Apple CarPlay has made driving more fun by letting you connect your iPhone to your car's entertainment system. With the release of iOS 18, users are waiting for some new features that will further elevate their driving experience.
This update enhances CarPlay, making the in-car experience more convenient and personalized. It doesn't overhaul CarPlay but adds features that will delight users.
Customizable Silent Mode
iOS 18 allows you to take control of your notifications when connected to CarPlay. This customizable silent mode feature lets you choose how your device behaves.
You can keep the silent mode unchanged or turn it off entirely when your device connects via CarPlay. This approach allows you to tailor the notification experience to your preferences and driving habits.
Color Filter Mode
With the latest iOS 18 update, CarPlay has become better for people with color blindness or difficulty reading text. A new color filter mode allows you to adjust the display's color palette according to your preferences.
Choose a color filter that suits your vision. This will customize the CarPlay interface to your liking and ensure a comfortable, enjoyable drive.
Voice Control Mode
iOS 18 also lets you activate CarPlay features using voice commands without waking Siri, offering a hands-free and intuitive experience.
With this feature, you can say commands like "play music" or "navigate to the nearest Taco Bell." It eliminates the need for touchscreen and helps keep your hands on the wheel, promoting safer driving.
Sound Recognition Mode
For users who are deaf or have trouble hearing, this feature is a boon. It provides visual alerts for important driving-related sounds by analyzing the audio environment. It can detect and identify sounds such as car horns, sirens, and other auditory cues.
A clear notification will appear on the CarPlay screen when something relevant gets detected. It will provide essential information. These features enhance safety by alerting users about potential hazards they might miss.
Apple Intelligence Integration
The initial iOS 18 release lacks this feature. Apple Intelligence will include a revamped Siri, personalized info access, and more.
These features will be further introduced in late 2024 with the release of iOS 18.1. It aims to make CarPlay even more helpful and intuitive.
Messages App Enhancements
The messages app is also receiving some tweaks. It will now display profile pictures for contacts, making identifying the sender of incoming messages easier.
It will also have floating notifications with profile images. You can see the sender and read the messages without engaging with the notification, making it easier to stay connected and informed on the go.
Spatial Audio
In addition to all these features, iOS 18 introduces Spatial Audio to CarPlay. This will give drivers a fantastic sound experience by creating a 3D sound field and placing sounds around the listener. It will make you feel like the music surrounds you.
Connect your iPhone to your car and select a spatial audio track or album from Apple Music or supported third-party apps to use this.
Have you tried any of these new CarPlay features? Are there any specific features that you're particularly excited about? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.