CarPlay iOS 13 – All Features , issues discussed

· 5 min read
CarPlay iOS 13 – All Features , issues discussed

CarPlay iOS 13

CarPlay iOS 13 has become a controversial topic since CarPlay has received more weightage in iOS 13. By the time I write this article, iOS 16 is just released. And released past iOS versions convey that iOS 15 CarPlay  and iOS 14 CarPlay are also going to be something worth talking about. However, As still the iOS13 CarPlay is available we thought of discussing it a bit more comprehensively. We have confidently learned that CarPlay iOS13 has come up with a range of exciting changes with a new look and feel, redesigned apps,  enhanced CarPlay features and functionality.

What is new in CarPlay iOS 13 – iOS 13 CarPlay News

CarPlay iOS13 update effects on dashboard, apps, settings, flexibility, and almost everything in CarPlay. So it seems to be the biggest leap in CarPlay history. Will have a comprehensive look at them.

Well Organized Dashboard

CarPlay dashboard is the very first interface you see when you launch CarPlay. In iOS13 it has  been redesigned for a brand new appearance with an uneven grid template which all the current apps including maps, shortcuts, Siri and Siri-suggested apps get a space directly from the dashboard. As a result you can access all the apps with a single click. It prevents you from jumping among app screens as you did previously. The status bar gathers the most recent apps and it is refreshed automatically.

Also, Apple has introduced a launcher icon for the status bar replacing the typical home button.

Not only that, with iOS13, you may also access the typical CarPlay home screen or the former grid view of the apps through the dashboard.

In redesign, they have paid attention to provide rounded corners as much as possible to enhance the modern look.

Also, for the first time, they have introduce ‘Album Art’ for the now playing items, so that you can easily change it.

Updated app cluster with new and revamped apps

When considering CarPlay apps, they have added new apps and have revamped some apps with enhanced features.

Also you can install any desired app including video streaming apps like YouTube, Netflix using the WheelPal App.


Step guide for WheelPal App installation.

If you need to try more CarPlay solutions, Try our Hacks Finder.

Dedicated calendar app

Apple has added a dedicated calendar app to the app cluster, so that you can add all your appointments details. The app allows you to set the map location, relevant contacts, related to each appointment  and once you are driving , you can get the directions for the event location through Apple Maps with a single tap, and the same way you can call the contacts directly through CarPlay.

Apple Music Redesigned

album art ios 13
apple-music-redesigned

Apple has redesigned the Music app too, so it’s easier to reach all the playlists and albums favorites and radio stations. Also they have introduced ‘Album Art’ on ‘Now Playing’ items for easy navigation among files.

Apple Maps

In iOS13 Apple has updated the look and feel of Apple Maps in a user-friendly manner. It always takes some space from the dashboard appearing all the time showing the route you pass. Moreover, it provides Pop-ups when you’re near your points of interest, so that you can visit those places easily. Also in specific areas, Maps give more details on public places, buildings, shopping complexes, parks, etc. Not only that, but this also provides an interesting function called the “share trip”

Further to that, there is a fantastic update related to maps, with Siri. What’s so important in this is, with this update they have made Siri’s language more natural and smooth.

Eg: “ Turn left in 500 ft” is replaced by Siri for a phrase like “Turn right at the next traffic light” .

Same way Siri’s directions have become smooth on junctions and intersections of the road.

Messenger App

Apple has updated the appearance of the Messages app too. So that it is easy to go through the messages.

Updated settings

In iOS13 some functionality and appearance setting updates have been introduced in order to give you an optimum experience.

Light Theme

The default dark mode is updated to be  automatically changed to the light theme when necessary and you also can change the theme by simply clicking on the switch in settings section. That makes you comfortable in day driving as well as night driving. You can try both and find what mode suits you the best.

Do Not Disturb Mode

Also, Once the traffic is high or  when you need to focus on maps, or if the roads are slippery due to weather conditions or else if you need to pay your fullest attention on the road (actually this is the most recommended way) , you are now able to set the “Do Not Disturb” mode. So that the notifications do not interrupt your driving experience.

Improved Siri

Siri ‘s screen has been reduced and has embedded  to the main screen. It allows you to get assistance from Siri while putting your eye on maps or using another app.

Still Siri opens when you invoke the “Hey Siri” request.

In iOS13 Siri suggests some apps to be in the very first dashboard view.

Screen Independence

With iOS13 you can use the CarPlay display and your iPhone display as two separate entities. So that you can run two different apps on two devices, same time. It enhances user experience as the passengers can handle CarPlay without driver’s involvement.

Enhanced Flexibility

Another killer feature added to iOS13 CarPlay is the screen flexibility. Now the CarPlay is automatically adjusted to the screen size. Moreover iOS 13 can serve different shaped (non- rectangular) screens too.

Also Now the CarPlay can be displayed somewhere else in the car, may be on a second screen , HUD or a dashboard cluster.

Issues in iOS 13 CarPlay

Even though iOS13 CarPlay has come up with a list of new enhancements, on the other hand it has carried some issues too with them. Will discuss the issues and solutions comprehensively in a future article, and for now will list out the CarPlay issues fount in iOS 13 with simple tricks for solving them.

Installation Issues

If it stuck once you are installing the beta you can try the following tips

-Try hard resetting the device and install it again

-Revert your device for an old version like iOS12 and retry installing the Beta again.

Wifi Issues

You may also face connection issues like slow connection, dropped connection etc. For that you can follow some simple steps.

-Restart your Router

-Forget your connection and Reconnect it

Settings→ WiFi → your connection → Forget this Network→ Type Password → Reconnect

-Reset your Network Settings

Settings → General → Reset → Reset Network Settings → Type Password and Reconnect

Data Issues

-Restart the device and reconnect

-Reset Network settings of your phone

Settings → General → Reset → Reset Network Settings → Type Password and Reconnect

Bluetooth Issues

If you face bluetooth issues, try following.

-Forget and reconnect the device

-Reset your Network settings.

Settings → General → Reset → Reset Network Settings → Type Password and Reconnect

Battery-life Issues

Sometimes you may experience a fast battery drain with iOS13. You can try the following tips for that.

-You can reduce the brightness with settings→ General→ Accessibility → Display Accommodations→ Auto-Brightness→ off

-Remove unwanted widgets

Phones compatible with iOS13 CarPlay

iOS 13 is compatible with the following Apple smartphone models:

  • iPod touch (7th generation)
  • iPhone SE, iPhone 6s, 6sPlus, iPhone 7 , 7 Plus, iPhone 8, 8 Plus, iPhone X , XR, XS,  XS Max

Considering all the facts, we can recommend you that iOS13 is the best update ever for your CarPlay.

Conclusion

CarPlay iOS 13 update is the best update with regards to Apple CarPlay. This introduces many apps and features. Bear with carplayhacks for hacks for your iOS 13 CarPlay and many more. Want to know the current and upcoming latest CarPlay features?  Read more on CarPlay iOS 16 and Next Generation CarPlay.