Last Updated on 2 years by admin
From the release of iOS 13 Apple CarPlay kept on improving its features. iOS 14 added many updates for CarPlay which even included the Car Key feature. Thereafter, Apple kept on adding more new features to CarPlay time to time. The new release of iOS 15 has made the physical car keys useless for the devices that supports U1 chip sets.
Car Keys for Apple Devices with U1 chips and iOS 15
The release of iOS 15 enlightened the abilities of virtual car keys. Apple devices that support Ultra-Wideband (UWB) U1 chip was able to guarantees that the car can never be started without iPhone in the vehicle. Most importantly, your vehicle will never lock the doors with your phone inside. It is the simplest solution anybody can think of while having the most advanced security you can expect in this century.
Let’s get to know what UWB is, and how it works. As it will help us understand more about the technology that apple used to bring us the great new CarPlay features.
What is Ultra-Wideband (UWB)
Ultra-wideband is a technology for transmitting data across a wide bandwidth of >500 MHz It uses a wide spectrum of several GHz. UWB allow transmitting large amount of signal energy without interrupting the other carrier transmissions which transmits on narrowband. Most countries don’t have regulatory limits for Ultra-wideband. Further to explain the UWB we can say it is also like Bluetooth / Wi-Fi (short range) but operates at an extremely high frequency. Ultra-wideband was previously named as pulse radio, so the technology is not new. Also, if you need more details, wiki page has already captured everything about it.
As Apple presents the UWB it has the possibility to recognize its environments along with the objects in it. Which makes it even capable of pointing the Ultra-wideband intergraded iPhone to another iPhone and transfer files. Amazing, isn’t it?
U1 Chip supported iPhones
Up to now there are eleven iPhone models that is built with the U1 Chip. Which also makes the Apple CarPlay more futuristic.
iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max
Driving Focus – iOS 15 CarPlay
The previously known Do Not Disturb While Driving was replaced with the new feature called Focus. It is new to iOS 15. The best part about Focus mode is that you can set is for anything. Driving could be just one option. Though we are focused on Driving mode with iOS 15 CarPlay there are some cool features on Focus that you would be interested to know.
Focus mode – iOS 15
As shared above Driving mode is one option that you could set in Focus mode. If you are person having trouble in concentrating on your work or studies while the app on your iPhone is making sounds, fucus mode is made for you.
Focus mode is in control settings where the “Do not Disturb was available”. And once you are in focus mode by clicking the plus icon down below the screen enables to create a new focus mode depending on your choice. Few examples for focus mode could be driving, sleeping, studying, working, or me time. By setting up the focus mode you can customize the home screen, apps, notifications to match your need.
CarPlay updates with Apple Maps – explore cities in 3D with iOS 15
iOS 15 Maps brings natural beauty of the world by enabling users to explore major cities in 3D. Updated maps provide more road details to help drivers cross through cities more easily and safely. Turn lanes, bus and taxi lanes, and crosswalks are clearly displayed for navigating busy intersections. Furthermore, 3D view of the iOS 15 maps makes it easier to see upcoming traffic conditions.
New Wallpapers for CarPlay iOS 15
Apple introduces four new wallpapers with iOS 15 which supports both light and dark modes. The CarPlay can automatically which between the modes based on the time of the day.
You can access the CarPlay wallpapers by accessing CarPlay > Settings > Wallpapers.
Tips & News about CarPlay
CarPlay update are related to the handsets, you do not need to make any changes in your car to support the new CarPlay for iOS 15. Unless for a unique reason there is no need to run any updates on the Car or the Car player.
Only possible reason for an upgrade in the car infotainment units could be related to a bug. And for such situations users may need to visit the company site of the relevant car brand. As been said above it is a rarely needed upgrade.
