Carplay

CarPlay Skill

When to Use This Skill

Use this skill when:

• Developing CarPlay apps for iOS
• Building audio, podcast, or music apps for CarPlay
• Creating navigation apps with turn-by-turn guidance
• Implementing communication apps (messaging, VoIP)
• Building parking, EV charging, or food ordering apps
• Building driving task, fueling, or public safety apps
• Creating voice-based conversational apps (iOS 26.4+)
• Adding widgets or live activities to CarPlay (iOS 26+)
• Implementing CarPlay notifications
• Enabling multitouch navigation on CarPlay maps (iOS 26+)
• Providing instrument cluster or HUD metadata (iOS 17.4+)
• Working with CPTemplate, CPInterfaceController, or any CarPlay APIs

Description

Complete CarPlay framework documentation covering all 10 app categories: audio, communication, navigation, parking, EV charging, quick food ordering, fueling, driving task, public safety, and voice-based conversational. Includes all templates, UI elements, navigation APIs, widgets, live activities, CarPlay Ultra, notifications, instrument cluster metadata, and multitouch navigation.

Quick Reference

Core Components

Api Reference

• CPInterfaceController
• CPWindow
• CarPlay

Communication

• CPContact
• CPMessageListItem

Getting Started

• CPSessionConfiguration
• CPTemplateApplicationScene
• CPTemplateApplicationSceneDelegate
• CPTemplateApplicationScene.open(_:options:completionHandler:)

Navigation

• CPManeuver
• CPNavigationSession
• CPRouteChoice
• CPRouteInformation
• CPTrip
• CPManeuverType
• CPJunctionType
• CPTrafficSide
• CPLaneStatus

Poi

• CPPointOfInterest

Templates

• CPActionSheetTemplate
• CPAlertTemplate
• CPContactTemplate
• CPGridTemplate
• CPInformationTemplate
• CPListTemplate
• CPMapTemplate
• CPNowPlayingTemplate
• CPPointOfInterestTemplate
• CPSearchTemplate
• CPTabBarTemplate
• CPTemplate
• CPVoiceControlTemplate

Ui Elements

• CPAlertAction
• CPBarButton
• CPButton
• CPGridButton
• CPInformationItem
• CPListImageRowItem
• CPListItem
• CPListSection
• CPTextButton

Dashboard (iOS 13.4+)

• CPDashboardButton
• CPDashboardController
• CPTemplateApplicationDashboardScene
• CPTemplateApplicationDashboardSceneDelegate

Instrument Cluster (iOS 15.4+)

• CPInstrumentClusterController
• CPTemplateApplicationInstrumentClusterScene
• CPTemplateApplicationInstrumentClusterSceneDelegate

Notifications

• UNAuthorizationOptions.carPlay
• .allowInCarPlay

Widgets & Live Activities

• .supportedFamilies
• .supplementalActivityFamilies

Key Concepts

Platform Support

• iOS 12.0+ (Core CarPlay)
• iOS 13.4+ (Dashboard scenes)
• iOS 14.0+ (Tab Bar, POI, Now Playing)
• iOS 15.4+ (Instrument Cluster)
• iOS 16.0+ (Fueling, Driving Task categories; POI selectedPinImage; Information nav bar buttons)
• iOS 17.4+ (CPRouteInformation, resumeTrip, navigation metadata, re-route)
• iOS 18.4+ (Sports mode for Now Playing)
• iOS 26+ (Widgets in CarPlay, Live Activities in CarPlay, multitouch navigation, list element styles)
• iOS 26.4+ (Voice-based conversational apps, voice control action/nav bar buttons)
• iPadOS 12.0+
• Mac Catalyst 13.1+

CarPlay App Categories

⚠️ Important: CarPlay apps require entitlements from Apple. You must request and receive approval for your specific app category before your app can connect to CarPlay.

