CarPlay gets multitasking

Some OEMs manage to build easy to use software for their satnav or infotainment, others appear to require a four-year university degree to operate them. Few equal the simplicity of Apple CarPlay, a system that is to get an upgrade.

Now in its fourth year, CarPlay has involved little over the years. A new feature that will be launched later this year will allow users to display a satnav map on the left half of the screen, while showing music details and the next guidance details on the right-hand side. Somewhat surprisingly, CarPlay required users to switch from one app to the other until this upgrade.

Other new features include:

• a Calendar app, which lets you see upcoming appointments to get directions to them or call attendees
• improved Maps app, with easier access to favourite destinations
• new dark mode
• improved Siri functionality

iOS 13 will be released this autumn.