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Apple’s iPhone AI Talks With Google and OpenAI Still Ongoing

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Apple is in ongoing discussions with Google and OpenAI to use their generative large-language models as the backbone of new iPhone AI features, but no formal announcement is expected until the summer, according to Bloomberg.

iphone open ai
Today’s report follows the news earlier this week that Apple has been in talks with Google to integrate its Gemini AI engine into the iPhone as part of iOS 18.

Apple CEO Tim Cook has promised that the company will “break new ground” in AI this year, and iOS 18 is expected to play a big role. However, Apple’s internal work is said to be focused on smaller-scale AI features that operate on-device and do not require an internet connection.

To drive more powerful cloud-based generative AI features, such as the ability to create images and write essays based on single prompts, Apple is seeking a partner that has the necessary large-scale hardware infrastructure and compute capabilities already in place.

Siri is expected to take advantage of the artificial intelligence improvements that Apple plans to bring in iOS 18. One leaker has suggested that Apple is planning to use large-language models to entirely revamp Siri and turn it into the “ultimate virtual assistant.”

Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman says that one of the specific features Apple is developing is an improved interaction between Siri and the Messages app, which would let Siri auto-complete sentences more effectively and answer complex questions.

But with the likes of Nvidia and other AI companies continuing to reshape the technology landscape, some investors are reportedly concerned that Apple will fail to keep up with the pace of change, and may not see the “hypergrowth” expected of it unless the iPhone maker can boost its credibility by deploying generative AI features this year.

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Two New AirPods 4 Models Expected to Launch in September or October

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Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 crash to a record low price at Amazon’s Big Spring Sale

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Don’t wait until Amazon Prime Day to find an AirPods Pro 2 deal because Apple’s best-rated headphones are already discounted to a record-low price at the Amazon Big Spring Sale. We consider the latest model to be the best AirPods available, so don’t expect this deal to last long.   

If you’re quick, you can find the latest version of the AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C on sale for $189 (was $249) at Amazon in the US. That’s a $50 discount and the same record-low price we saw during Black Friday. In the UK, you can find the latest AirPods Pro for a less exciting 17% off at £199 (was £229) on Amazon.

Not in the US or UK? Scroll down for the best deals in your region.

Today’s best AirPods Pro 2 deals

With Apple‘s “biggest AirPods launch to date” expected to go ahead in September – where it’s rumored that we’ll see two new cheaper AirPods 4 models with ANC that will replace the AirPods 3 – it is likely that the iPhone maker might look to make further discounts throughout the range (but of course nothing has been confirmed). 

One of the big updates that Apple is also rolling out as part of its new AirPods range is that it’s adding USB-C, which is why you will no longer find the AirPods Pro 2 models with Lightning on sale with large availability. In the US, they’re selling for a cheaper price of $185.33 on Amazon, but there are only three left in stock at the time of writing. There’s also currently only one AirPods Pro 2 with Lightning left in the UK, but this is curiously priced higher than the USB-C version at £209.17 at Amazon.   

If you want to future-proof your AirPods, though, we’d recommend getting the USB-C model so that you can use reverse charging with the iPhone 15. You’re also getting a hardier case with the newer model that’s better protected from dust, as well as all the same benefits from the original model, such as elite active noise cancellation, up to 30 hours of battery life (including the case), immersive spatial audio, Find My support and easy multi-device pairing. There are also premium headphone features like adaptive audio mode that intuitively adjusts the sound between ANC and Transparency, as well as the upcoming updates as part of iOS 18, such as a rumored hearing mode. What are you waiting for?  

More AirPods deals

Looking for more AirPods deals? You’ll find all the lowest prices from around the web right here, with offers available in your region. 

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Apple’s M1 iMacs Get Massive Discounts Via Expercom on Amazon, Get Up to $651 Off

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Apple’s previous generation 24-inch M1 iMacs have received steep discounts this week on Amazon, including up to $651 off select models. These deals are being offered by Expercom via their Amazon storefront.

iMac Deals BlueNote: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

Starting with the 8-Core GPU/256GB M1 iMac, Amazon has this model for $898.98 in Blue, which is down from the original price of $1,499.00. This is a new all-time low price on the M1 iMac.

