Game Changer: CarPlay Just Got a Whole Lot Easier to Use!

Key Points:

• Apple released iOS 18.4 beta, featuring new features like Priority Notifications with Apple Intelligence and a new Food section in the Apple News app.
• A lesser-known change in iOS 18.4 allows CarPlay to display a third row of app icons on larger car displays, improving the user experience.
• The new feature is available on some vehicles with larger displays, such as the Toyota Tundra, which can be equipped with a 14-inch display.

As a tech journalist, I’m excited to dive into the latest developments in the world of iOS. In this article, we’ll explore a small but significant update in the latest iOS 18.4 beta: a change that will improve the CarPlay experience on larger in-car displays.

iOS 18.4 brings numerous exciting new features to the table, including Priority Notifications with Apple Intelligence, which uses machine learning to prioritize notifications, and a new Food section in the Apple News app, providing users with a more personalized and easy-to-navigate experience. However, it’s the lesser-known update to CarPlay that caught my attention.

CarPlay gets a third row of app icons

The new feature, spotted by Jace on Threads, allows CarPlay to display a third row of app icons on larger car displays. This is a significant upgrade, as it will better utilize the growing number of larger built-in car displays. The introduction of a third row of icons means users will no longer need to navigate multiple home screens to find the apps they need, making the overall experience more seamless and enjoyable.

But here’s the catch: this feature isn’t available on all vehicles. Currently, it’s limited to larger car displays, with the Toyota Tundra being one of the models that can be equipped with an up-to 14-inch display, featuring this new functionality. It’s unclear what the exact threshold is for larger displays, but for those with compatible vehicles, this update is a welcome change.

As cars continue to integrate more advanced technology, including larger displays, it’s essential for Apple to adapt CarPlay to accommodate these changes. While we’re still waiting for CarPlay 2, this update provides a much-needed middle ground, making the experience more usable and enjoyable for those with compatible vehicles.

Takeaway: If you’re due for an upgrade or plan to get a new car with a larger display, keep an eye out for iOS 18.4, which will bring this new feature to your CarPlay experience. If you’re already using a compatible vehicle, you can try out the beta to see the new update in action.

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