Since its debut in 2014, Apple CarPlay has grown exponentially. Part of its appeal lies in its simplicity and usability. Most manufacturers now include CarPlay in their cars, which is increasing its popularity. Its capabilities have also increased over time, improving multitasking.
You can now find EV charging stations on Maps, use Siri to do more, or add a new calendar view. If you are just getting started or have already used CarPlay, here are some Apple CarPlay tips that you should know for years.
- Easily find nearby EV charging stations
- Use Do Not Disturb Mode to Drive Safely
- Remember where you parked
- Use Siri to do more
- Customize your CarPlay home screen
- Easily find nearby EV charging stations.
If you own an electric car, you no longer need to worry about finding a charging station when you are on the road.
CarPlay helps you when it’s time to recharge. Just open Apple Maps → go to the search bar → enter Electric car chargers → Tap an entry for electric car chargers → a map will appear showing the nearest charging stations.
- Use Do Not Disturb mode to drive quietly.
Apple CarPlay settings are now better than ever. You can customize the background color for auto tuning for day or night driving. You will love the Do Not Disturb While Driving feature if you prefer not to be distracted.
To enable this feature:
- Go to settings
- Select Do Not Disturb While Driving.
- Turn on Activate with CarPlay to automatically enter Do Not Disturb mode when CarPlay is connected.
Note. You need to configure how you receive notifications from your iPhone.
- Remember where you parked
Many iPhone drivers have always used CarPlay to get directions, view speed limits, and check estimated arrival times. In iOS 14, CarPlay offers more detailed maps. You can see 3D buildings and businesses, including restaurants and gas stations.
CarPlay can even help you remember where you parked. To activate the feature, go to Settings → Maps → Show parked place . But make sure you are connected to the car’s CarPlay dashboard before parking. CarPlay will display your parking spot on Apple Maps.
- Use Siri to do more.
In the latest version of CarPlay, Siri no longer covers the screen. You will also receive more precise and specific directions.
Instead of “Turn left after 500 feet,” Siri will tell you, “At the next traffic lights, turn left.” You can also use Siri to find the best car dealership in your area. There is a wider selection of voice commands so you don’t have to tap the screen while driving.
When you ask Siri about something, the voice assistant will appear as a small spinning ball below. Siri can also send audio messages and provide estimated time of arrival.
Use the Shortcuts application to customize your individual voice commands. For example, you can set up a Siri voice command that suggests directions in Google Maps on CarPlay.
- Customize your CarPlay home screen.
Here’s how to change the look of your CarPlay dashboard:
- Open iPhone Settings → General → CarPlay.
- Tap the connected vehicle and tap “Configure”.
On the screen that appears, you can choose which CarPlay apps are displayed on the dashboard.
Note. You can change the order of applications by changing how they appear in the toolbar.
