Apple has officially rolled out iOS 18.4, bringing with it some updates and tweaks for your iPhone, including a big focus on Apple Intelligence in Europe. However, more importantly to some is the Apple CarPlay update in iOS18.4.
The latest developments in tech often come to us at a price, but every now and then, we’re treated to updates that add a bit of extra joy to our favourite gadgets—without any cost. Apple CarPlay’s recent update does just that. This latest upgrade brings a fresh trio of features designed to make your driving experience smoother, more efficient, and way more entertaining. Let’s dive into what these features are and why you’ll want them.
What’s New?
iOS 18.4 now offers an extra row of icons for certain types of car. That way you get three rows instead of the usual two, and means you have access to even more of your apps on a single screen but this change is only visible in vehicles with a larger centre display. Users are reporting mixed results with certain vehicles displaying the third row, while others with equally large screens do not. There looks to be a higher resolution specification required which some cars meet and others don’t. Vehicles with a vertical screen orientation are reporting more success. See the F150 Lightning example below.
Secondly, the other change to come with iOS 18.4 is the fact Apple Maps electric vehicle routing now supports the North American Charging System (NACS) — aka the Tesla charger. Electric Vehicle Routing is currently limited in scope. Apple points out that features vary by country and by manufacturer – there is limited native support at present.
The last update surfaced just a couple of days ago, which is an API that supports sports apps. It’s designed to allow apps to take over parts of your screen to showcase a match or event that’s happening live. It’s not going to show video, instead giving you the live score with team icons on the left and right of your display.
Apps that support this yet are unknown, it’s so new, but a good bet to start with is Apple’s own Apple Sports app, which is bound to add this feature quickly.
None of these features are ground-breaking, but they definitely add to the usefulness and functions of CarPlay.
Keeping up with such updates is about more than just gadgets; it’s about embracing the future today. If you’re keen on seeing what else is brewing in the tech space, especially with the latest developments from Apple, now is the perfect time to jump in.
Overall, the updates to Apple CarPlay mark a significant enhancement that’ll make your drives smoother and your journeys more engaging. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or someone seeking convenience and entertainment, this update offers something for everyone.
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