Apple To Add New Features To CarPlay In Upcoming iOS 14 Software Upgrade

• CarPlay updates include the option to add a wallpaper, Japanese and Chinese keyboard support, a new horizontal status bar and more.

• More Siri features are available like audio messages and sharing your ETA with friends or loved ones.

• The update also gives app developers more tools to personalize their CarPlay experience.

Apple has recently unveiled its latest operating system for its iPhone, the iOS 14, at its annual WWDC 2020 (Worldwide Developers Conference). The updated OS gets redesigned UI, new memojis, as well as EV- and cycling-specific map features. iOS 14 also features a variety of updates for Apple CarPlay in cars. Here's a closer look at them:

Wallpaper

With iOS 14, CarPlay users will be able to add a wallpaper to the CarPlay dashboard and home screen which is a plus point for a fresh look and a customizable experience.

New Third-Party Categories

CarPlay will be compatible with third-party parking, EV charging, and quick food-ordering apps. For more accessibility, app developers will get access to a variety of tools and templates to help provide a personalised way to use an iPhone in the car.

Japanese and Chinese Keyboard Support

iOS14 for CarPlay will now also support Chinese and Japanese keyboards which is another necessary step for people that are comfortable in different languages.

More Siri Options

CarPlay users will get additional Siri features to play with. This includes the option of creating your own audio message or replying to an audio message on your own in CarPlay. The other Siri feature is more of a safety feature as you can ask Siri to share your ETA with friends or loved ones, and they'll be kept up to date with your status.

New Horizontal Status Bar

For those that have portrait screens layouts on their car, can now have the status bar displayed on the bottom of the CarPlay screen to allow for wider app views and a natural layout.

Developer API Enhancements And Other Updates

App developers now get more tools to customize their audio, messaging, or VoIP apps functioning in CarPlay. Aside from this, messaging and VoIP apps can now show lists of past conversations or contacts, and audio apps can show album art within lists for easy access to content.

There's no specific date as to when Apple will officially roll out the iOS14 software, but it is likely to happen in September 2020 like always.