Sports enthusiasts, discover why the new Apple CarPlay update is essential.

Apple has released the iOS 18.4 update, which brings several new features for Apple CarPlay, including support for sports apps. Among the new features is a third row of icons on larger screens and options for default navigation apps in the European Union.

One of the most notable additions is the ability for sports apps installed on the device to occupy part of the screen in the vehicle, allowing users to view live event scores alongside other apps such as navigation and music. However, it is important to clarify that videos will not be displayed in this section. The amount of space this feature will take on the screen is unknown, as it could range from showing team logos and their scores to something more elaborate. Although this feature is enabled with the latest update, it may still not be available on all devices, as it requires cooperation from third-party app developers.

Another significant advancement is the inclusion of a third row of icons, which will facilitate quicker access to apps while driving. It will no longer be necessary to swipe through different screens to find the desired app. However, this feature is optimized for larger screens; those with smaller displays may not have access to this functionality.

Regarding navigation changes, what previously limited EU users to using Apple Maps as the only default option has changed. It is now possible to set another navigation app, such as Waze or Google Maps, as the default, allowing the selected app to open directly when selecting directions.

As Apple continues to develop CarPlay, the goal is to transform the driving experience by offering an infotainment system that fully integrates with vehicle functions and phone information. The new version is expected to be released by the end of 2023.

Recently, General Motors announced plans to eliminate the use of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in its future electric vehicles, opting for infotainment systems developed alongside Google. This decision has surprised many, as both systems are popular, allowing users to project content from their phones onto the vehicle's display. It is suggested that this move could help GM collect more data on vehicle usage, although it may harm the user experience by requiring drivers to adapt to new interfaces.