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Search results for: “cars”

  • Apple CarPlay Ultra fixes a major wireless issue in cars

    Apple CarPlay Ultra fixes a major wireless issue in cars

    Apple has released CarPlay Ultra, a big improvement that resolves a common issue that many vehicles currently have. Thanks to this new version, you can now use CarPlay wirelessly in cars that only have a USB video connection.

    In most cases, wireless CarPlay needs to be used in cars that are built with the special hardware needed for wireless video streaming. Many vehicles that depend solely on USB for video aren’t compatible with wireless CarPlay. With CarPlay Ultra, Apple is making it easier.

    With this feature, video compression and streaming are performed quickly and over USB so you don’t miss a thing. It also gives cars without this feature the ability to use wireless CarPlay. People who would like to avoid having to carry or plug in cables find it especially helpful.

    Studies show that CarPlay Ultra gives the same, smooth experience as standard wire-free CarPlay for the vast majority of users. The changes are forecasted to help older cars and those at the low end of the market.

    During the WWDC 2024 event, Apple exhibited CarPlay Ultra and confirmed that the first vehicles equipped with it will appear in late 2025. With this update, many more drivers could start to use wireless CarPlay.

    All in all, CarPlay Ultra makes CarPlay accessible without cables in many more cars, even those that have limited tech already, making life easier.

  • Apple brings CarPlay Ultra to more cars and adds Spotify playlist import to Apple Music

    Apple brings CarPlay Ultra to more cars and adds Spotify playlist import to Apple Music

    Apple has officially launched CarPlay Ultra, its upgraded in-car system that works with iOS 18. This new version offers deeper integration with car hardware, including gauges and climate controls, while still showing familiar iPhone apps on a larger dashboard screen. Drivers can view maps, music, and even check their speed or fuel levels—all from one interface. Porsche and Aston Martin are among the first to bring this next-gen CarPlay to their latest models.

    CarPlay Ultra doesn’t just look better—it’s smarter too. It allows the iPhone to manage key vehicle functions like air conditioning and seat settings. Car brands can even adjust the system’s colors and layouts to match their design style.

    Alongside this, Apple Music is also getting a useful update. Apple has started rolling out a playlist transfer tool that lets users bring over playlists from other music services like Spotify, YouTube Music, Tidal, and more. This feature appears to be powered by the third-party service SongShift and shows up in the Apple Music app under settings > account > transfer music. It’s rolling out slowly, so not everyone may see it yet.

    Together, these updates show Apple’s push to make both driving and music experiences smoother and more connected. Whether you’re behind the wheel or switching music apps, Apple is trying to make it all feel simple and seamless.

    Source/Via

  • Apple should boost CarPlay for electric cars

    Apple should boost CarPlay for electric cars

    Apple’s CarPlay makes it easy to use your iPhone in the car, letting you access apps safely on the road. However, for electric vehicle (EV) owners, CarPlay falls short. Its EV routing tool, which plans trips with charging stops, only works with a small number of models, like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Porsche Taycan. This leaves most EV drivers without proper support.

    The issue is that CarPlay’s charging and battery tracking features depend on carmakers sharing live battery data, and only a few do. Meanwhile, rivals like Google’s Android Auto face similar challenges, but some automakers are creating their own EV-friendly systems. For instance, General Motors is phasing out CarPlay in its electric models to build custom software that better handles navigation and charging needs.

    To stay ahead, Apple could add features that don’t rely on carmakers, like improved charger finders or simple battery range predictions. Including more EV-focused apps, such as those for locating charging stations or optimizing routes, would also make a big difference. With CarPlay in nearly 98% of new U.S. cars, Apple has a golden chance to shine in the EV world. It just needs to move quickly to meet the rising demand for electric vehicles.

  • Apple Maps cars now snapping pics to boost AI skills

    Apple Maps cars now snapping pics to boost AI skills

    Apple is giving its Apple Maps cars a new job. These vehicles, already known for capturing street views with their “Look Around” feature, will now also take photos to help improve Apple’s smart technology. The goal? To make Apple Intelligence models sharper and better at understanding the world.

    For years, these cars have roamed streets, snapping detailed images to create a 3D-like view for Maps users. Now, Apple wants to use those same pictures to train its artificial intelligence. This AI powers things like Siri and other clever tools, helping them learn how to spot objects, places, and patterns in real life.

