
CarPlay is likely one of the hottest Apple software program options amongst drivers. Some folks go as far as to hunt for a special automotive model altogether to make sure they’ve CarPlay, whereas others attempt to get probably the most out of their favourite EV car to benefit from the firm’s imaginative and prescient of automotive software program.
Whereas we nonetheless anticipate some (good) information on Apple’s next-gen CarPlay, there are a number of underrated present options that everybody needs to be utilizing proper now. We’ll take a better have a look at them under.
Discover the place you parked with Apple CarPlay

That is a type of hidden (and useful) CarPlay options you’ll ultimately want. For those who overlook the place you parked your automotive, don’t fear — CarPlay is your greatest buddy. Each time you unplug your iPhone from CarPlay, it exhibits a marker on Apple Maps and Google Maps. That method, you possibly can backtrack to the place you parked and never fear about relying in your reminiscence.
SharePlay is the passenger princess’ greatest characteristic

On iOS 17, Apple began letting customers collaborate with another person’s Apple Music queue utilizing SharePlay. When you begin enjoying a music, another person can faucet the SharePlay icon, seize their cellphone, scan a QR code, and add songs to the queue. It is a useful CarPlay characteristic, so that you don’t must maintain unlocking your iPhone. Even when the opposite individual doesn’t have an Apple Music subscription, they’ll maintain including songs so long as they’ve the Music app downloaded.
With iOS 18, Apple expanded SharePlay capabilities, making it much more dependable, particularly for these lengthy automotive rides.

There are a number of methods to let somebody monitor your journey utilizing your iPhone, together with with CarPlay. You’ll be able to share your ETA on the backside of the display when you begin a visit with Apple Maps or Google Maps in your automotive. Apple will recommend a number of names out of your contacts listing, and you may share them utilizing numerous messaging apps.
One other chance is to make use of the Test-in characteristic accessible on iMessage. Right here’s the step-by-step:
- Open the Messages app in your iPhone
- Faucet to begin a brand new dialog or choose an present one
- Faucet the + icon, then Extra, Test In, and Edit
- Select between ending Test In whenever you arrive or after a timer
After I arrive: Specify your vacation spot and the way you’re touring (driving, transit, or strolling), and add further time if wanted. Test In displays your journey and notifies your buddy in case your iPhone isn’t transferring for an prolonged time period or if it doesn’t attain the vacation spot as anticipated. While you arrive at your vacation spot efficiently, the Test In robotically completes and notifies your buddy that your iPhone has arrived.
After a timer: Specify a time period, for instance, throughout a date with somebody you met on an app. For those who don’t end the Test In earlier than you set, Test In notifies your buddy.
CarPlay options wrap up
These are three underrated CarPlay options that everybody needs to be utilizing. Under, you possibly can be taught extra about iOS 19, as we count on Cupertino so as to add much more features to its CarPlay software program forward of this eventual revamp.