CarPlay supports apps in the following 10 categories (each requires a separate entitlement):

• Audio & Podcasts (iOS 12+, depth limit: 5)

  • Entitlement: com.apple.developer.carplay-audio
  • Requirements: Audio playback, Now Playing integration, MPNowPlayingInfoCenter

• Communication (iOS 12+, depth limit: 5)

  • Entitlement: com.apple.developer.carplay-communication
  • Requirements: CallKit integration, SiriKit integration

• Navigation (iOS 12+, depth limit: 5)

  • Entitlement: com.apple.developer.carplay-maps
  • Requirements: Real-time navigation, route guidance, map rendering

• Parking (iOS 14+, depth limit: 5)

  • Entitlement: com.apple.developer.carplay-parking
  • Requirements: Location services, parking availability

• EV Charging (iOS 14+, depth limit: 5)

  • Entitlement: com.apple.developer.carplay-charging
  • Requirements: Charging station data, availability status

• Quick Food Ordering (iOS 14+, depth limit: 3)

  • Entitlement: com.apple.developer.carplay-quick-ordering
  • Requirements: Streamlined menu browsing, order placement, pickup

• Fueling (iOS 16+, depth limit: 3)

  • Entitlement: com.apple.developer.carplay-fueling
  • Requirements: Station locations, pump control, payment

• Driving Task (iOS 16+, depth limit: 3)

  • Entitlement: com.apple.developer.carplay-driving-task
  • Requirements: Tasks done while driving (road conditions, tolls, accessories). Must not duplicate navigation.

• Public Safety (iOS 14+, depth limit: 3)

  • Entitlement: com.apple.developer.carplay-public-safety
  • Requirements: Real-time safety information (hazards, speed cameras, emergency alerts)

• Voice-Based Conversational (iOS 26.4+, depth limit: 3)

  • Entitlement: com.apple.developer.carplay-voice-based-conversation
  • Requirements: Primarily voice-driven interaction. Uses CPVoiceControlTemplate as primary UI.

How to request entitlements:

1. Visit https://developer.apple.com/contact/carplay/
2. Describe your app's functionality and category
3. Wait for Apple's review and approval (typically 1-2 weeks)
4. Add the approved entitlement to your Xcode project

Template-Based UI

CarPlay uses a template-based system where Apple provides the UI components and you provide the content. This ensures:

• Driver-safe interfaces optimized for in-car use
• Consistent user experience across all CarPlay apps
• Automatic adaptation to different vehicle displays

Template Availability Matrix

Not all templates are available to every category. Key restrictions:

• Navigation only: CPMapTemplate
• Communication only: CPContactTemplate
• Audio apps: Max 4 tabs in CPTabBarTemplate; all others: max 5 tabs
• Food ordering / Fueling / Driving task / Public safety / Voice-based: Template depth limit of 3 (vs. 5 for audio, communication, navigation, parking, EV charging)

See references/developer_guide.md for full per-category template lists.

CarPlay Ultra

CarPlay Ultra is Apple's next-generation in-vehicle experience that deeply integrates with the vehicle's displays, including the instrument cluster, center console, and passenger displays. Apps that support CarPlay automatically work with CarPlay Ultra — no additional API adoption is required. CarPlay Ultra uses the same template-based system and entitlements.

Widgets in CarPlay (iOS 26+)

WidgetKit widgets can appear on the CarPlay home screen. To support CarPlay:

• Add .accessoryCircular or .accessoryRectangular to your widget's supportedFamilies
• Keep widget content simple and glanceable — no interactive controls
• Widgets refresh on the same timeline as the iPhone

Live Activities in CarPlay (iOS 26+)

Live Activities can appear in CarPlay for real-time updates (delivery tracking, sports scores, ride status). To opt in:

• Add .carPlay to your ActivityConfiguration's supplementalActivityFamilies
• Use compact and minimal presentations suitable for driving
• Live Activities appear as persistent banners in the CarPlay interface

Voice-Based Conversational Apps (iOS 26.4+)

A new app category for AI assistants and voice-driven experiences. Uses CPVoiceControlTemplate as the primary interface with:

• Action buttons for quick commands below the voice visualization
• Navigation bar buttons for supplemental controls
• Minimal visual UI — interaction is primarily through speech

Notifications in CarPlay

Apps can deliver notifications to CarPlay. Requirements:

• Request .carPlay in UNAuthorizationOptions when requesting notification permission
• Set .allowInCarPlay on UNNotificationCategory for categories that should appear on the CarPlay display
• Keep notification content brief and relevant to driving context

Assets Size Guide

Audio Handling

• Use AVAudioSession category .playback for audio apps
• Navigation voice prompts should use mode .voicePrompt with options .duckOthers and .interruptSpokenAudioAndMixWithOthers
• Audio apps must respond to MPRemoteCommandCenter events (play, pause, skip)
• Activate audio session before playback; deactivate when done

Accessing Data While iPhone is Locked

When the iPhone is locked, file access may be restricted. Use FileProtectionType.completeUntilFirstUserAuthentication or .none for files your CarPlay app needs. The default .completeUnlessOpen may prevent access.

