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iOS 17.4: Apple’s ‘new instrument cluster experience’ for CarPlay

Apple’s iOS 17.4 software update for iPhone is now available. It features major App Store changes in the EU, new emoji for everyone, and a slight update to CarPlay.

Here’s how Apple describes the CarPlay update in iOS 17.4:

In iOS 17.4, with supported CarPlay vehicles, Apple Maps will present a new instrument cluster experience with information about upcoming maneuvers. 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.

In other words, you can now toggle which Maps view appears where in dual-screen cars.

During navigation, Apple Maps provides two ways to view your trip in CarPlay: a street-level view of the road ahead and a sky-level view of your overall trip progress.

For single displays, CarPlay lets you toggle between the two views as you can only see one at a time.

While less common, select cars also use the instrument cluster behind the steering wheel as a second display for Maps data in CarPlay.

Prior to iOS 17.4, the main display presented the street-level view while the instrument cluster showed the overview of your navigation.

Starting with iOS 17.4, cars with instrument cluster displays can also toggle the main display between a street-level view and the sky-level view. Toggling modes simply swaps which view appears on which screen.

Effectively, this just means that turn-by-turn directions can appear behind the steering wheel now rather than the overview mode.

Top comment by Rex Videos

Liked by 3 people

Heads up displays have become pretty common in cars now. I really wish more would offer directions inside them as well. It is 10x more useful than just your speed showing.

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So how does it look in the real world? Redditor u/aronyigin shared these shots from their Polestar 2 after updating their iPhone to iOS 17.4.

The only view prior to iOS 17.4:

The new option starting with iOS 17.4:

Images via Reddit

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Avatar for Zac Hall Zac Hall

Zac covers Apple news, hosts the 9to5Mac Happy Hour podcast, and created SpaceExplored.com.

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