Apple is promising a lot with its next-generation of CarPlay. In fact, the entire idea is that the automaker hands over the ability for CarPlay to mirror itself on every display and read the output of just about every sensor to become the entire user experience of the automobile.
All of that integration seems like a no-brainer to CarPlay lovers. Not only do drivers get a consistent interface across vehicles, but their most crucial daily organizer, their iPhone, becomes the car’s centerpiece.
Now, imagine a bit further and think of the potential for customization—as The Verge asks, could next-gen CarPlay allow automakers and drivers to mimic the look and feel of beloved classics in their modern car’s cabin?
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Apple’s Next-Gen CarPlay
So many people use CarPlay in their cars today. It helps to mesh phone-centric society’s tie to their mobiles with one of the most important machines in their life: their cars. Apple’s next-generation CarPlay will allow the phone to tap into data from the car’s real-world sensors and use the read-only information to build entire gauge clusters using Apple’s framework—so as long as OEMs are on board.
BlackBox Infinite thinks so. The design firm has been working with the recently put together a case study on Apple’s new CarPlay framework to see how reimagined gauges of the pre-screen era could look in a brand-new car. A true test of the Human-Machine Interface that next-gen CarPlay brings to the table.
Check out the behind-the-scenes video below:
The team at BlackBox said the goal was to stretch the framework as far as they could, incorporating classic clusters imagined from the Porsche 911 930 Turbo, Acura NSX, Ferrari Testarossa, Lancia Delta Integrale, Honda S2000, DeLorean, and C4 Chevrolet Corvette. And as seen in the video, the firm did an amazing job at reverse engineering the original design language and incorporating it into a contemporary space that is uniquely Apple.
Now, sure, automakers could do this themselves if they really wanted to. Ford already has done this in the new Mustang, allowing owners to relive the classic Fox Body-style gauges at the press of a button. Ford’s solution is all in-car software, though.
Other automakers like GM and Mercedes-Benz have sworn off the full capabilities of next-generation CarPlay, so the potential for customization in those marques is out for now.
But how much will Apple allow for customization of the new CarPlay framework? Apple is pretty strict about the level of customization that it allows in its products. For years, owners of iPhones couldn’t display widgets or move icons wherever they wanted, and the Apple Watch still doesn’t allow owners to create custom watch faces. So why would the electronics giant allow for custom gauge faces?
The team here at InsideEVs discussed the possibilities and are on board with the potential that Blackbox introduced here. Heck, we even agreed that this would be the perfect time for automakers or app creators to monetize something specific to CarPlay—and enthusiasts would absolutely love it.
As much as we’d love to see it happen, the future of this concept remains to be seen.
Apple’s Next-Gen CarPlay Could Reimagine Gauge Clusters of Classic Enthusiast Cars
In recent years, Apple has revolutionized the way we interact with our cars through its CarPlay system. This innovative technology allows drivers to seamlessly integrate their iPhones into their vehicles, providing access to navigation, music, messaging, and more, all through a user-friendly interface. However, Apple’s next-generation CarPlay system is set to take things to a whole new level, particularly for classic enthusiast cars.
One of the most exciting features of Apple’s next-gen CarPlay is its ability to reimagine the gauge clusters of classic cars. For many enthusiasts, the gauge cluster is a key aesthetic and functional element of a classic car, providing vital information about speed, fuel levels, engine temperature, and more. With Apple’s new system, these traditional gauges could be replaced with a high-resolution display that can be customized to show a wide range of information in a visually appealing and easy-to-read format.
Imagine sitting behind the wheel of a vintage Porsche 911 or a Ford Mustang and seeing a digital gauge cluster that perfectly mimics the design of the original analog gauges, but with the added functionality of being able to display navigation directions, music playlists, and even real-time performance data. This seamless integration of modern technology with classic cars would not only enhance the driving experience but also preserve the aesthetic integrity of these beloved vehicles.
Another exciting aspect of Apple’s next-gen CarPlay is its potential for enhancing the overall driving experience of classic cars. With features such as voice-controlled navigation, real-time traffic updates, and predictive maintenance alerts, drivers of classic cars can enjoy the convenience and safety benefits of modern technology without compromising the authenticity of their vehicles.
Furthermore, Apple’s commitment to privacy and security means that drivers can rest assured that their personal information is protected while using CarPlay. This is particularly important for classic car owners who may be concerned about the security of their vehicle’s data and connectivity.
Overall, Apple’s next-generation CarPlay has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with classic enthusiast cars, offering a seamless blend of cutting-edge technology and timeless design. With its innovative features and commitment to user privacy and security, this new system is sure to be a game-changer for classic car enthusiasts around the world.