Amazon also has the 8-Core GPU/512GB M1 iMac on sale for $1,048.97, down from $1,699.00. This is another new record low price, and it’s available in Blue, Pink, and Green.

Apple’s M1 iMac is about three years old at this point, and it was replaced with the 24-inch M3 iMac late last year. Despite its age, this is still an Apple silicon-based machine with plenty of internal power to support your average day-to-day usage and some more basic workflows.

Our full Deals Roundup has more information on the latest Apple-related sales and bargains.

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iPhone SE 4 Expected to Depreciate Heavily

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Apple’s M2 MacBook Air Hits All-Time Low Prices at Best Buy, Get Up to $300 Off

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Best Buy’s weekend sale includes great deals on the 13-inch and 15-inch M2 MacBook Air, both of which have hit all-time low prices. Anyone can get these deals and you don’t need a My Best Buy Plus or Total membership to see the discounts.

macbook air blue imageNote: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Best Buy. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

Starting with the 15-inch M2 MacBook Air, you can get the 256GB model for $999.00, down from $1,299.00. The 512GB model has hit $1,199.00, down from $1,499.00. Both of these are record low prices on the 15-inch M2 MacBook Air.

The 13-inch M2 MacBook Air is available for $100 off across the board this weekend at Best Buy. The 256GB model is on sale for $899.00 and the 512GB model is available for $1,099.00. You can get both models in all four colors: Starlight, Space Gray, Silver, and Midnight.

Apple discontinued the 15-inch M2 MacBook Air earlier this month, following the introduction of the M3 MacBook Air. At the same time, the company knocked the price of the 13-inch M2 MacBook Air down by $100, selling them alongside the M3 models.

Be sure to visit our full Deals Roundup to shop for even more Apple-related products and accessories.

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iPad Air Next on Apple’s OLED Tablet Roadmap Following iPad Pro

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Apple’s Butterfly Keyboard Repair Program for MacBooks is Nearly Over

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Apple’s long-running butterfly keyboard service program for MacBooks is ending soon, with only a few models still eligible for a free repair.

MacBook Keyboard Close
Below, we take a look back at Apple’s butterfly keyboard problems that led to the program.

The Butterfly Keyboard

For much of the 2000s, MacBook keyboards had a traditional scissor switch mechanism. That changed in March 2015, when Apple released an ultra-thin 12-inch MacBook with a low-profile keyboard that used a new butterfly switch mechanism. While the keyboard fit in the 12-inch MacBook’s thin enclosure, it is prone to issues, such as letters repeating unexpectedly or failing to appear when keys are pressed.

It was not until Apple updated the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro models with its second-generation butterfly keyboard in October 2016 that customers began to complain about sticky and unresponsive keys in earnest. Apple expanded the butterfly keyboard to the MacBook Air a few years later, leading to even more complaints.

The situation came to a head in May 2018, when Apple was hit with a class action lawsuit in the U.S. alleging that the company knew the butterfly keyboard was defective. An online petition about the issues that year gained nearly 43,000 signatures.

The Program

In June 2018, Apple launched a “Keyboard Service Program” worldwide after it determined that a “small percentage” of keyboards in certain MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro models may exhibit one or more of the following behaviors:

  • Letters or characters repeat unexpectedly
  • Letters or characters do not appear
  • Key(s) feel “sticky” or do not respond in a consistent manner

Apple and Apple Authorized Service Providers have been repairing eligible MacBook keyboards, free of charge, for up to four years after the first retail sale of the affected laptop. That window is nearly over, as all eligible models except the two 2019 versions of the 13-inch MacBook Pro were discontinued more than four years ago.

ifixit butterfly keyboard macifixit butterfly keyboard macThe butterfly switch mechanism for a 2018 MacBook Pro keyboard

The list of all models that were eligible:

