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Bye Apple Maps, hello Waze: CarPlay to support third-party navigation apps

Apple CarPlay iOS 12

Do you have an iOS device and a car with Apple CarPlay? If so, you probably love being able to run all your favorite iOS apps through your vehicular dashboard. There is one major drawback to CarPlay, though: Apple Maps, Apple’s proprietary navigation software, is just not very good. In fact, some people have developed a deep-seated hatred of iPhones because of it.

At today’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), Apple announced that in iOS 12, Apple CarPlay will support third-party navigational apps — including Google Maps and Waze, the two most popular options in America today. For many users who eschew CarPlay altogether in favor of phone-based navigation, this could streamline commutes and reduce transportation stress when driving to new locations.

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If you’re unaware, CarPlay is a software overlay that essentially turns your car’s dashboard display (the video screen, not the part with the speedometer and gas gauge) into a second screen for your iPhone. We say “essentially” because CarPlay isn’t compatible with the full suite of iOS apps; it’s mostly limited to navigation, voice-activated communication — both calls and texts — and playing music. The list of supported third-party apps is scarce, comprising mostly just music apps like Spotify, Pandora, and Tidal.

The addition of support for Google Maps and Waze — not to mention the brevity of the announcement in the WWDC keynote and the news’ relegation to a footnote in this press release — may signal an admission from Apple that its navigational software is, indeed, inferior. Last June, Apple deployed a program, TryRating, that allowed users to test Apple Maps software and provide feedback, ostensibly in an attempt to improve the app’s accuracy.

Apple’s iOS 12 update isn’t limited to CarPlay improvements. As with each iteration of the operating system, the company has compiled a bevy of new bells and whistles to both optimize phone performance and increase capabilities. This year’s slate is headlined by some neat augmented reality features and the addition of group FaceTime calls. Other notable improvements include changes to Photos, Notifications, Apple Books, and Apple News. Head on over to our WWDC 2018 landing page to get the scoop on everything Apple announced.

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The best CarPlay apps
best car apps for the iPhone Carplay press shot

Apple CarPlay overrides your car's native infotainment system and promises to put a familiar, distraction-free interface right at your fingertips. It's also loaded with compatible third-party apps that give your car nearly the same level of functionality as your iPhone or iPad. We've put together a list of the best CarPlay apps available in July 2020.

Further reading

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What is Apple CarPlay?
what is apple carplay 2019 toyota rav4 22 c0a427a8ba2dc4d2a358f1fd4420d76aee8fc907 700x467 c

Cars are no longer bought just for their engines and how many they seat. Now, infotainment demands some room on every car buyer’s agenda. Apple CarPlay supplies users with everything on their phone now at the tips of their fingers in the dash.

With the ability to do everything your phone can, Apple CarPlay allows the driver to safely use apps, call friends and family, and integrate your favorite music, shows, and podcasts into your car. This is just the start of what your car is capable of with Apple CarPlay.

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Apple CarPlay vs. Android Auto
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Apple and Google don't need to build cars -- there are enough local and foreign manufacturers that fill that role well. Instead, these two tech giants are excellent at building ecosystems and designing hardware that fits in your hand. The merging of the two -- your smartphone and your car -- was only inevitable.

Enter Android Auto and CarPlay. These two platforms aim to bring your touchy media, messages, and navigation to tablet-sized screens installed in the latest cars. Both mostly achieve the same purpose in their own unique way. But what makes them different? What makes them similar? Even more, which one is better?

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