Launching Other Apps

CarPlay apps can open other apps using CPTemplateApplicationScene.open(_:options:completionHandler:). This is useful for handing off to a phone-based flow (e.g., completing a purchase). The system will prompt the user before switching.

Usage Guidelines

1. Use appropriate templates for your app category
2. Keep content simple - limit items and text for driver safety
3. Provide large, clear images for better visibility
4. Handle connection/disconnection gracefully
5. Test in CarPlay Simulator before testing in vehicle
6. Follow distraction guidelines - no video, animations, or ads while driving

Testing with CarPlay Simulator

There are two ways to test CarPlay:

Option 1: Xcode Simulator Window

1. Open your CarPlay app project in Xcode
2. Select an iOS Simulator as your run destination
3. In the Simulator menu: I/O > External Displays > CarPlay
4. A CarPlay display window will appear alongside the iOS simulator

Option 2: Standalone CarPlay Simulator (Mac App)

1. Download Additional Tools for Xcode from developer.apple.com
2. Install the CarPlay Simulator app
3. Connect a physical iPhone to your Mac
4. The CarPlay Simulator connects to your device and displays the CarPlay interface

Enable Extra Options:

defaults write com.apple.iphonesimulator CarPlayExtraOptions -bool YES

This enables additional options including screen size selection and cluster display settings.

Navigation Screen Sizes for Testing:

Simulator Features:

• Test all CarPlay templates and UI elements
• Simulate day/night modes (automatic based on system dark mode)
• Test different screen sizes and aspect ratios
• Simulate Siri interactions and voice commands
• Test connection/disconnection scenarios
• Test instrument cluster rendering (with extra options enabled)

Limitations:

• Cannot test actual vehicle integration
• Limited testing of physical controls (knobs, touchscreens)
• Some vehicle-specific features unavailable
• Audio routing may differ from actual vehicles

Best Practice: Always test in the simulator first across multiple screen sizes, then verify in a physical vehicle or CarPlay-compatible head unit before release.

Navigation

See the references/ directory for detailed API documentation organized by category:

• references/api_reference.md - Api Reference
• references/communication.md - Communication
• references/dashboard.md - Dashboard and Instrument Cluster
• references/developer_guide.md - Developer Guide (categories, walkthroughs, testing, publishing)
• references/getting_started.md - Getting Started
• references/navigation.md - Navigation
• references/poi.md - Poi
• references/templates.md - Templates
• references/ui_elements.md - Ui Elements

Best Practices

• Scene Management: Implement CPTemplateApplicationSceneDelegate to handle CarPlay connection
• Template Limits: Respect maximum item counts (CPListTemplate: 12 sections, CPGridTemplate: 8 buttons)
• Template Depth Limits: Audio, communication, navigation, parking, and EV charging apps: max 5 templates deep. Food ordering, fueling, driving task, public safety, and voice-based: max 3 templates deep.
• Image Sizes: Follow recommended image sizes for templates and UI elements (see Assets Size Guide)
• Dynamic Updates: Use update methods (updateSections, updateButtons) to refresh content
• Navigation Hierarchy: Use push/pop for navigation, present for modals
• Audio Session Management: Configure AVAudioSession appropriately — .playback for audio apps, .voicePrompt mode for navigation voice prompts. Deactivate when done.
• File Protection: Use .completeUntilFirstUserAuthentication for files needed while iPhone is locked
• Notifications: Only enable .allowInCarPlay for driving-relevant notification categories. Keep content brief.
• Error Handling: Gracefully handle failures and provide user feedback

Common Patterns

Basic List Template

// Create list items
let item1 = CPListItem(text: "Song Title", detailText: "Artist Name")
item1.handler = { item, completion in
    // Handle selection
    completion()
}

