CarPlay will improve with the arrival de iOS 18.4, including several new features that will make navigation easier, access real-time sports information, and allow for greater customization. These updates aim to make CarPlay a most versatile and adaptable platform to the needs of users. Among the most notable changes, Apple has introduced a specific API for sports apps, which will allow you to follow events in real time while driving. A third row of icons has also been added to cars with large screens and options to choose the default navigation app, providing greater control to user.
Sports mode in CarPlay: follow your matches live
One of the main new features of iOS 18.4 for CarPlay is the integration of a sports mode, designed to display key information about live sporting events. Using the API called “CPNowPlayingModeSports,” apps will be able to display team details at the edges of the screen, accompanied by a custom background image.
This function is limited to sports with only two teams competing, such as soccer or basketball, allowing for optimized viewing. However, it will be up to developers to update their apps to implement this option.
Select your favorite navigation app
Another of the most anticipated changes is the ability to choose a default navigation app in CarPlay. This means users will be able to select Google Maps or Waze as the default option, instead of Apple Maps. This option becomes more relevant with the advancement of iOS 18.4, which allows for greater customization of the user experience.
The change responds to regulations imposed by the European Union, which seek to guarantee greater freedom of choice for consumers. Now, when you ask Siri for directions, the selected app will open automatically, without having to manually select it each time.
More icons on large screens
Apple has thought about those vehicles with large screens and has decided to optimize the space of the CarPlay interface by adding a third row of iconsThis will allow drivers to access a wider range of apps without having to scroll through multiple pages. Cars with smaller screens will retain the previous layout, with just two rows of icons, although future updates are expected to offer more customization options.
Apple Maps and Tesla NACS support
With electric vehicle drivers in mind, iOS 18.4 incorporates an improvement in Apple Maps, which is now compatible with the Tesla NACS charging stationsThis will make route planning easier for those using electric cars, ensuring they can easily find compatible charging points.
With this update, Apple continues to move toward standardizing charging infrastructure, a key aspect in the growth of the electric car market. The update iOS 18.4 It will be released in early April, at which point users will be able to start enjoying these new features in CarPlay. Now it's up to developers to adopt these new features in their apps to offer a more comprehensive experience for drivers.