Next-Generation CarPlay Images With Audi Logo Appear in EU Database

Apple this month filed next-generation CarPlay images with the EU's Intellectual Property Office, as it seeks to protect the design of the upcoming software system there. It is yet another sign that next-generation CarPlay might finally be nearing launch, after a few redesigned icons for the system showed up in iOS 18.2 beta code earlier this month.

Next Generation CarPlay Porsche 1Porsche's preview of next-generation CarPlay from December 2023

The images show various next-generation CarPlay instrument cluster and interface designs, including a few with what appears to be the logo for German automaker Audi. When it first previewed next-generation CarPlay in June 2022, Apple said Audi was committed to offering it, but the automaker has yet to confirm any specific plans.

Next Generation CarPlay EU Image FilingsA few of the next-generation CarPlay images filed in the EU

The database entries were discovered by MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris.

Apple has already shown off what next-generation CarPlay looks like several times, so the images do not show anything we have not seen before, but the timing of the filings is notable. Apple's website continues to say that the first vehicles with next-generation CarPlay support will "arrive in 2024," but it has yet to provide a more specific timeframe. Aston Martin and Porsche previewed next-generation CarPlay vehicle designs in December 2023, but neither automaker has released any vehicles with support yet.

With just over a month left in the year, some are beginning to wonder if Apple will still meet its stated 2024 timeframe for next-generation CarPlay. So, it is reassuring that Apple is still working towards a launch behind the scenes.

Related Roundup: CarPlay

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Top Rated Comments

KrisLord Avatar
14 months ago
For all the talk on interfaces in modern cars - if a manufacturer just got on with implementing this new Apple CarPlay it would be a huge selling point.

Every car review moans about the poor software and interface design.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Carlson-online Avatar
14 months ago
The images need swapping around.

The article is about the audi logo yet the first thing you see is a Porsche steering wheel
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Jandalf Avatar
14 months ago
Am I the only one who thinks going at 205 km/h and fumbling around with Car Play is not a good match (or thoughtful ad)?
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
sahajesh Avatar
14 months ago

Am I the only one who thinks going at 205 km/h and fumbling around with Car Play is not a good match (or thoughtful ad)?
Why are you fiddling with anything non-essential at that speed?

Bad workman etc.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Joe Rossignol Avatar
14 months ago

The images need swapping around.

The article is about the audi logo yet the first thing you see is a Porsche steering wheel
It's a stylistic choice, as the database images are ugly. I added a caption to the Porsche image to avoid any confusion.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
erihp Avatar
14 months ago
physical buttons please
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)