Neil Hughes
Upon updating their iPhone to iOS 10.3, CarPlay users will find that their in-vehicle system now offers a convenient multitasking menu, showcasing the three most recently used apps — with some caveats intended to keep eyes on the road.
Previously, CarPlay simply featured a small, permanent link to Apple Maps on the left menu. But now, with iOS 10.3, AppleInsider has discovered there are icons for three apps, and they automatically change based on the user's most recent activity.
The dynamic task switcher applies to apps opened directly on the CarPlay unit, and also to apps most recently used on the connected iPhone itself, provided they offer CarPlay support.
The new task switcher can even support third-party CarPlay apps, such as Amazon Prime Music.
However, considering CarPlay is intended to keep eyes on of the road — and away from the dash — Apple has instituted some restrictions on how the task switcher works.
Regardless of the most recently used apps, Apple Maps is always listed on the task switcher somewhere among the top three, moving down to the lowest slot if it has not been used in some time. Either Apple's native Phone or Messages app will occupy another of the three spaces — but only one, if a different third app has been used recently.
For example, using Maps, then Messages, then Amazon Music will display those three in reverse order.
As with on the Apple Watch, the recently used apps list can also act as something of a dock. The trio of icons are always on display on the left side, above the time, LTE connectivity indicator, and virtual home button. Unlike with the Apple Watch, however, apps in the task switcher cannot be pinned to make it a "true" dock.
The leftmost icons displayed in CarPlay with iOS 10.3 also gain a new feature for the Phone app. When in a call, CarPlay now displays the current call time underneath the Phone icon in the new switcher.
iOS 10.3 was released on Monday, bringing support for the new Apple File System, as well as Find My AirPods functionality for Apple's truly wireless earbuds. Users have encountered a lengthy install time when updating to iOS 10.3, likely due to the switch to APFS.
Amber Neely
Andrew Orr
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
AppleInsider Staff
Chip Loder
24 Comments
I saw that this morning, but didn't use any of it today. It will be handy to switch directly from music to maps, which is what I tend to do the most of, and screennames is right - maps is only there if I actively have navigation going.
I have variations of times for loading up as well, along with some issues of the car not recognizing the phone at all sometimes, where it will attempt to connect, then give up and try to connect again, ad infinitum. That's annoying because I can't stop it and just let my phone charge. I definitely think it is the car's problem, as some other issues with it the vehicle connect occur on occasion. I have a 2016 VW Jetta
The "dock" contains 3 small icons and they move around dynamically. In what way does this reduce time spent looking at the display whilst driving?