Apple is set to expand the remit of its CarPlay software dramatically.
Phone apps in your car
So far, CarPlay has been about projecting the major apps from your phone - music, calls, messages, podcasts, maps - onto your car's touchscreen. That makes it easier to access the apps you want while on the move and makes it safer to do so, with built-in voice control via Apple's digital assistant, Siri.
Now, Apple wants to extend CarPlay so that it controls more than just phone apps. The computing giant is working on a vastly upgraded CarPlay, allowing you to control some of your car's inbuilt systems without leaving the CarPlay home screen.
Aircon control and driver displays
Chief among those will be air conditioning and temperature controls, but the new CarPlay will also be able to extend into your car's digital instrument panel, allowing for entirely different layouts and graphics, some of which may be customisable.
Aston Martin and Porsche have announced that they are working closely with Apple to help develop the new CarPlay. Such high-end early adopters are nothing new; Ferrari was one of the first brands to integrate the original CarPlay software into its cars' screens.
The Aston and Porsche connections are also useful from a technical point of view. Aston claims that the new DB12 coupe has the highest resolution touchscreen in its class, while Porsche now offers a third screen in front of the passenger, which CarPlay can also access.
Bespoke, intuitive interface
Marco Mattiacci, Global Chief Brand and Commercial Officer said: "At Aston Martin we strive for excellence and performance, and this was the key reason we chose to partner with Apple on the next generation of CarPlay. The integration of the latest state-of-the-art technology combined with a bespoke intuitive interface is paramount to creating the ultimate Aston Martin customer experience. We look forward to sharing more as we work together with Apple to bring the next generation of CarPlay to Aston Martins in 2024."