Apple’s ambitious promise to deliver next-generation CarPlay by 2024 is on the brink of falling short. Despite the company’s claims, no vehicles have rolled out with the feature as the year draws to a close. Announced at WWDC 2022, this major overhaul of CarPlay was supposed to transform in-car infotainment systems with deep integration into instrument clusters, climate controls, and dashboard-spanning displays. Yet, over two and a half years later, its arrival remains elusive.

What Happened to Next-Gen CarPlay?

When Apple first introduced next-gen CarPlay, it painted a bold vision of an iPhone-powered driving experience tailored to individual automakers' designs. The system promised support for multiple dashboard displays, personalized widgets, and even a dedicated FM radio app. Automakers like Acura, Ford, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche were initially committed to adopting the technology. But the landscape has shifted since that announcement.

Key manufacturers have grown cautious about ceding control of their in-car software to Apple. Notably, Mercedes-Benz’s CEO stated earlier this year that Apple would not dominate their vehicles’ screens, signaling resistance among industry leaders. Meanwhile, other automakers like General Motors have outright rejected CarPlay and Android Auto, opting for proprietary systems to maintain full control over their platforms.

A Familiar Pattern of Delay

The current situation isn’t without precedent. Apple initially promised a preview of next-gen CarPlay by the end of 2023. True to form, that announcement came down to the wire, with Aston Martin and Porsche showcasing concepts just days before the year ended. However, no concrete timelines for implementation were provided, and the software has yet to see the light of day in any consumer vehicles.

With no automaker-specific announcements as of late 2024, the likelihood of next-gen CarPlay’s release this year appears slim. Even manufacturers that hinted at early adoption, like Porsche and Aston Martin, recently declined to provide rollout timelines.

The Industry Pushback

The hesitation among automakers stems from a growing trend: reclaiming control over the in-car experience. As cars evolve into rolling computers, manufacturers are investing heavily in proprietary systems that generate valuable user data. Rivian and General Motors have made headlines for moving away from Apple’s and Google’s platforms altogether, signaling a shift in the industry’s stance.

This broader resistance raises questions about next-gen CarPlay’s future. While Apple has undoubtedly continued work behind the scenes—evident in iOS 18.2 code and European Union design filings—the lack of public updates or commitments from automakers underscores a challenging road ahead.

The Final Days of 2024

With just a day left in the year, Apple faces mounting skepticism about its ability to deliver on its promise. Even if the company manages a last-minute announcement, the rollout will likely be limited and fraught with questions about long-term adoption.

For now, Apple’s next-generation CarPlay remains more of a concept than a reality, highlighting the challenges of integrating third-party technology into an increasingly competitive automotive industry. The promise of a cohesive, Apple-designed driving experience may still be alive—but its future looks uncertain.