Apple promised its new CarPlay 2.0 infotainment system would begin to make appearances in vehicles by late 2023 and it has just squeaked in before the deadline, as it has shown off Porsche and Aston Martin vehicles with the new system.
Apple first announced its new CarPlay system during WWDC back in June 2022. Instead of being an infotainment system like CarPlay 1.0, the second-generation is intended to entirely replace dashboards and their driver information clusters.
As reported by Cool Hunting, Apple has announced that Porsche and Aston Martin will use the new system — albeit in distinctly different customized ways.
This evolved version of CarPlay extends beyond the central infotainment system to include the driver’s information cluster and all other screens in the car, providing all vehicle information and interaction through a singular interface paradigm that also supports the user’s ability to select widgets to appear in predetermined areas on the screen—much like customizing the iPhone lock screen today. This version of CarPlay appears the moment the car is turned on and combines locally rendered content with features powered by the iPhone’s wireless connection to the car. Today Apple announced the first two partners on board to integrate this new generation, Aston Martin and Porsche, and showed us preliminary screens.
“With the next generation of CarPlay,” Apple’s Vice President of Human Interface Design Alan Dye told the publication, “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,” he continued.
“The next generation of CarPlay also introduces a driving experience that leverages the advanced capabilities of the car along with the power of iPhone,” said Dye. “We’ve designed a complete system of controls that allows for seamless interactions between vehicle functions alongside the features of iPhone.”
Apple has shown preliminary images of what the new CarPlay system will look like in the two manufacturer’s cars.
“We have long been committed to providing Porsche owners with the brand and sporty driving experience synonymous with the Porsche,” said Michael Mauer, Porsche’s Vice President of Style. “In addition to the sports car itself, digital offerings that are perfectly tailored to our customers are becoming increasingly important to the overall driving experience.”
The Porsche version of CarPlay features the company’s distinctive three-dial layout, including the speedometer. Circular graphics are featured in Porsche’s version, and it pays respects to the gauges that have traditionally been featured in Porsche cars.
The three dials are displayed directly in front of the driver, although a more familiar CarPlay arrangement of music and other apps appears toward the center of the dash.
“At Aston Martin we strive for excellence and performance and this was the key reason we chose to partner with Apple on the next generation of CarPlay,” said Marco Mattiacci, Global Chief Brand and Commercial Officer. “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.”
Aston Martin’s customized version of CarPlay appears as a two-dial system to match the firm’s traditionally minimalist design. The controls are accented with British racing green.
The Aston Martin driver information system also includes a tachometer that features the text, “Handbuilt in Great Britain.”
Aston Martin has announced that the new CarPlay system will debut in its lineup during 2024, while Porsche has not yet announced a launch date for its version of the system.
