While Apple CarPlay 2’s expected 2024 release still hasn’t happened, newly leaked images Tuesday show a familiar widget-based interface that mirrors experiences across iOS, iPadOS and macOS devices.
The leaker is considered reliable. If the images prove genuine, they suggest a sensible drive by the iPhone giant to provide a seamless experience across the Apple ecosystem, even on the road.
Leaked images show CarPlay 2 widgets similar to iOS interface
The images, shared by leaker Aaron Perris (@aaronp613) on X.com, showcase several widgets that CarPlay 2 users can expect to implement in their vehicles. While the release timeline remains uncertain, the familiar design language suggests Apple focuses on creating a seamless experience across devices, including vehicle integration.
While these screenshots appear to be designed for traditional rectangular infotainment screens, the next-generation CarPlay is expected to be more ambitious. Previous regulatory filings and Apple’s own previews have shown how the system could take over entire vehicle dashboards, including critical functions like the speedometer. Luxury car manufacturers such as Porsche and Aston Martin already appeared in Apple’s sneak peeks of the upgraded system.
Familiar interface
The interface maintains a column of apps along the left edge of the screen. It’s a feature users of the current CarPlay, started up way back in 2014, will recognize. And the interface brings a customizable widget space in the central section.
The leaked images reveal several widget options, including:
- A clock that can display different time zones.
- Weather forecasts
- Calendar integration highlighting upcoming events.
- A dual-purpose widget splitting the screen between navigation and media playback.
- A dedicated Now Playing widget providing media controls.
Customization in a much more ambitious CarPlay version
Here is an upcoming look at widgets coming to CarPlay 2.0 pic.twitter.com/2mwg3VjR7H
— Aaron (@aaronp613) January 14, 2025
According to the images, users can customize their dashboard through an “Add widgets” interface, allowing them to scroll through and select their preferred widgets, similar to the current iOS widget selection process. The familiar layout includes status indicators in the corners, displaying information such as iPhone signal strength, battery life and time.
But why can’t we have this now?
The widget interface’s similarity to existing Apple platforms raises questions among some users in replies to the X.com post. They wonder if these features could be implemented in the current version of CarPlay. As the wait for CarPlay 2 continues, some enthusiasts suggest Apple could enhance the existing system with these widget capabilities rather than waiting for the complete next-generation overhaul.
“I feel like the majority of CarPlay 2 stuff could easily be in the current CarPlay,” said one commenter. “Not the car-specific stuff, but everything else.”
These latest leaked images, which 9to5Mac indicated came from an EU database that previously displayed accurate CarPlay 2 assets, add to the growing picture of Apple’s vision for the future of in-car interfaces.
