Apple CarPlay upgrade to full Android-killing automotive OS hits early roadblocks

Apple's in-car UI is one of the most popular on the market, thanks to its ability to mirror a driver's iPhone interface on their vehicle's screens. It is reportedly on the path to become even better, however, as its upcoming "next generation" is backed to become even more branding-friendly while offering Apple-grade control over functions such as AC, media and journey-planning. 

However, it may become even more powerful in subsequent iterations, with Apple reportedly preparing to turn it into a worthy rival to Android Automotive, a true cross-platform operating system that can be found in vehicles from marques such as Polestar and BMW.

This new version of CarPlay (or carOS, maybe?) is tipped to launch as an even more customizable version of the software with deeper integration into a given car. 

Accordingly, the initiative (reportedly code-named "Project IronHeart" at Cupertino) might help recycle whatever progress that might have been made with Apple Car software prior to the actual vehicle's abandonment.

Then again, as Bloomberg contributor Mark Gurman points out, this future CarPlay variant might only get so far without the custom chipsets that normally accompany an Apple OS for the OEM's usual seamless first-party "magic".

In addition, Project IronHeart might end up as the lesser of the company's priorities, as Gurman concedes there is little evidence of attempts to monetize the new service thus far.

In addition, it may see limited market share due to the less than attainable nature of its uptake: for example, the only vehicle with a confirmed real-world 2024 CarPlay upgrade thus far is the ~$245,000 Aston Martin DB12.

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