye, Apple’s vice president of Human Interface, described the vision behind the new CarPlay:
With the next generation of CarPlay, we partnered with automakers to design an entirely new, unified experience that enables the very best of Apple and each particular automaker. It is a blend of a user’s personal experience of iPhone paired with a celebration of the strong brand identity of each automaker. The next generation of CarPlay also introduces a driving experience that leverages the advanced capabilities of the car along with the power of iPhone. We’ve designed a complete system of controls that allows for seamless interactions between vehicle functions alongside the features of iPhone. We can’t wait for users to experience it in the future.
Porsche
Photo: Porsche and Apple
Porsche showcased its sporty driver cluster of gauges via CarPlay as well as a central infotainment cluster and even more information on the right side of the dashboard. And all of it is connected through an iPhone to the car.
“We recently brought the My Porsche app to CarPlay to provide drivers with even easier access to car functionality, and in the future we will be adding support for the next generation of CarPlay to Porsche models,” said Porsche Vice President of Style Michael Mauer. “We look forward to delivering an experience that adds the personal touch of a driver’s iPhone to the exclusivity of a Porsche.”
Aston Martin
Photo: Aston Martin and Apple
Aston Martin’s take on the new CarPlay appears a little less comprehensive than Porsche’s, in that it doesn’t extend across the whole dashboard.
“The integration of the latest state-of-the-art technology combined with a bespoke intuitive interface is paramount to creating the ultimate Aston Martin customer experience,” said Marco Mattiacci, Aston Martin’s global chief brand and commercial officer. “We look forward to sharing more as we work together with Apple to bring the next generation of CarPlay to Aston Martins in 2024.”
It’s worth noting Aston Martin did not appear on Apple’s initial list of carmakers that will use CarPlay. So one wonders if there are other changes to the list, too, which includes Acura, Audi, Ford, Honda, Infiniti, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Polestar, Porsche, Renault and Volvo.
For the most part it’s not clear yet which specific car models will feature next-gen CarPlay and exactly when that will happen, though it appears likely we will see new cars with it in 2024. Porsche did not indicate its timing, but Aston Martin said the new CarPlay is compatible with its newest infotainment system slated for 2024’s DB12 coupe and DB12 convertible.
