If your car supports only a wireless connection (or you don’t want to use a cable), the connection process is slightly more complicated, and the procedure varies from car to car.
Some require you to plug your phone in for the first time before connecting wirelessly every time afterwards. Others act as a wi-fi hotspot to which you can connect your phone.
What’s next for Apple CarPlay?
Apple updates CarPlay fairly regularly, with the latest iteration releasing in March 2025 as part of the brand’s iOS 18.4 software update.
The update brought an additional line of icons for some models with larger infotainment screens, as well as a proper integrated electric vehicle routing system for Apple Maps.
The real big changes are due to arrive with the long-awaited ‘CarPlay 2’, which was first detailed by Apple in 2022.
It’s tipped to be more powerful and feature-filled than ever before, taking over all of your vehicle’s digital screens, including the digital driver’s display. That means you could be driving around with an Apple-designed dashboard in the future with bespoke speedometers and dials.
I’ll also be able to change your climate controls, radio and heated seats, which could mean traditional infotainment software becomes a thing of the past.
When will the new Apple CarPlay arrive?
First revealed in 2022, Apple stated the newest iteration of CarPlay would arrive by the end of 2023. It later revised this date to the end of 2024, and has now removed any estimated launch date from the CarPlay website.
That means we’re not entirely sure when the new Apple CarPlay system will launch, but it could be this year.
It has also been previously detailed that sports car brands Aston Martin and Porsche would receive the update first, but as yet, to no avail.
What apps can I use through Apple CarPlay?
Not all apps are supported by CarPlay, but those that do will display on your car’s screen while you’re connected. Here’s a list of some of our favourites that are supported.