// Create section and template
let section = CPListSection(items: [item1, item2])
let listTemplate = CPListTemplate(title: "My Playlist", sections: [section])

// Set as root
interfaceController.setRootTemplate(listTemplate, animated: true)

Navigation with Map Template

// Create map template
let mapTemplate = CPMapTemplate()
mapTemplate.mapDelegate = self

// Show trip preview
let trip = CPTrip(/* route data */)
mapTemplate.showTripPreviews([trip], textConfiguration: nil)

// Start navigation
let navigationSession = mapTemplate.startNavigationSession(for: trip)
navigationSession.upcomingManeuvers = [maneuver1, maneuver2]

Tab Bar Template

// Create root templates for each tab
let musicTab = CPListTemplate(title: "Music", sections: [musicSection])
musicTab.tabTitle = "Music"
musicTab.tabImage = UIImage(systemName: "music.note")

let podcastsTab = CPListTemplate(title: "Podcasts", sections: [podcastSection])
podcastsTab.tabTitle = "Podcasts"
podcastsTab.tabImage = UIImage(systemName: "mic")

// Create tab bar
let tabBarTemplate = CPTabBarTemplate(templates: [musicTab, podcastsTab])
interfaceController.setRootTemplate(tabBarTemplate, animated: false)

Now Playing Template

// Configure Now Playing buttons
let playButton = CPNowPlayingPlaybackRateButton()
let skipButton = CPNowPlayingSkipButton(handler: { _ in
    // Skip to next track
})

CPNowPlayingTemplate.shared.updateNowPlayingButtons([playButton, skipButton])
CPNowPlayingTemplate.shared.isUpNextButtonEnabled = true

Sports Mode for Live Events (iOS 18.4+)

// Create team logos
let homeTeamLogo = CPNowPlayingSportsTeamLogo(teamLogo: UIImage(named: "home_logo")!)
let awayTeamLogo = CPNowPlayingSportsTeamLogo(teamInitials: "VIS")

// Create teams with scores and possession
let homeTeam = CPNowPlayingSportsTeam(
    name: "Home Team",
    logo: homeTeamLogo,
    teamStandings: "1st Place",
    eventScore: "21",
    possessionIndicator: .solid,  // Home team has possession
    favorite: true
)

let awayTeam = CPNowPlayingSportsTeam(
    name: "Away Team",
    logo: awayTeamLogo,
    teamStandings: "2nd Place",
    eventScore: "17",
    possessionIndicator: nil,  // No possession
    favorite: false
)

// Create game clock (counting down from 15:00)
let gameClock = CPNowPlayingSportsClock(
    timeRemaining: 15 * 60,  // 15 minutes in seconds
    paused: false
)

// Create event status with status text and clock
let eventStatus = CPNowPlayingSportsEventStatus(
    eventStatusText: ["3rd Quarter", "4th Down", "Goal Line"],
    eventStatusImage: UIImage(named: "field_position"),
    eventClock: gameClock
)

// Create sports mode
let sportsMode = CPNowPlayingModeSports(
    leftTeam: homeTeam,
    rightTeam: awayTeam,
    eventStatus: eventStatus,
    backgroundArtwork: UIImage(named: "stadium_background")
)

// Set as active now playing mode
CPNowPlayingTemplate.shared.nowPlayingMode = sportsMode

// Update clock during game (e.g., every second)
Timer.scheduledTimer(withTimeInterval: 1.0, repeats: true) { _ in
    // Update time remaining
    let newClock = CPNowPlayingSportsClock(
        timeRemaining: getCurrentGameTime(),
        paused: isGamePaused()
    )

    // Update event status with new clock
    let updatedStatus = CPNowPlayingSportsEventStatus(
        eventStatusText: eventStatus.eventStatusText,
        eventStatusImage: eventStatus.eventStatusImage,
        eventClock: newClock
    )

    // Refresh sports mode
    let updatedMode = CPNowPlayingModeSports(
        leftTeam: homeTeam,
        rightTeam: awayTeam,
        eventStatus: updatedStatus,
        backgroundArtwork: sportsMode.backgroundArtwork
    )

