Apple's next-generation CarPlay, first announced in 2022 and promised for a 2024 release, remains conspicuously absent from the auto industry.
Despite Apple's continued promotion of its ambitious dashboard-spanning infotainment system, there are still no vehicles offering the promised integration.
While some vehicles, including ones from Polestar, feature CarPlay-supported instrument cluster displays, the full-scale interface overhaul Apple envisioned is yet to materialise.
Porsche and Aston Martin, once touted as early adopters, have refrained from providing clear timelines for implementation.
The lukewarm adoption of Apple's next-gen CarPlay appears tied to an increasing focus on proprietary software ecosystems.
Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Kallenius openly stated in April 2023 that Apple would not have control over all of their car screens, signalling a broader industry sentiment.
Other automakers, including General Motors, have taken even firmer stances against both Apple CarPlay and Google’s Android Auto. For GM, the reasoning centres on retaining control over user experience and data collection within their vehicles.
Despite the industry's apparent reluctance, Apple continues to highlight its ambitions for the next generation of CarPlay.
However, with 2024 now behind us and no clear progress made, its rollout remains in question.
Whether Apple can overcome automaker resistance or whether its grand vision will remain an unfulfilled promise is yet to be seen.
For now, drivers seeking the next evolution of in-car Apple integration may need to temper their expectations.