    The company says it’s all about making its tech smarter while keeping things private. The photos won’t show people’s faces or license plates—Apple blurs those out to protect privacy. Plus, the images stay focused on public spaces, not private homes or backyards.

    Apple’s move isn’t brand new. Other tech giants, like Google, have long used street pics to teach their AI. But Apple’s stepping up its game, blending Maps data with its push into smarter, more helpful devices. The cars will keep cruising cities worldwide, quietly gathering shots to fuel this tech upgrade. So, next time you see an Apple Maps car rolling by, know it’s not just mapping your street—it’s helping build a brainier future for your iPhone, too.

  • Apple lets you stream videos in your car with AirPlay

    Apple lets you stream videos in your car with AirPlay

    Apple is making it easier to watch videos in your car by adding AirPlay support to CarPlay. With this new feature, you’ll be able to stream videos from your iPhone or iPad directly to your car’s built-in screen. This means you can enjoy movies, shows, or other video content while parked, using your car’s display instead of just your phone or tablet.

    The feature, called “AirPlay for CarPlay,” will first arrive in certain cars starting in 2025. Apple says it’s working with car makers to bring this update to more vehicles in the future. The company hasn’t shared a full list of which cars will get this feature yet, but more details are expected soon.

    It’s important to note that video streaming will only work when the car is parked, so drivers aren’t distracted while driving. This is similar to how some car entertainment systems already block video playback when the car is moving.

    With AirPlay for CarPlay, you won’t need any extra cables or complicated setups. Just connect your iPhone or iPad to your car, and you’ll be able to stream videos wirelessly. This update is part of Apple’s ongoing efforts to make in-car entertainment better and more convenient for everyone.

    In summary, starting in 2025, some cars will let you use AirPlay to stream videos from your Apple devices straight to your car’s screen, making road trips and waiting in the car more enjoyable.

  • iOS 19 brings smarter voice, better car controls, and more sound features

    iOS 19 brings smarter voice, better car controls, and more sound features

    Apple has announced new accessibility tools coming with iOS 19, making the iPhone even more helpful for people with different needs.

    One major upgrade is to the Personal Voice feature. With iOS 19, users who have speech difficulties will be able to type what they want to say, and their iPhone will speak it using their own synthetic voice. It also works with Live Speech across calls and FaceTime, helping people communicate in real time.

    Another helpful tool is Vehicle Motion Cues. This feature helps reduce motion sickness for those who feel dizzy while using their iPhone in a moving car. It adds animated dots on the screen to match the vehicle’s movement, which helps the brain adjust better.

    Music Haptics is also coming. This feature lets deaf or hard-of-hearing users feel music through the Taptic Engine. They can experience rhythm and sound using vibration. Developers can add this feature to their own apps with a new API.

    CarPlay is getting smarter too. iOS 19 will add support for voice control in supported cars. This means users can do more with their voice while driving. There’s also color filters and bold text options to make the display easier to read.

    These updates will be released later this year with iOS 19. Apple says they are part of a larger push to make their products more inclusive for everyone.

  • Land Rover adds wireless CarPlay to old models as iOS 18.4 brings new features

    Land Rover adds wireless CarPlay to old models as iOS 18.4 brings new features

    Land Rover has surprised many by adding wireless Apple CarPlay to some of its older vehicles, including Range Rovers that are over 15 years old. The update uses “period-correct” hardware, meaning it fits well with the car’s original design. This upgrade was shown on a 2008 Range Rover Vogue and a 2012 Range Rover Sport. These systems now allow owners to use modern smartphone features without changing the look and feel of their classic cars.

    The CarPlay setup includes a new screen, control knob, and a special software system that connects wirelessly to iPhones. It blends old and new technology, letting drivers enjoy modern convenience while keeping the vintage style. Land Rover Classic says the upgrade was made to feel just like a factory install from the early 2000s.

    At the same time, Apple has released iOS 18.4, which brings three new features to CarPlay. First, drivers can now choose which service handles music requests through Siri — for example, asking Siri to always use Spotify instead of Apple Music. Second, the Messages app on CarPlay has an improved interface, making it easier to read and reply to texts. Lastly, the Podcasts app also gets a better design, showing more details and making it easier to use while driving.

    Together, these updates make both old and new CarPlay systems more useful and enjoyable for drivers.

  • CarPlay issues in iOS 18.4 affect many car brands

    CarPlay issues in iOS 18.4 affect many car brands

    Apple’s latest update, iOS 18.4, has brought some trouble for CarPlay users. People driving cars from brands like Toyota, Honda, Ford, and BMW are reporting problems. The issues started after they updated their iPhones to this new version, causing CarPlay to act up in their vehicles.

