How Apple plans to change the way you drive in $2.3 trillion dashboard war

Apple has upped the ante in the $2.3 trillion battle to control the dashboard, updating its CarPlay offering to extend beyond an infotainment system to change the way people drive.

Apple has upped the ante in the $US1.5 trillion ($2.3 trillion) battle to control the vehicle dashboard, updating its CarPlay offering to extend beyond an infotainment system to change the way people drive.

CarPlay allows people to mirror their iPhone on their vehicle’s dashboard screens to play music, access maps, receive text messages and make phone calls. Apple says motorists use the software 600 million times a day.

At its annual Worldwide Developer’s Conference in Cupertino, Apple revealed an updated version that can support widgets and live activities, allowing drivers to track real-time activities such as a friend’s flight status or track an online delivery.

People can also add their car keys to Apple’s Wallet app, so they can lock or unlock and start their vehicles using an iPhone with compatible cars.

CarPlay will feature the sweeping changes to Apple’s operating systems, including its new “liquid glass” that can make icons and menus appear translucent.

While the changes aren’t as big as CarPlay Ultra – which Apple announced last month and is so far only available on Aston Martin vehicles – Apple director of car experience engineering Emily Schubert said it would make driving safer.

Apple CEO Tim Cook is overseeing a strategy to change the way people drive.

“We have added new features to help keep you connected while driving, like a compact design so when you get a call, you can still see what’s on the screen like your upcoming directions, tap backs and pinned conversations and messages,’ Ms Schubert said.

“iOS 26 also gives you widgets in CarPlay. They’re quick and glanceable ways to get information which is perfect while driving, as well as live activities, so you can stay on top of what’s important to you. All that in a way to help you stay focused on the road.”

Ms Schubert said the same widgets that developers have built for iPhone work in CarPlay to create a “consistent and more unified experience”

CarPlay Ultra takes that a step further, allowing people to control key car functions via the software like adjusting climate control and seats, while displaying the full instrument cluster, including speedometer, tachometer, and fuel and temperature gauges.

While Ultra is only available on Aston Martins, Ms Schubert said it will be launched across other marques soon.

“This is just the start of the CarPlay Ultra journey, with many more brands around the world working to bring this experience to market.

“We’re so excited to work with different automakers, combining their unique look and feel as well as vehicle features with the power of iPhone.”

At its developer conference, Apple said its operating system updates will also enable iPhones to learn people’s preferred routes and offer them in Maps automatically.

Car keys can now be added to Apple Wallet to allow people to lock and unlock or start their cars with iPhones.

Apple services software engineering manager Kathy Lin said if there are significant delays, Maps will display alternate route options, “even if you didn’t start directions”.

“So if you have that important meeting, you won’t be late due to an unexpected slowdown,” she said.

The battle to control car dashboard screens has intensified in the past three years. There are billions of dollars at stake, with some market analysts expecting digital service revenues could hit $US1.5 trillion globally by 2030.

The battle centres on digital subscription services. Tesla boss Elon Musk said in 2023 that “technically we could sell for zero profit for now and then yield actually tremendous economics in the future through autonomy” and other subscription services.

While automakers have partnered with Apple or Google to offer more intuitive infotainment systems, others have pushed back to offer their own.

General Motors has phased out Apple and Google from many of its new electric vehicle models last year in favour of developing its own software, so it could generate more revenue from drivers.

Others, including Mercedes-Benz and Aston Martin, say partnering with tech companies allows them to focus more on making better cars.

Aston Martin chief executive Adrian Hallmark said: “The integration of CarPlay Ultra is a clear example of the dedication to collaborate with the best companies in the world to bring unique experiences and in-vehicle capabilities to our customers”.

“Building on our in-house, state-of-the-art infotainment system, CarPlay Ultra will provide additional functionality and personalisation opportunities, which place Aston Martin at the forefront of infotainment in the sector.”

The author travelled to Cupertino as a guest of Apple.