AutoApple CarPlay and Google Auto are both impressive systems, but there must be a winnerJon Bentley considers the advancement of connecting our phones to our cars and where it’s heading for in-car infotainmentWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
AutoApple CarPlay and Google Auto are both impressive systems, but there must be a winnerJon Bentley considers the advancement of connecting our phones to our cars and where it’s heading for in-car infotainmentWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Jon Bentley considers the advancement of connecting our phones to our cars and where it’s heading for in-car infotainment
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Renault)
(Image credit: Renault)
Since launch, improvements to both systems have been limited but nonetheless worthwhile - bigger screens, a wider range of app support, more voice control options, wireless connectivity and steps towards a multi-window display, so you can change music track without exiting navigation, for example.
Asked for my own wishlist of how the tech could improve, I would champion separate screens for CarPlay and the car’s on-board functions so you don’t have to keep switching in and out of the CarPlay interface when you want to use, say, the built-in radio, still bigger screens that allow the full display of several apps at once and screens for passengers who could enjoy different apps independently of the driver.
Both Apple andGooglehave revealed how they envisage their technologies developing but their priorities are different from mine. Their missions are to create automotive operating systems that extend their claws deeper into the car and control more of it, embracing areas that hitherto have been the domain of the car manufacturer; things like the instruments, radio, heated seats, climate control, and trip computer.
Apple CarPlay concept(Image credit: Apple)
Apple CarPlay concept
Apple CarPlay concept
(Image credit: Apple)
At the2022 Worldwide Developers Conference, Apple devoted a significant amount of time to showing off such a car operating system. In effect, it turns the entire dash into a giantiPhonewith two enormous screens completely under CarPlay control. One runs right across its entire width and seems intended mainly to display information through numerous widgets, while another large central screen appears to offer more focused control.
All displays are in the same unified and clear style - building on Apple’s notable advantage in this area, invaluable while driving when the consequences of avoidable distraction are an ever-present threat. You can customise what information you’re offered and select from different “looks” - conventional dials, more minimalist modern displays, and even one in what appears to be Gulf racing colours. The idea is that you would never need to leave the CarPlay experience.
Surprisingly perhaps, no head up displays feature, though I’m sure this would be a relatively easy extension of the concept.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
While Apple is still at the concept stage, Google’s future is already here - they’re embedding Android in real cars leaving the factory. They call their operating system Android Automotive and, like Apple, they’re extending control to the car’s own systems. Unlike Apple though you don’t need a phone. As a driver, you can log into your Google account and get customised services whether you’re aniOSor Android user.
The system uses the car’s data connection to operate a selection of car-related apps that you can supplement via the PlayStore. Manufacturers can use the system off-the-shelf or, rather like phone makers with their custom Android skins, they can develop and curate their own collections of apps through something called Google Automotive Services. Among the first car companies signing up to this are Volvo and Renault.
Volvo EX90(Image credit: Volvo)
Volvo EX90
Volvo EX90
(Image credit: Volvo)
Volvo provides four years data with every new car, Renault a year. Given that most people lease cars these days, some form of subscription could be easily included with your monthly payment. Between leases, manufacturers will have an incentive to provide a mid-life electronic software and hardware refresh to keep resale values up. On both the Renault and Volvo your phone will still work through Android Auto or indeed Apple CarPlay if you want, and there’s still a conventional Bluetooth connection.
BMW iDrive OS 9(Image credit: BMW)
BMW iDrive OS 9
BMW iDrive OS 9
(Image credit: BMW)
More manufacturers appear set to join forces with Google. BMW has announced that the next, ninth generation of theiriDrive OS, due for launch in 2024, will run on Android software. The new Mercedes operating systemMB.OS, scheduled for 2025, will also be Google-based.
It’s hard to see that there’s room for both Google Automotive and Apple’s more ambitious CarPlay. Because it’s here, has a more flexible approach to incorporating manufacturers’ own systems, and doesn’t require you to have a particular phone, it looks like Google Automotive will win out of the two. But Apple and Google aren’t the only players with designs on your car.
Other manufacturers are reluctant to give up any control. Tesla for example will resolutely stick with their own system.
Amidst all this potentially confusing diversity for car buyers, one thing’s certain - the battle for your car’s dashboard has only just begun.
TOPICSCarplayAndroidAndroid Autoappleios
TOPICS
Samsung Galaxy S25: every leak, rumour and spec we’ve heard before the launch eventThis is everything we’ve heard about the new handsets
This is everything we’ve heard about the new handsets
This case turns your iPhone or Android phone into an e-reader, but there’s a catchActually, there are a couple…
Actually, there are a couple…
Troubled EV maker Faraday Future is back (again) at CESFaraday Future is back, but this time it might actually be onto something
Faraday Future is back, but this time it might actually be onto something
Honda goes after Tesla with pair of radical new electric concept carsRevealed at CES, the pair of EVs will go into production in 2026
Revealed at CES, the pair of EVs will go into production in 2026
BMW unveils the next-generation iDrive, and it’s wildBMW’s brand new operating system the iDrive OS X will feature in the upcoming Neue Klasse models and is its biggest change in 25 years
BMW’s brand new operating system the iDrive OS X will feature in the upcoming Neue Klasse models and is its biggest change in 25 years
Android Auto gets a significant free Maps upgradeThis change to Android Auto will make your daily driving easier
This change to Android Auto will make your daily driving easier
You’ve seen the rebrand, now here’s the first new Jaguar EVThe Type 00 concept previews Jaguar’s all-new electric line-up. We speak to the creatives behind it
The Type 00 concept previews Jaguar’s all-new electric line-up. We speak to the creatives behind it
New Android Auto update lays the groundwork for major music pushThere’s a big update coming to Android Auto that will change everything
There’s a big update coming to Android Auto that will change everything
iPhone unlocking is coming to your AudiAudi, Volvo and Polestar could be the next car brands to embrace Apple’s wireless car keys
Audi, Volvo and Polestar could be the next car brands to embrace Apple’s wireless car keys
Tesla Robovan has something the Cybertruck definitely does notIntelligent and curvy, this is the bus Tesla hopes we all catch
Intelligent and curvy, this is the bus Tesla hopes we all catch
