iOS 18.4 Brings Third Row of Icons to CarPlay, New EV Features

Apple’s forthcoming iOS 18.4 update is set to introduce significant enhancements to its CarPlay system, including an expanded app display and improved support for electric vehicle (EV) routing (via MacRumors).

One of the notable changes in iOS 18.4 is the addition of a third row of app icons on CarPlay’s home screen, increasing the visible apps from eight to twelve. This enhancement is particularly beneficial for vehicles equipped with larger infotainment displays, such as the 14-inch screen found in the Toyota Tundra.

Users with expansive screens can now access more applications directly from the home screen, reducing the need to swipe between pages and allowing for quicker, safer interactions while driving.

However, this improvement is contingent upon the size of the vehicle’s display. In models with smaller screens, like the Honda Civic’s 9-inch display, CarPlay continues to show the standard two rows of icons.

In addition to the visual interface upgrade, iOS 18.4 brings advancements to Apple Maps within CarPlay, specifically benefiting electric vehicle drivers. The update introduces support for the North American Charging System (NACS) connector standard, facilitating seamless integration with Tesla Supercharger stations

This development is particularly timely, as manufacturers like Ford have begun offering adapters that enable their EVs, such as the Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning, to utilize Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network. With this update, Apple Maps can now incorporate Tesla Supercharger locations into its EV routing feature.

The iOS 18.4 update is currently availalbe in beta, with a public release anticipated in early April.