It’s 2025 And Apple’s Next-Gen CarPlay Remains Missing

Apple’s much-anticipated next-generation CarPlay was supposed to roll out in 2024, but it’s 2025 and no cars with the system have hit the market.

Reporting on this, MacRumors notes Apple has remained silent on the delay, though signs of progress have popped up behind the scenes. For example, new next-gen CarPlay icons were discovered in iOS 18.2 code back in November, suggesting the project is still alive.

Apple first previewed the next-gen CarPlay at WWDC 2022, promising deep integration with a vehicle’s instrument cluster, climate controls, and multiple dashboard displays.

It was marketed as “the ultimate iPhone experience for the car,” featuring customizable widgets, curated gauge cluster designs, and even a dedicated FM radio app. The system was supposed to adapt to each car model’s unique design and branding, delivering a seamless Apple experience across the entire dashboard.

Automakers like Acura, Audi, Ford, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo had committed to the platform. Even Aston Martin and Porsche teased instrument cluster designs over a year ago, but no one has launched it yet. Whether automakers are hesitating or Apple is still refining the system remains unclear.

For now, the launch timeframe on Apple’s website still says 2024, but it wouldn’t be surprising if that quietly changes to 2025. Whether next-gen CarPlay eventually makes its debut or fades into uncertainty remains to be seen.