QUICK LOOK: Apple CarPlay in iOS 13 – what’s new?

The world’s spotlight may be on the new iPhone 11 and 11 Pro, but Apple has also introduced its latest mobile operating system, iOS 13, to go with them. Released to the public just last week, it features numerous sweeping changes, including a new interface for Apple CarPlay. We got a hold of a Kia Picanto – the cheapest car in Malaysia to support the system, priced from RM49,888 – to check it out.

As soon as you plug your phone in, you’ll be greeted with a new home screen, which features your maps (only Apple Maps, sadly), Siri Suggestions for navigation locations (again, only compatible with Apple Maps), the music currently playing and the new Calendar app. This gives you access to these features and control them in a much simpler and more intuitive way.

Just as you’d expect, the Calendar app lets you see what’s going on in the day, and if you’ve inputted the address for your next appointment, you can set it as the destination in Apple Maps (and yes, yet again, only Apple Maps). There’s also a new Settings screen that, among other things, allows you to set the system to automatically switch to the new Light interface during daytime.

Siri is still Siri, but the voice control system now has a new, more natural voice and can now be called up just by saying “Hey Siri.” It is also now compatible with third-party apps such as Google Maps and Waze, but this functionality is not enabled in Malaysia just yet.

Last but certainly not least, you will no longer kicked out of the app you’re currently using in CarPlay if somebody else uses another app on your phone – so your passenger can now change the song you’re playing on Spotify while you’re using Waze. Of course, it goes without saying that you should never, ever use your phone while you’re driving.

So, plenty of new features, then. But how do they all work, and do all of them work as they should? We did the legwork for you and sussed out the new Apple CarPlay interface, and you can watch the video above to find out our thoughts.

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Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 

Comments

  • 25yrsOld on Sep 23, 2019 at 7:35 pm

    wow.. so much better than stucked with MBUX and Hi Proton.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 3
    • But you don’t have to pay microtransactions either to Proton or MBUX to unlock feature sets.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
  • Cendol on Sep 23, 2019 at 8:08 pm

    So now its official.
    Kia Picanto – the cheapest car in Malaysia

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 4
    • It's aSony on Sep 24, 2019 at 7:20 am

      Aftermarket only cost ~RM1,500.
      You still can dump it in an axia.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Ongtk on Sep 23, 2019 at 9:10 pm

    Android Auto has a more pleasant look.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 3
  • seancorr (Member) on Sep 24, 2019 at 11:46 am

    Just so you know Android Auto was also updated with a new interface right bout the same time too probably to compete with the new CarPlay.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Kaizer on Sep 24, 2019 at 2:37 pm

    I use Waze on a daily basis, so the new home screen is of no use to me (who uses Apple Maps in Malaysia, seriously?).

    The only useful update here for me is that the passenger can now use the phone indepedently from CarPlay (finally!)

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
    • me too ! i ope the default apple maps on the center screen can allow user change to wave instead !

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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