  • MacBook (Retina, 12-­inch, Early 2015)
  • MacBook (Retina, 12­-inch, Early 2016)
  • MacBook (Retina, 12-­inch, 2017)
  • MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2018)
  • MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2019)
  • MacBook Pro (13­-inch, 2016, Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
  • MacBook Pro (13-­inch, 2017, Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
  • MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019, Two Thunderbolt 3 ports)
  • MacBook Pro (13-­inch, 2016, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
  • MacBook Pro (13-­inch, 2017, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
  • MacBook Pro (15-­inch, 2016)
  • MacBook Pro (15-­inch, 2017)
  • MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2018, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
  • MacBook Pro (15-­inch, 2018)
  • MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
  • MacBook Pro (15-­inch, 2019)

Apple discontinued the 2019 model of the 13-inch MacBook Pro in November 2020, so some customers who own that laptop may still be eligible for a free keyboard repair until as late as November 2024, depending on when they purchased it. After that, the service program will be completely over, unless it is extended by Apple.

The Apology

In March 2019, Apple finally apologized about the keyboards.

“We are aware that a small number of users are having issues with their third-generation butterfly keyboard and for that we are sorry,” an Apple spokesperson said, in a statement shared with The Wall Street Journal‘s Joanna Stern. “The vast majority of Mac notebook customers are having a positive experience with the new keyboard.”

The Fix

Starting with the 16-inch MacBook Pro in November 2019, Apple ditched the butterfly keyboard and returned to using a scissor switch mechanism. The change was extended to the MacBook Air in March 2020, and to the 13-inch MacBook Pro in May 2020, marking the end of the problematic butterfly keyboard era for the Mac.

The Settlement

In July 2022, Apple agreed to pay $50 million to settle the U.S. class action lawsuit related to the butterfly keyboard issues. Affected customers who submitted a valid claim by the March 2023 deadline will receive a payment of between $50 and $395.

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iPad Air Next on Apple’s OLED Tablet Roadmap Following iPad Pro

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The iPad Air will be the next Apple tablet to adopt OLED display panel technology following its upcoming OLED iPad Pro models, according to an updated forecast from research firm Omdia (via The Elec).

OLED iPad Air
“In 2028, we expect the iPad Air to go OLED as well, with the iPad Air using single-stack and the iPad Pro using two-stack tandem OLEDs,” said Omdia researcher Kang Min-soo, speaking on Thursday at the 2024 Korea Display Conference in Seoul.

A two-stack tandem structure consists of two light-emitting layers stacked together. The two-stack OLED design can generate the same brightness levels as a single-stack design, but with significantly reduced power consumption and extended lifespan. The iPhone currently uses a single stack OLED display with one light-emitting layer.

Omdia’s latest prediction is an adjustment to a forecast published earlier this year, in which it said Apple will launch 8.3-inch iPad mini and 10.8-inch iPad Air models with OLED displays in 2026.

The research firm now appears to be leaning towards the possibility that Apple will launch an OLED foldable in the next few years in the form of a 7- to 8-inch device that could ultimately replace the 8.3-inch iPad mini. According to a previous report, Apple is reviewing a launch timeframe for such a device between 2026 and 2027. The latest report however does not mention whether Kang Min-soo offered his own timeframe.

Apple’s next-generation OLED iPad Pro models are expected to be announced in a matter of weeks, according to multiple sources. They are rumored to have a thinner design, an M3 chip, improved cameras, MagSafe wireless charging, and a redesigned Magic Keyboard accessory that makes the iPad Pro more laptop-like.

Apple is also working on two non-OLED versions of the iPad Air, in 10.9 and 12.9-inch sizes, similar to the two sizes of the iPad Pro. These iPad Air models are expected to be introduced as soon as late March alongside the new OLED iPad Pro models.

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Apple Ring Rumors: What We’ve Heard About Apple’s Work on a Smart Ring

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There have been several rumors in recent weeks about Apple’s work on a finger-worn smart ring, and while it’s not clear if the project is in active development at this time, we thought we’d round up the rumors that are circulating.

samsung galaxy ringSamsung’s upcoming Galaxy Ring

This guide aggregates what we’ve heard so far on an Apple-branded smart ring.

