iOS 18.4 Adds Third Row of Apps to CarPlay for Easier Access
Apple’s latest iOS 18.4 beta is introducing a subtle but meaningful improvement to CarPlay, one that many users have been asking for. As first reported by José Adorno at BGR, the update adds a third row of apps to the CarPlay home screen, making it easier to access more apps at a glance.A More Efficient CarPlay Experience
Currently, CarPlay displays two rows of app icons on most car infotainment screens. However, with iOS 18.4, Apple appears to be optimizing the interface for vehicles with larger displays. According to reports from MacRumors Forums members, a Toyota Tundra with a 14-inch screen now supports a third row of apps, while a Honda Civic with a 9-inch display still shows only two rows.Apple may be limiting this enhancement to vehicles with screens larger than 10 inches, but if widely implemented, this change could reduce the need for excessive scrolling while driving—leading to a safer and more efficient CarPlay experience.
With the additional row, up to 15 apps can be displayed on the CarPlay home screen at once, making it easier for drivers to access navigation, media, and communication apps without flipping through multiple pages.
More CarPlay Features in iOS 18
This isn’t the only improvement coming to CarPlay with iOS 18. Apple has already introduced several enhancements, including:• Announced Notification Summaries – CarPlay can now read notification summaries aloud when using AirPods or connected vehicle audio.
• Spatial Audio – Drivers can experience immersive Spatial Audio in Apple Music and supported third-party apps, with Dolby Atmos support in compatible vehicles.
• Accessibility Upgrades – Color Filters, Bold Text, Voice Control, and Sound Recognition are now available in CarPlay, making it more accessible for all users.
Still Waiting for the Next-Gen CarPlay
While Apple’s next-generation CarPlay is still in the pipeline, it’s encouraging to see the company continuing to refine the current version. Small changes like this third row of apps can make a big difference in usability, especially for those with larger infotainment screens.Credit: José Adorno, BGR
