Apple CarPlay iOS 184: New Features and Enhancements

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Apple continues to refine CarPlay while working on its much-anticipated CarPlay 2. The latest iOS 18.4 update brings three notable features aimed at enhancing the user experience for CarPlay users. These updates cater to drivers with larger infotainment screens, sports enthusiasts, and European users looking for better navigation flexibility. While not groundbreaking, these improvements show Apple’s ongoing commitment to making CarPlay more functional and user-friendly. Letā€™s dive into whatā€™s new in iOS 18.4 for CarPlay.

New CarPlay Features in iOS 18.4

1. Third Row of App Icons

One of the challenges of CarPlay is adapting to different infotainment system sizes. Until now, CarPlay supported only two rows of app icons, limiting the number of visible apps at a time. With iOS 18.4, Apple is introducing a third row of app icons for vehicles with larger screens. This means more apps can be accessed quickly, making navigation and entertainment options more seamless for users with expansive displays.

2. Sports Apps Integration

A new API in iOS 18.4 allows sports apps to integrate with CarPlay. This means drivers and passengers will be able to track live scores, game updates, and sports news directly from their carā€™s infotainment system. While it may take some time for third-party sports apps to implement CarPlay support, Appleā€™s own Sports app is expected to adopt this feature early, providing users with real-time game updates while on the road.

3. Default Navigation App for EU Users

A significant change for European users is the ability to set a default navigation app other than Apple Maps. Previously, Siri would automatically route all navigation requests through Apple Maps. With iOS 18.4, users in the EU can now choose Google Maps, Waze, or other navigation apps as their default. This makes hands-free navigation commands smoother and more flexible, allowing drivers to rely on their preferred app for directions without extra manual input.

A Step Forward for CarPlay

These updates, while not revolutionary, are valuable improvements for CarPlay users. If your car has a large display, you’ll benefit from the expanded app icons. If you’re a sports fan, live game updates will be a nice touch. And for European users, default navigation freedom is a game-changer. Apple continues to make incremental but meaningful refinements to CarPlay, ensuring it remains a top-tier in-car infotainment solution.

What Undercode Say:

Apple’s decision to enhance CarPlay in iOS 18.4 is a strategic move aimed at keeping users engaged while awaiting the more advanced CarPlay 2. Let’s break down the significance of these updates.

1. More Apps, More Accessibility

The addition of a third row of app icons is a simple yet effective change that improves accessibility. Drivers with large infotainment screens will no longer have to scroll as often to access their favorite apps. This update aligns with the growing trend of larger in-car displays, as automakers continue to prioritize expansive touchscreens in modern vehicles.

2. Sports Integration: A Clever Engagement Strategy

Bringing sports apps to CarPlay is a move that targets a specific but passionate audienceā€”sports fans who donā€™t want to miss a moment of their favorite games. Apple understands that live sports are a huge driver of engagement across platforms. By integrating this feature into CarPlay, they ensure that users remain within the Apple ecosystem rather than checking their phones for scores.

  1. EU Navigation Freedom: A Win for Consumer Choice
    Allowing EU users to set a default navigation app other than Apple Maps is not just a user-friendly featureā€”itā€™s also a response to regulatory pressures. European authorities have been pushing for greater competition in digital services, and this change aligns with those demands. More importantly, it provides a practical advantage for users who prefer Google Maps, Waze, or other alternatives known for superior real-time traffic data.

4. The Bigger Picture: Appleā€™s Car Strategy

CarPlay updates like these hint at

5. Incremental, But Necessary Updates

These new features may not drastically change how people use CarPlay, but they are necessary refinements. The best technology evolves through continuous improvements, and iOS 18.4 ensures that CarPlay remains competitive against Android Auto and other in-car systems.

Fact Checker Results:

  1. CarPlay 2 is still in development ā€“ Confirmed. Apple has been working on CarPlay 2 for years, but no official release date has been announced.
  2. Sports apps are coming to CarPlay via a new API ā€“ Confirmed. Apple introduced a developer API to support sports-related applications in iOS 18.4.
  3. EU users can change their default navigation app ā€“ Confirmed. This feature is included in iOS 18.4, allowing users to select alternatives to Apple Maps.

These updates reaffirm Appleā€™s commitment to improving CarPlay while setting the stage for the next generation of in-car software. What do you think of these changes? Let us know!

References:

Reported By: https://9to5mac.com/2025/03/26/carplay-in-ios-184-adds-three-new-features
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