Potential Features

A February rumor from Electronic Times suggested that Apple is “speeding up development” on a smart ring with health-related features.

Like the Apple Watch, an Apple Ring could track heart rate, activity, sleep, and respiratory rate, using that information to provide users with sleep insights and health recommendations.

Apple could also potentially use a smart ring as an input device for the iPhone, iPad, Vision Pro, or Mac.

Ring vs. Watch

Apple already has an Apple Watch that is able to track multiple health metrics, but a smart ring would be more comfortable for certain activities. A ring could be preferable for sleep, for example, or in situations where the wrists need to be covered, like when wearing supportive wrist wraps.

A ring would not likely need a constant connection to an ‌iPhone‌ or another Apple device because it has no display, so the battery would probably last for a longer period of time. On the downside, a smart ring would convey information via Bluetooth or a similar method, so while it would collect data, that data would not be synced to the ‌iPhone‌ in real-time as it is with the Apple Watch.

There is a possibility that a smart ring would be more affordable than the Apple Watch, with higher-end smart rings priced at around $300 from Apple’s competitors.

Apple’s Competition

Samsung is developing a Galaxy Ring that is expected to be available in the second half of the year. It can track heart rate, activity, and sleep, plus it is able to make wireless payments and control Samsung devices.

Companies like Oura and Ultrahuman have been making and selling smart rings for several years. The third-generation Oura ring is able to collect activity information and measure heart rate, respiratory rate, and sleep quality.

The Ultrahuman Ring Air measures heart rate, skin temperature, respiratory rate, recovery times, and sleep.

Ring Patents

Apple has patented smart ring technology. One patent, for example, explains how a smart ring (or several smart rings) could be used as a control method for a VR headset. Sensors in the ring would gather input from the user, and haptic output could provide feedback.

Another patent describes using a ring with a touch-sensitive display to control a TV or tablet, while a third outlines a smart ring with NFC.

Release Date

While Electronic Times said that Apple is seriously considering a smart ring, Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman claimed in February that Apple is not actively developing a finger-worn device at this time.

Apple’s industrial design team did present the idea of a smart ring focused on health and fitness to executives a few years back, but it may not be a project that Apple is planning to bring to market right now.

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Get Up to $100 Off Apple’s 9th Gen iPad, Available From $249.99

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A pair of deals on Apple’s 10.2-inch 9th generation iPad have appeared this week at both Best Buy and Amazon, including low prices on the 64GB and 256GB Wi-Fi models.

10Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

Starting with the 64GB Wi-Fi iPad, you can get this tablet for $249.99 at Best Buy, down from $329.99. This is a solid second-best price on the iPad, and Best Buy has it in both Silver and Space Gray. Amazon is matching the price as well.

Amazon has the 256GB Wi-Fi iPad on sale, available at $379.00, down from $479.00. This price is a match of the all-time low price on the 256GB Wi-Fi iPad. Best Buy is providing the same discount, but it’s only available to My Best Buy Plus or My Best Buy Total members.

Our full Deals Roundup has more information on the latest Apple-related sales and bargains.

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Gurman: New iPads to Launch Towards ‘End of March’ or April

Apple plans to release new iPad Pro and iPad Air models “around the end of March or in April,” according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. He also expects new Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil accessories for iPads to launch simultaneously. Apple is expected to release a larger 12.9-inch iPad Air In his Power On newsletter on Sunday, Gurman reiterated that Apple is preparing a special build of the…

Apple Announces Ability to Download iPhone Apps From Websites in EU

Apple today announced three further changes for developers in the European Union, allowing them to distribute apps directly from webpages, choose how to design in-app promotions, and more. Apple last week enabled alternative app stores in the EU in iOS 17.4, allowing third-party app stores to offer a catalog of other developers’ apps as well as the marketplace developer’s own apps. As of…

Gurman: AirPods Pro to Gain ‘Hearing Aid Mode’ in iOS 18

AirPods Pro will gain a new “hearing aid mode” with the release of iOS 18 later this year, according to the latest report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. Writing in the subscriber edition of his regular Power On newsletter, Gurman claims that the “big news” for AirPods Pro in the near term will be support for a hearing aid-style function when iOS 18 drops in the fall. To be clear, this isn’t …

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Apple’s most powerful laptop gets $250 off

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Want a laptop that can easily handle your demanding video editing or data processing workflow? The 16-inch MacBookPro with M3 Max should be your top choice.

