Updated Apple CarPlay Navigation Displays Are Far More Convenient

The upcoming iOS 17.4 update for Apple products will bring a valuable improvement to certain Apple CarPlay users, namely those with dual-screen setups in their vehicles. Described as a «new instrument cluster experience» by Apple, the new setup allows drivers to select which map view is displayed on the infotainment touchscreen and the digital instrumentation.

«Users will be able to swap the desired display type between the main and instrument cluster screen by tapping the map configuration button on the upper right of the Maps main screen,» reads the update description. Previewed here with the digital displays of a Polestar 2 (shared by Reddit user aronyigin), drivers can now preview both map displays simultaneously.

CarPlay enables users to switch between street-level and bird's eye map views in vehicles with one screen. Cars with dual-screen displays can now toggle the street-level and bird's eye maps, with either one appearing on the respective screens in the car. As a result, drivers can now have a more extensive map display with turn-by-turn directions positioned in front of them, as opposed to the conventional overview mode that appears in the digital instrument cluster.

While Apple Maps is disliked by many (plenty of people prefer Google Maps), the company is doing everything in its power to make Apple Maps more convenient and user-friendly, particularly in automotive applications. Recently, the tech company started implementing realistic in-map details that mirror the area through which you're driving. Buildings, landmarks, and other details and info are shown on the map, creating an immersive experience.

The convenience Google Maps offers is probably why motorists favor it to navigate unfamiliar territory. For example, the system can navigate while offline, which is a big help if you're not connected to the internet. Apple Maps users have requested this for some time, and Apple finally responded by making offline map support available with iOS 17.

Currently, iOS 17 is in the beta testing phase and is expected to roll out to consumers sometime in March.

While consumers love the user-friendliness of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, some brands have