After promising to unveil the first cars to support its next-gen CarPlay in late 2023, Apple has finally unveiled the first models to feature the all-over infotainment system. Arriving in vehicles next year, the first cars to feature the new interface will be from Porsche and Aston Martin.
As reported by Car and Driver, CarPlay will be customized for each of the cars. For example, the Porsche interface (seen below) features three gauges above the steering wheel and a “background wallpaper that mimics the brand’s distinct houndstooth (or Pepita in Porsche-speak) seat pattern.” The Aston Martin interface “includes a central information screen bookended by a circular speedometer and tachometer, the latter of which integrates “Handbuilt in Great Britain” wraparound text.”
Apple
Car and Driver didn’t share much in the way of information about the experience, but says it “requires an iPhone to share app-related information.” However the bulk of the system runs on the vehicle itself, so presumably Android users will be able to buy one, too.
Aston Martin says the new system is “compatible with its latest infotainment system that launches in 2024,” including the DB12 coupe and Volante convertible, which start at $250,000. Porsche was mum on the models supported by next-gen CarPlay, but the first cars will presumably target the highest end of the market as well.
However, as Car and Driver notes, Porsche is owned by Volkswagen and Aston Martin has close ties with Mercedes, so next-gen CarPlay should make its way into more affordable cars soon enough.
Author: Michael Simon, Executive Editor
Michael Simon has been covering Apple since the iPod was the iWalk. His obsession with technology goes back to his first PC—the IBM Thinkpad with the lift-up keyboard for swapping out the drive. He's still waiting for that to come back in style tbh.