With iOS 27, Apple is introducing several CarPlay features that will improve your in-car experience, both when you’re driving and when you’re idle in the car. From new video experiences to Siri AI, there are multiple new options to look forward to.
Video Apps
CarPlay apps can include video browsing capabilities, so you can browse for and watch videos on your in-car display while parked. The video playback feature does not work when a car is in motion for safety reasons, but if you’re watching something and shift into drive, playback will switch to audio only.
iPhone apps that support AirPlay can also stream content to the car’s display.
Video apps require car manufacturers to enable support on the vehicle, and no automakers have announced plans to add support as of now. The Apple TV app is the first confirmed app that will work with the feature.
Siri AI
Apple’s smarter, more capable version of Siri can be used in the car for hands-free conversations. Siri AI for CarPlay works like Siri AI on other devices, so you can ask it to complete tasks or find information for you while you drive.
Conversations in CarPlay sync to the Siri app on iPhone so you can pick them up later.
Audio
There is a persistent mini-player for the Now Playing CarPlay template. The player shows artwork and playback controls in the top right corner of audio and media apps.
The Now Playing interface in CarPlay also has a progress bar, so you can jump to a specific spot in a song, podcast, or audiobook.
Wallpapers
CarPlay includes the new iOS 27 wallpapers, formatted for the CarPlay interface. The wallpapers have wave-style designs in a range of colors, with 14 total options available.
CarPlay in iOS 27 also supports larger, more interactive content thumbnails, and it uses the updated Liquid Glass icons for apps like Maps and Weather.
Route Data
Navigation apps like Apple Maps and Google Maps can share route data with a vehicle for adding information like EV charging stops in directions. The car can check a map route against the range of the vehicle, and suggest a charging stop.
Reliability and Location Accuracy
Apple says wireless CarPlay is more reliable in iOS 27, with improved GPS location accuracy and navigation heading detection.
Voice Control
All app categories are can now offer a voice control option, and Apple has designed a voice control template that can be integrated into apps for voice conversations.
Natural Language Improvements
In Apple Maps, Apple extended natural language search to navigation, and that also works with CarPlay. You can ask Siri for directions that avoid toll roads, highways, and more.
Compatibility
Using the new CarPlay features in iOS 27 requires a connected iPhone with iOS 27 installed. For Siri AI, you’ll need an iPhone that supports Apple Intelligence, which includes the iPhone 15 Pro and later.
Availability
iOS 27 is available to developers and public beta testers right now, with a public launch expected in September. Related Roundups: CarPlay, iOS 27, iPadOS 27
Related Forum: HomePod, HomeKit, CarPlay, Home & Auto Technology
This article, “iOS 27: 8+ New CarPlay Features” first appeared on MacRumors.com
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