Apple's grand vision for CarPlay 2.0, unveiled at WWDC 2022, aimed to dominate vehicle interfaces by integrating across multiple screens and controlling key functions—potentially sidelining traditional dashboards. The announcement rattled the auto industry, sparking fears that CarPlay could become a Trojan horse, encroaching on automakers' turf. At the time, 98% of new US vehicles supported CarPlay, and nearly 80% of buyers preferred it.
Initially slated for a 2024 rollout, CarPlay 2.0 remains in limbo. As of January 2025, Apple's website no longer mentions its launch, fueling speculation that the project is losing momentum. The delay comes as Chinese tech suppliers accelerate their in-car software development, posing an increasing challenge to Apple's ambitions in the sector.
While Apple has put its car manufacturing plans on hold, insiders say this doesn't signal a retreat from the automotive space. Instead, Apple appears to be recalibrating—reinforcing its ecosystem before re-engaging with the market. Despite its expertise in seamless software experiences, integrating deeper into vehicles requires automaker cooperation, a hurdle that competitors like Google have already cleared through strategic partnerships.
Resistance from automakers has been evident. General Motors and Rivian have distanced themselves from CarPlay, wary of ceding control over user experience. However, this stance has triggered consumer backlash, forcing brands to weigh the risk of alienating buyers. Meanwhile, Porsche and Aston Martin are moving ahead with CarPlay 2.0 integration, though Ford and Mercedes-Benz remain noncommittal.
Apple's latest iOS 18.3 beta references the next-gen CarPlay, with newly surfaced images in EU databases hinting at ongoing development. The company has disclosed collaborations with multiple automakers, but details remain scarce.
As profit-sharing discussions shape the industry, players like Google's Android, Amazon Web Services, and Microsoft are expanding their footprint in automotive software. Apple, meanwhile, faces mounting pressure as Chinese automakers refine their own in-car ecosystems—leaving the tech giant with formidable expertise but diminishing leverage. Geopolitical tensions and a cooling iPhone market further cloud the outlook, adding another layer of uncertainty to CarPlay 2.0's road ahead.