Since its debut in 2014, Apple CarPlay has grown by leaps and bounds. Part of its appeal lies in its simplicity and ease of use. Most manufacturers now incorporate CarPlay in vehicles, increasing its popularity. Its capabilities have also increased with time, enhancing multitasking.
You can now find EV charging stations on Maps, use Siri to do more, or add a new calendar view. Whether you just got started or have been using CarPlay for years, here are some Apple CarPlay tips you must know.
- Easily locate the nearest EV charging stations
- Use Do Not Disturb to drive peacefully
- Remember where you parked
- Use Siri to do more
- Customize the CarPlay Home Screen
1. Easily locate the nearest EV charging stations
If you own an electric vehicle, you no longer have to worry about finding a charging station when you’re out on the road.
CarPlay will help you when it’s time for a charge. Simply open Apple Maps → go to the Search bar → type EV Chargers → Tap the entry for EV Chargers → a map will appear showing the nearest charging stations.
2. Use Do Not Disturb to drive peacefully
Apple CarPlay settings are now better than ever. You can set the background color to adjust automatically for day or nighttime driving. You will love the Do Not Disturb While Driving feature if you prefer driving without distractions.
To switch on the feature:
- Go to Settings
- Choose Do Not Disturb While Driving.
- Turn on Activate With CarPlay to automatically trigger the Do Not Disturb mode when you connect CarPlay.
Note: You need to set how you receive notifications from your iPhone.
3. Remember where you parked
Many drivers with iPhones have always used CarPlay to get directions, view speed limits, and check estimated arrival times. On 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 Location. But ensure you’re connected to the car’s CarPlay dashboard before parking. CarPlay will display your parking location on Apple Maps.
4. Use Siri to do more
On the latest version of CarPlay, Siri no longer obstructs your screen. You’ll also get better, more specific directions.
Instead of “Turn left in 500 feet,” Siri will tell you, “Turn left at the next traffic light.” You can also use Siri to find the best auto showroom in your area. There’s a wider variety of voice commands, so you don’t have to tap your screen while driving.
The voice assistant will appear in a small swirling ball at the bottom when you ask Siri something. Siri can also send audio messages and share your estimated time of arrival.
Take advantage of the Shortcuts app to configure customized voice control commands. For instance, you can set up a Siri voice command that offers directions in Google Maps on CarPlay.
5. Customize the CarPlay Home Screen
Here’s how to change your CarPlay dashboard looks:
- Open your iPhone Settings → General → CarPlay.
- Tap the Connected Car and hit Customize.
The screen that pops up will let you pick which CarPlay apps show up on the dashboard.
Note: You can switch the order of the apps, changing how they appear on the dashboard.
There you have it! Use these 5 Apple CarPlay tips to enhance your driving experience. Got any other tips? Share them in the comments below!
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A tech-aficionado whose superpower lies in blabbering interminably about new technologies. After 4+ years and 4500+ content pieces that helped diverse companies grow, I followed my passion and made iGeeks Media my home. When not gushing over technology, you will find me immersed in a fictional world, either reading or creating one.
Very good article.