Here’s everything new in CarPlay for iOS 18

Apple has announced that iOS 18, the latest generation of its mobile operating system, will roll out on September 16. Our mobile team has done a great job covering all the latest and greatest features of the new version of the software, including things like Apple Intelligence, a more customizable Home screen, and more. But if you’re a CarPlay fan, it’s worth knowing about some of the new features coming to the car interface.

Apple didn’t completely reinvent the wheel when it comes to CarPlay in iOS 18, but there are some big changes to the interface that should make using CarPlay even more convenient. Want to learn more? Here’s everything you need to know.

Apple Information

As expected, CarPlay is not far behind in the Apple Intelligence revolution, but you’ll still have to wait a bit to get it. That’s because no Apple Intelligence features will be available in the initial release of iOS 18. Instead, they’ll start rolling out in iOS 18.1, which is expected to be released in October.

Perhaps the most significant feature of Apple Intelligence when it comes to CarPlay is the new version of Siri. These changes start with visual improvements. Like on the iPhone, Siri will display colored borders around the screen when launched in CarPlay. As Siri rolls out, it will also be much more useful and natural.

And it’ll be able to access personalized information that can help you find details in emails, text messages, and more. Again, you’ll have to wait for iOS 18.1 for this particular feature, but if Siri ends up being as useful as Apple says it will be, it could completely change voice commands in the car.

Messaging application

CarPlay’s Messages app is also getting a visual tweak. In iOS 18, instead of just showing names or phone numbers, Messages will also show profile pictures. While you probably don’t spend much time in the Messages app, this design change should make it easier to find the right contact at a glance without having to take your eyes off the road for more than a split second.

Color filters

CarPlay is also getting a bit better for people with certain visual impairments. Most notably, iOS 18 will allow users to select a color filter for CarPlay, which will help people with different types of color blindness. Color filters essentially tint the entire screen based on the selected filter, and there’s also a grayscale option. Users will even be able to choose between three intensity levels for these color filters.

Voice command

In iOS 18, you’ll be able to navigate CarPlay without touching a screen. A new voice command feature lets users navigate the CarPlay interface simply by speaking. This can help users navigate CarPlay without having to press a button or swipe the screen. It’s a great way to use CarPlay hands-free, though it may take a little getting used to.

Sound recognition

In addition to the new features for the visually impaired, CarPlay also offers features for the hearing impaired. The new sound recognition feature displays notifications for different driving-related sounds. For example, a notification can appear on the screen when CarPlay detects the sound of a siren or horn. The notification will appear on the screen like any other notification.

Silent mode

When it’s released, iOS 18 will allow CarPlay users to set the default settings for Quiet Mode, so they can get in their car and drive without having to manually enable Quiet Mode if they’re using it. The feature is available in the CarPlay Settings app and lets you choose whether you want your iPhone to automatically turn Quiet Mode off or on, or if you just want it to keep the setting that’s already enabled on your phone when you connect to CarPlay.

New information cards

Siri is also getting some additional visual interface features in CarPlay. For some queries, you’ll now see information cards on the screen related to things like sports scores, weather, and more. It’s a nice development, given that the goal is usually to minimize the amount of time you spend looking at the screen in your car, but it can be helpful when you’re parked or for people with hearing loss, who might not be able to hear the answers to their questions.