    For some, CarPlay won’t connect at all. Others say it disconnects randomly while they’re driving. A few users even noticed their music or navigation apps freeze, making it hard to use. These glitches are annoying and can distract drivers, which isn’t safe.

    The trouble seems tied to how iOS 18.4 works with different car systems. Each brand has its setup, and the update might not play nice with all of them. Apple hasn’t said much yet, but they’re likely looking into it. For now, no quick fix is available.

    On social media, like X, drivers are sharing their frustrations. One Toyota owner wrote, “CarPlay keeps dropping since iOS 18.4—super annoying!” A Honda driver posted, “Navigation froze mid-trip. What’s up with this update?” People aren’t happy.

    If you’re having these issues, you could try restarting your iPhone or reconnecting CarPlay. Some say it helps a little, but it’s not a full solution. Another option is to wait for Apple to release a patch. They’ve fixed CarPlay bugs before, so a small update might come soon.

    Until then, drivers might need to rely on their car’s built-in system or skip CarPlay altogether. It’s a hassle, especially for those who love its features. Hopefully, Apple sorts this out fast so everyone can get back to smooth driving.

  • GM puts a stop to custom CarPlay upgrades

    GM puts a stop to custom CarPlay upgrades

    General Motors (GM) is taking strong action against a popular way people upgrade their cars with Apple CarPlay. Many drivers love CarPlay because it lets them use their iPhone apps, like maps and music, right on their car’s screen. However, GM has decided it doesn’t want this feature added to its older vehicles through unofficial methods.

    A company called Nifty City had been selling a kit that allowed GM car owners to add CarPlay to vehicles that didn’t come with it. This kit was a hit among drivers who wanted a modern touch in their older cars. But GM wasn’t happy about it. They sent a legal notice to Nifty City, telling them to stop selling the kit right away. GM says this kind of upgrade messes with their car systems and could cause safety problems.

    Nifty City shared the news with its customers, explaining that they had to pull the product off the market because of GM’s demands. They’re disappointed, and so are the drivers who were excited about the upgrade. Some people even wonder if GM just wants to push buyers toward newer models that already have CarPlay built in.

    This isn’t the first time GM has made headlines about CarPlay. Last year, they announced plans to drop CarPlay and Android Auto from their future electric vehicles, betting on their software instead. That decision upset a lot of fans who prefer the familiar feel of Apple’s system. Now, by blocking these custom kits, GM is doubling down on controlling how its cars work.

    For drivers who still want CarPlay in their older GM cars, this news is a letdown. They’ll have to stick with what their vehicle already has or look for other options—though those might be harder to find now. GM’s move shows they’re serious about keeping their tech their way, even if it leaves some customers frustrated.

  • Audi’s new electric Wagon works with Apple’s Car Key, Porsche might be next

    Audi’s new electric Wagon works with Apple’s Car Key, Porsche might be next

    Audi has added a cool feature to its new A6 Avant e-tron, an electric wagon, letting it use Apple’s digital car key for the first time in Audi’s electric lineup (reported by Mac4Ever). With Apple Car Keys, you can unlock your car using an iPhone or Apple Watch that has NFC or Ultra Wideband tech. The key lives in the Wallet app on your device. To open the car, just hold your iPhone or Apple Watch near the car’s NFC reader—simple as that.

    A quick tap on the door handle starts the unlock process. For safety, you can use Face ID to confirm it’s you, but there’s also an Express Mode that skips this step for a speedy unlock. The A6 e-tron is the second car built on Audi’s Premium Platform Electric (PPE), a system Audi shares with Porsche. This hints that Porsche’s upcoming cars might also get this digital key feature soon.

    Last October, MacRumors spotted some updates in Apple’s Wallet app code, showing that Apple was getting ready to roll out digital car key support for certain Volvo, Polestar, and Audi models.
    Apple first launched its digital car key feature in 2022.

    Since then, a handful of car brands like BMW, BYD, Hyundai, Genesis, Kia, Lotus, Mercedes-Benz, and RAM have jumped on board. If you’re curious about which cars work with this feature, Apple keeps an updated list on its CarPlay model webpage. This move by Audi makes driving a bit more high-tech and convenient, and it’s exciting to think Porsche might follow suit with its own electric models!

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