Find the laptop’s $3,499 price tag steep? Amazon is knocking $250 off the M3 Max MacBook Pro, making it a little more affordable.

This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.

MacBook Pro with M3 Max has beauty and brains

M3 Max is currently the fastest laptop chip in Apple’s lineup. It features a 14-core CPU, 30-core GPU and ships with 36GB of unified memory. Fabricated on TSMC’s enhanced 3nm node, the SoC delivers a great balance between performance and battery life.

The M3 Max packs more than enough horsepower to handle heavy data processing or editing. And it can deliver this performance without draining your MacBook’s battery in no time.

It’s not just the chip. Apple’s 16-inch MacBook Pro is packed with the best hardware available. You get a 120Hz ProMotion display with a peak brightness of 1,000 nits. The display’s notch houses a 1080p FaceTime HD camera, complemented by the six-speaker setup and three-mic array. Oh! And it comes in a stealthy Space Black finish.

As for ports, the laptop packs an SD card slot, 3 USB-C ports, a 3.5mm jack, an HDMI port and MagSafe for fast charging.

Save a sweet $250 on the M3 Max MacBook Pro

With so much power, it’s not surprising that the M3 Max MacBook Pro is expensive. Apple wants $3,499 for the entry-level configuration packing 1TB storage and 36GB memory. But you can get the same variant from Amazon for $250 off, bringing its price down to $3,249.

If your workload is memory intensive, spring for the 48GB unified memory configuration. While the machine’s MSRP is $4,000, Amazon’s deal has knocked it down to $3,749. This is a modest saving, but you can use the money saved to buy some essential accessories for your new MacBook Pro.

M3 Max MacBook Pro configurations are rarely discounted, so you should not miss this deal.

Buy from: Amazon



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Here’s Everything We Know About Apple’s Next-Generation CarPlay

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It has been nearly two years since Apple first previewed next-generation CarPlay at WWDC 2022, and it has still yet to become available in any vehicles. Below, we recap the latest information about the upcoming software system.

next generation carplay multi display

Apple’s render of next-generation CarPlay from WWDC 2022

Next-generation CarPlay will have deeper integration with a vehicle’s instrument cluster, climate controls, FM radio, and more. It will also support multiple displays across the dashboard, and offer a variety of personalization options.

Launch Timing

Aston Martin and Porsche previewed their customized next-generation CarPlay designs in December. Aston Martin said it would release its first vehicles with next-generation CarPlay support in 2024, including a new model of its high-end DB12 sports car. Porsche did not provide a timeframe or specific details about its own plans.

A spokesperson for Porsche this week told us that it has no update to provide about next-generation CarPlay availability at this time, while a spokesperson for Aston Martin has yet to respond to our request for comment.

Next Generation CarPlay Porsche 1

Porsche’s next-generation CarPlay preview from December 2023

In January, Apple updated its website to confirm that the first vehicle models with support for next-generation CarPlay will debut “in 2024,” but it has yet to provide a more specific timeframe. This wording is shown on Apple’s websites for several countries, including the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and others.

Committed Automakers

When it first announced next-generation CarPlay, Apple said the following automakers were committed to offering it in new vehicles:

  • Acura
  • Audi
  • Ford
  • Honda
  • Infiniti
  • Jaguar
  • Land Rover
  • Lincoln
  • Mercedes-Benz
  • Nissan
  • Polestar
  • Porsche
  • Renault
  • Volvo

Beyond the addition of Aston Martin, it is unclear if this list has changed since that initial announcement at WWDC 2022.

