Apple Quietly Updates CarPlay Home Screen With Three Rows of Icons

Apple hasn’t made significant changes to CarPlay in years, a move that many found surprising given its importance in Apple's broader automotive strategy alongside Apple Maps. This lack of innovation has allowed competitors to gain traction in the rapidly evolving in-car tech space. However, the latest iOS beta update finally addresses one of CarPlay’s most pressing shortcomings—its outdated interface on larger screens.

Why CarPlay Needed an Update

As infotainment systems continue to evolve, carmakers are increasingly favoring larger, all-screen displays over traditional buttons. These expansive screens offer more space for easier and more intuitive touch interactions.

Until now, CarPlay had lagged behind this trend. Regardless of the screen size, the interface was restricted to just two rows of icons. On large displays—especially those over 11 inches—this often resulted in comically oversized icons, making the UI feel outdated and awkward.

iOS 18.4 Beta Brings a Fresh Look

The newly released iOS 18.4 beta 1 finally tackles this issue by adding a third row of icons on larger screens.

This simple but much-needed update dramatically improves the experience for users with larger displays. The icons are resized to better utilize the available space, creating a cleaner and more modern look without cluttering the interface.

• Small Screens: The two-row layout will remain for screens 7-8 inches in size, ensuring that the interface remains easy to navigate without feeling cramped.
• Large Screens (11 inches and above): Three rows of icons will now appear, offering better functionality and visual balance.

If this update remains in place through testing, it will likely roll out with the official iOS 18.4 release next month.

What’s Next for CarPlay 2.0?

While this interface update is welcome, users are still waiting for the next-generation CarPlay experience. Apple had originally promised that CarPlay 2.0 would debut by the end of 2024, with Aston Martin and Porsche announced as early adopters. However, neither carmaker has released a model featuring the new system yet.

Apple now states that CarPlay 2.0 will launch "when it's ready," with no clear release date in sight. This delay suggests Apple is refining the system’s deep integration with vehicle controls, including:

• Climate control adjustments
• Access to parking cameras
• Customization options for carmakers across instrument clusters and cabin screens

The Bottom Line

The addition of a third row of icons is a step in the right direction, signaling that Apple hasn’t forgotten about CarPlay users. However, with CarPlay 2.0 delayed and competitors rapidly improving their in-car software experiences, Apple will need to push the boundaries further if it wants to remain a leader in the automotive tech space.

For now, iOS 18.4 offers a much-needed interface upgrade that better utilizes modern infotainment displays—something CarPlay users have been waiting for far too long.