Apple iOS 12 was largely expected to be a maintenance update for CarPlay, but the preview of the upcoming operating version showed that Apple has bigger plans for its in-car service. At the WWDC, Apple announced that the iOS 12 CarPlay support would extend to the third-party navigation and mapping apps as well, such as Google Maps, Waze and more.
Until now, the iPhone maker only allowed their own services such as maps with CarPlay. However, with the new OS, Apple is extending the iOS 12 CarPlay support to third-party apps as well. This is a massive shift from Apple’s earlier strategy, wherein the organization favored in-house apps and practiced strict control over the ecosystem.
Navigation has always been a chink in Apple’s armor since the company launched its own mapping service (replacing Google Maps) with the iOS 6 in 2012. Apple Maps has often been subjected to criticism for its inefficiency. Users made repeated complaints over the incorrect positioning data, as well as issues and poor routing with the product’s flyover feature.
Apple even issued an open apology to customers, and the failure even resulted in the exit of former iOS chief Scott Forstall and Apple Maps head Richard Williamson. So, this might be a major reason compelling the company to look for third-party map services like Google Maps and Waze to make CarPlay a more prevalent service.
As of now, there has been no information from Apple when CarPlay will be getting Google Maps and Waze.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are strengthening their footprint in the automobile arena, offering users access to a number of apps through the smartphone. However, the user interface in the cars is still in the nascent stage, and would take some time to catch up with the mobile interface. Nevertheless, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are continuing to gain the support of auto manufacturers around the world.
Apple recently stated that major automobile manufacturers had expressed intentions to use CarPlay. This will allow iPhone users in-car access to its phone services, iMessage, Apple Books, Apple Music and podcasts in addition to selected third-party apps such as Google Play Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio, NPR and more.
Users just need to plug in the iPhone in the car via the USB socket to access CarPlay. The system would then project the screen of the iPhone and its apps on the touchscreen infotainment system.
Apple CarPlay has been in the market for some time now, but its adoption has picked up only in recent months. Even rigid players like Toyota and Mazda are adding the technology in their respective lineups. Not just the cars, even motorcycle manufacturers are keen to add CarPlay, with Honda’s latest Gold Wing offering support for Apple’s service.
Recent market research suggests that consumers are more inclined and are satisfied with smartphone mirroring solutions such as CarPlay. According to the data, about 85% of the users were either somewhat satisfied or very satisfied with their system. In addition, over 90% of the customers said that they would recommend the service to others, notes AppleInsider.
In one-on-one loyalty comparisons, Apple may even have outsmarted Google with 34% of CarPlay users saying that they depend solely on the tech for their in-car infotainment needs without the support for third-party navigation tools. Further, about 33% of the users said that they use CarPlay most of the time, whereas around 4% said that they depend on embedded solutions provided by car manufacturers.
Apart from the CarPlay update, Apple announced several other features in the upcoming iOS 12. The new OS would enhance the performance, and include new features such as new Animoji features known as Memoji, FaceTime, Camera effects, limit screen time effect among other things. Other features include Activity Reports, App Limits and new Do Not Disturb and Notifications controls.
“In iOS 12, we’re offering our users detailed information and tools to help them better understand and control the time they spend with apps and websites, how often they pick up their iPhone or iPad during the day and how they receive notifications,” Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering, Craig Federighi, said in a press release.
Apple has already released the developer beta for the iOS 12. The public beta would come later this month, while the final version would be launched sometime later in the year.