Next Generation CarPlay Aston Martin

Aston Martin’s next-generation CarPlay preview from December 2023

Apple has not indicated if any next-generation CarPlay apps or features will be available in existing vehicles with standard CarPlay support.

New Features

Instrument Cluster Integration

Multi Display CarPlay 2
Next-generation CarPlay will integrate with a vehicle’s instrument cluster, including the speedometer, tachometer, odometer, fuel gauge, engine temperature gauge, oil pressure gauge, and more. Apple says drivers will be able to choose from several gauge cluster designs and layouts, including brand‑specific options.

Climate Controls

CarPlay Next Generation Screen
You’ll be able to access your vehicle’s climate controls directly within the new CarPlay interface, allowing you to adjust the temperature of the A/C or heat, fan speed, heated seats, heated steering wheel, and other options.

Multi-Display Support

CarPlay Next Generation Multi Screens
Next-generation CarPlay will be able to appear across all of the displays in a vehicle, providing a consistent experience across the infotainment system, instrument cluster, and any additional screens on the dashboard. Apple says the new CarPlay will be tailored to each vehicle model to accommodate unique screen shapes and layouts.

Widgets

CarPlay Next Generation Widgets
Widgets will be a key part of the new CarPlay experience, offering at-a-glance information such as trip duration, fuel economy, distance traveled, calendar events, weather, phone calls, the status of a HomeKit-enabled garage door, and more. It will also be possible to view and scroll through the widgets within the instrument cluster.

FM Radio App

CarPlay Next Generation Radio
Next-generation CarPlay will include an all-new Media app that allows you to easily control the FM radio in your vehicle, such as to change the station.

New Apps

iOS 17.4 for the iPhone includes hidden code-level references to eight new CarPlay apps:

  • Auto Settings: This app will let you manage paired iPhones and adjust vehicle settings.
  • Car Camera: This app will display the vehicle’s rear-view camera feed.
  • Charge: For electric vehicles, this app will display battery level, charging status, time remaining until the battery is fully charged, and more.
  • Climate: This app will provide access to a vehicle’s climate controls within CarPlay, allowing you to adjust the temperature of the A/C or heating system, fan speed, heated seats, heated steering wheel, and more.
  • Closures: This app will display if any of the vehicle’s doors are opened, and it might also display vehicle warning symbols.
  • Media: This app will provide access to FM and AM radio station controls within CarPlay, along with other media options like SiriusXM. It is unclear if SiriusXM will offer satellite connectivity, or remain limited to internet streaming. Users will be able to select from a list of music genres, such as Top 40 and Rock.
  • Tire Pressure: This app will display air pressure for each of the vehicle’s tires, and provide low pressure, high pressure, and flat tire warnings.
  • Trips: This app will provide a variety of driving-related data, including the vehicle’s average speed, fuel efficiency or energy efficiency, the total time elapsed and distance traveled on a trip, and more.

iOS 17.4 also revealed that next-generation CarPlay will likely display a “Goodbye” animation on the dashboard display after the driver shuts off the vehicle:

Next Generation CarPlay Goodbye
As previously announced by Apple, additional images found in iOS 17.4 confirm that users will be able to adjust the theme and color scheme of next-generation CarPlay, including the appearance of the instrument cluster:

Next Generation CarPlay Cluster Colors
Apple released iOS 17.4 in early March, and it is possible that it will be the minimum software version required for next-generation CarPlay when it eventually launches. However, it is also possible that Apple still has final preparations to make in iOS 17.5 and beyond, so we will ultimately have to wait and see when the software is ready.

More Images

Next Generation CarPlay Aston Martin 2Next Generation CarPlay Porsche 2

Summary

Apple says next-generation CarPlay will launch in 2024, but a more specific timeframe is still unknown. Aston Martin and Porsche have previewed their next-generation CarPlay designs, and the recently-released iOS 17.4 update for the iPhone includes hidden code-level references to next-generation CarPlay apps and features.

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