2026 Porsche models seemingly abandon plans for next-gen CarPlay

Macworld

Back in December 2023, Porsche and Aston Martin gave us all hope for the stalled next-gen CarPlay project. As reported by Car and Driver magazine, the luxury carmakers previewed a custom CarPlay system for future car models. Over a year later, we still don’t know when they’re going to start rolling off the lot.

Porsche has announced an updated Porsche Communication Management system for its 2026 911, Taycan, Panamera, and Cayenne model series, and Apple’s next-gen CarPlay is nowhere to be found. Porsche describes the system as “more responsive” and smarter, including built-in support for Amazon’s Alexa assistant. Similar to CarPlay, which is still supported, the Porsche Communication Management system also offers “direct access to a large number of apps from different categories.”

While the press release doesn’t specifically call out next-gen CarPlay, it’s clear that Porsche’s new system isn’t the one described by Car and Driver. That design features “background wallpaper that mimics the brand’s distinct houndstooth (or Pepita in Porsche-speak) seat pattern.” The system described here is for infotainment rather than a full dashboard takeover.

The next generation of CarPlay, as Apple describes it, “ensures a cohesive design experience that is the very best of your car and your iPhone — with designs for each automaker that express your vehicle’s character and brand.” It will control vehicle functions like air conditioning and radio and offer full personalization options for each manufacturer.

Apple has yet to officially announce any partnerships for next-gen CarPlay.