Hands on with the new iOS 15 CarPlay features
It didn't get much stage time during WWDC, but CarPlay is still adding features in the fall as part of iOS 15. Here are some of the new features you can expect.
CarPlay in iOS 15
CarKey was originally introduced with iOS 14, but worked on iOS 13 as well.
It will require support from car manufacturers, and so far, BMW is the first partner announced.
Focus in iOS 15
Focus is an entirely new feature within iOS 15, but driving is a subset by itself. With Focus, you can set custom notifications based on your task -- be it driving, sleeping, working, or personal time. This will replace Do Not Disturb While Driving we had before.
Focus while driving settings in iOS 15
Users can have Driving Focus turn on or off automatically when you connect to your car's Bluetooth, manually, or when CarPlay is active.
Each Focus, including the driving category, can restrict which notifications come in. For example, while driving, I only want my wife to be able to contact me, and I only want my security or smart home apps to be able to send notifications.
Wallpapers in iOS 15
Each of these wallpapers has both a dark and light version. CarPlay can automatically switch between the light and dark modes based on time of day, or you can always keep it sporting the dark aesthetic.
Siri gets better in iOS 15
Apple says this will be coming later this year in a subsequent iOS 15 update.
Similarly, Apple is also saying that the revamped Maps experience will be arriving after the iOS 15 launch. The new Maps app will have much more detail than it does now. "Explore cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, and London with unprecedented detail for elevation, roads, trees, buildings, landmarks, and more" is how Apple describes it.
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CarPlay in iOS 15
iOS 15 CarPlay - Car keys
For iOS 15, Apple is improving the capabilities of virtual car keys. CarKey can now utilize Apple's ultra-wideband U1 chip found on recent devices. This exact spatial awareness ensures that the car can never be started without your phone in the vehicle and that you will never lock your doors with your phone inside.
CarKey was originally introduced with iOS 14, but worked on iOS 13 as well.
It will require support from car manufacturers, and so far, BMW is the first partner announced.
iOS 15 CarPlay - Driving Focus
Focus in iOS 15
Focus is an entirely new feature within iOS 15, but driving is a subset by itself. With Focus, you can set custom notifications based on your task -- be it driving, sleeping, working, or personal time. This will replace Do Not Disturb While Driving we had before.
Focus while driving settings in iOS 15
Users can have Driving Focus turn on or off automatically when you connect to your car's Bluetooth, manually, or when CarPlay is active.
Each Focus, including the driving category, can restrict which notifications come in. For example, while driving, I only want my wife to be able to contact me, and I only want my security or smart home apps to be able to send notifications.
iOS 15 CarPlay - Wallpapers
Apple is bundling four new wallpapers as part of iOS 15 for CarPlay. All four look similar to the default background for iOS 15 found on iPhone and iPad.Wallpapers in iOS 15
Each of these wallpapers has both a dark and light version. CarPlay can automatically switch between the light and dark modes based on time of day, or you can always keep it sporting the dark aesthetic.
iOS 15 CarPlay - Other new features
Some features Apple won't have ready in time for the initial iOS 15 release. One of those features is the ability for Siri to announce your messages as they arrive. This feature also works with AirPods and reduces the need for drivers to interact with their infotainment system while on the road. Users are able to listen to Siri and respond entirely hands-free.Siri gets better in iOS 15
Apple says this will be coming later this year in a subsequent iOS 15 update.
Similarly, Apple is also saying that the revamped Maps experience will be arriving after the iOS 15 launch. The new Maps app will have much more detail than it does now. "Explore cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, and London with unprecedented detail for elevation, roads, trees, buildings, landmarks, and more" is how Apple describes it.
Coming this fall
Apple is set to release iOS 15 to the masses this fall as a free software update for iPhone users. The changes in CarPlay are just a small subset of countless new features that will be making their debut.Follow all the details of WWDC 2021 with the comprehensive AppleInsider coverage of the whole week-long event from June 7 through June 11, including details of all the new launches and updates.
Stay on top of all Apple news right from your HomePod. Say, "Hey, Siri, play AppleInsider," and you'll get latest AppleInsider Podcast. Or ask your HomePod mini for "AppleInsider Daily" instead and you'll hear a fast update direct from our news team. And, if you're interested in Apple-centric home automation, say "Hey, Siri, play HomeKit Insider," and you'll be listening to our newest specialized podcast in moments.
Comments
That’s not to say there are not bug fixes to head units or car infotainment units. For that you have to go to that company’s support site. Rarely an update is needed to be compatible with the new iOS.
Unless you are worried about security on something like this:
https://www.wired.com/2015/07/hackers-remotely-kill-jeep-highway/
As far as these updates go, they all seem pretty minor. New Backgrounds? Meh. Siri announcing messages? Nice I guess, but a short tone is effective and less intrusive. The real improvements with carplay will come with improvements to maps, etc.
Apple could very well have OEM initiatives going on behind the scenes. Idk. I can only speak to what they've announced: phone based CarPllay improvements. Yay, I guess. I just feel like their efforts would be better served at the integrated level of automobiles instead of as a 3rd party overlay.
Again, what's obvious is trying to apply generic "Apple logic" isn't really apropos in this instance.
You got a tough job under the spot light where everybody's a critic. Thanks for the response. I thought it was an Apple band and was hoping it hadn't started wearing so quickly. It's also why I stick to the basic Sport Band -- I do enough running and sweating that I doubt most bands could deal with it and not have to be cleaned pretty frequently.