Tech World
How does Apple’s iOS 18 make CarPlay more accessible and what are the key details to know?

Apple Unveils iOS 18 Developer Update at WWDC 2024: Exciting New Features for CarPlay
On June 10th, during its WWDC 2024 keynote, Apple announced the iOS 18 developer update, introducing numerous incremental upgrades to its major operating systems, including watchOS, macOS, iPadOS, and more. Notably, the iOS 18 update also brings several innovative features to Apple’s car software, CarPlay, which may have flown under the radar.
New CarPlay Features in iOS 18
The update includes enhancements like Voice Control, Colour Filters, and Sound Recognition, along with some visual upgrades labeled as accessibility features. If you’re curious about how to leverage these new CarPlay capabilities, here’s a detailed guide.
Voice Control
The Voice Control feature allows drivers to navigate through the CarPlay interface and manage native apps using voice commands. To enable Voice Control on your CarPlay system, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Navigate to the Accessibility section.
- Under the Physical and Motor section, locate and turn on Voice Control.
Once enabled, a new mic icon will appear on both your phone and CarPlay system. You can now use custom commands like “Open Music” and “Close Maps.”
Sound Recognition
Sound Recognition in CarPlay provides notifications for driving-related sounds, such as car horns and sirens. This feature is particularly useful for drivers who want to stay alert to important sounds without losing focus on the road. To enable Sound Recognition:
- Go to the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Navigate to the Sounds section.
- Choose from three different options to adjust silent mode settings.
You can now toggle Silent Mode on or off, and your iPhone will automatically follow these settings.
Colour Filters
Apple has also introduced visual enhancements like Colour Filters in CarPlay, aiding drivers with colour blindness by differentiating colours on the CarPlay interface. This feature can be enabled from the Settings app, where users can select from four different colour filters.
Discover More with iOS 18
These new features in iOS 18 make CarPlay more accessible and user-friendly. Explore these updates to enhance your driving experience with Apple’s latest innovations.
