5 Things Apple Could Do to Improve CarPlay

CarPlay is about to be updated with a new generation that will bring a major overhaul. However, we focused on 5 things Apple can improve now

CarPlay is one of the cool features that works on an iPhone with iOS when connected to a compatible car. Its history is short and it has had some updates, although we consider that it has not yet reached its best version.. We’ve seen a few images where older models are getting the most out of what was shown at WWDC 2024. As this happens and other automakers take note of the level of customization, In this article, we compile 5 things Apple could do to improve CarPlay for everyone regardless of the compatible car.

Well-integrated CarPlay from iPhone for older cars

CarPlay is a new technology that is about to realize its true potential. This means that older car models (compatible or not) could be left without these substantial improvements. both in design and functionality. Why not integrate the best of CarPlay into the iPhone itself?

While it’s true that Apple created CarPlay to be used in a car’s entertainment or navigation system, Those in Cupertino should create a mobile CarPlay when the iPhone connects to an old car via Bluetooth or cable in which the iPhone itself is responsible for displaying an interface similar to the one we know today.

Instead of necessarily having a screen or investing in a system that can be adapted to a car, the iPhone could take on the responsibility of having CarPlay.. We know that Apple has a hard time adapting to certain situations. If iOS 18 already adapts to an era where customization is very important, why not do it with CarPlay? Just like the current system would integrate perfectly into the screen of an iPhone.

An application dedicated to driving

It is clear that the iPhone can have all the necessary information when using a service such as Apple Maps, Google Maps or Waze. Why doesn’t Apple create a dedicated driving app? Instead of opening the entire map for one of these services, It would be better to have a simple app that summarizes the information when CarPlay starts without having to open the full app. If the screen cannot be displayed, Siri should have the specific information at hand. ask something simple like: Hey Siri, where am I?

With this application a GPS speedometer could be integratedis currently integrated into Google Maps (by Waze) and the next generation of CarPlay implements a deep customization of this speed indicator. Remember that each navigation system calculates the speed based on the time it will take to travel from the starting point to the destination point.

The app reportedly showed a GPS speedometer, specific information about the current trip and other vehicle-related statistics.

Improve Apple Maps

This would be an important point to surpass Google Maps or Waze but it will not change if Apple does not intend to improve its own navigation application. There are users who are convinced to use Apple Maps because of its appearance, the real images it provides of a site, among others. One of the things it can include is the speedometer that other apps already use as well as the speed limit of where we are driving..

This detail will not be sufficient but complementary to the experience. What Apple Maps could include and would be an important point to compete with other applications is provide more specific instructions.

If you usually travel to unfamiliar places by car, Wouldn’t it be great if Apple Maps could show us a preview of traffic and turning lanes? This could help us especially when there are other cars that will perform known maneuvers that we are unaware of by default. The ideal would be if Apple could show what is coming next at all times and not just on rare occasions.

Improve the Apple Music interface

Maybe you are a Spotify user but you will notice that the interface is somewhat similar to that of the iPhone. Unfortunately, the same does not happen with Apple Music. Those in Cupertino must improve their music streaming service while we are connected to the car.

Something as simple as adding a song to a playlist from the Now Playing screen is not possible. You also can’t view more songs from an artist by tapping on their name. The Apple Music options menu that exists by default doesn’t exist in CarPlay Now Playing, forcing us to go back to perform other actions. We’re sure these and other points could be improved in Apple Music while driving..

Improving Internet Radio

At this point, Apple Music is also to blame because at Apple it is only possible to access Internet radio and dedicated apps like TuneIn from this app. It is not possible to have fixed internet radio stations. You have to search for them manually or do a long scroll in the Explore section.

When you listen to an Internet radio station, it is added to what you have recently listened to, but this is temporary.since with each new music broadcast the station disappears. A direct option could be to integrate an exclusive Apple Internet radio application only for CarPlay.

What other points would you add to make CarPlay a better entertainment and navigation system for the iPhone?

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