    CPNowPlayingTemplate.shared.nowPlayingMode = updatedMode
}

Navigation with Maneuvers

// Create maneuvers for turn-by-turn guidance
let maneuver = CPManeuver()
maneuver.instructionVariants = ["Turn right onto Main Street"]
maneuver.symbolImage = UIImage(named: "turn-right")
maneuver.initialTravelEstimates = CPTravelEstimates(
    distanceRemaining: Measurement(value: 500, unit: UnitLength.meters),
    timeRemaining: 60
)

// Add lane guidance
let lane1 = CPLane(angles: [.left, .straight])
lane1.status = .recommended
let lane2 = CPLane(angles: [.straight, .right])
lane2.status = .preferred
maneuver.linkedLaneGuidance = CPLaneGuidance(lanes: [lane1, lane2], instructionVariants: ["Use right lane"])

// Add maneuver to navigation session
navigationSession.upcomingManeuvers = [maneuver]

Attributed Instructions with Images

// Create attributed instruction with embedded image
let instruction = NSMutableAttributedString(string: "Turn right on Apple Park Way")

// Attach an image icon
let image = UIImage(systemName: "arrow.turn.up.right")!
let attachment = NSTextAttachment(image: image)
let imageString = NSAttributedString(attachment: attachment)
instruction.append(NSAttributedString(string: " "))
instruction.append(imageString)

// Create maneuver with attributed instruction
let maneuver = CPManeuver()
maneuver.attributedInstructionVariants = [instruction]

// Also set dashboard-specific attributed instructions
let dashboardInstruction = NSMutableAttributedString(string: "Turn Right ")
let dashboardImage = UIImage(systemName: "arrow.turn.up.right.circle.fill")!
let dashboardAttachment = NSTextAttachment(image: dashboardImage)
dashboardInstruction.append(NSAttributedString(attachment: dashboardAttachment))
dashboardInstruction.append(NSAttributedString(string: " Apple Park Way"))

maneuver.dashboardAttributedInstructionVariants = [dashboardInstruction]

// Set symbol image for main display
maneuver.symbolImage = UIImage(named: "turn-right")

// Add to navigation session
navigationSession.upcomingManeuvers = [maneuver]

Route Selection

// Create route choices for trip preview
let fastRoute = CPRouteChoice(
    summaryVariants: ["Via Highway - 25 min"],
    additionalInformationVariants: ["Fastest route"],
    selectionSummaryVariants: ["Take the highway"]
)

let scenicRoute = CPRouteChoice(
    summaryVariants: ["Via Scenic Road - 35 min"],
    additionalInformationVariants: ["No tolls"],
    selectionSummaryVariants: ["Take the scenic route"]
)

let trip = CPTrip(
    origin: originMapItem,
    destination: destinationMapItem,
    routeChoices: [fastRoute, scenicRoute]
)

mapTemplate.showTripPreviews([trip], textConfiguration: nil)

Dashboard Integration (iOS 13.4+)

// Configure dashboard scene delegate
func templateApplicationDashboardScene(
    _ dashboardScene: CPTemplateApplicationDashboardScene,
    didConnect dashboardController: CPDashboardController,
    to window: UIWindow
) {
    // Create dashboard shortcut buttons
    let homeButton = CPDashboardButton(
        titleVariants: ["Home"],
        subtitleVariants: ["123 Main St"],
        image: UIImage(systemName: "house.fill")!
    ) { button in
        // Navigate to home
    }

    let workButton = CPDashboardButton(
        titleVariants: ["Work"],
        subtitleVariants: ["456 Office Blvd"],
        image: UIImage(systemName: "building.2.fill")!
    ) { button in
        // Navigate to work
    }

    // Set dashboard shortcut buttons
    dashboardController.shortcutButtons = [homeButton, workButton]
}

Instrument Cluster Integration (iOS 15.4+)

// Configure instrument cluster scene delegate
func templateApplicationInstrumentClusterScene(
    _ instrumentClusterScene: CPTemplateApplicationInstrumentClusterScene,
    didConnect instrumentClusterController: CPInstrumentClusterController
) {
    // Configure instrument cluster display
    instrumentClusterController.inactiveDescriptionVariants = [
        "No active navigation"
    ]

    // Set compass display
    instrumentClusterController.compassSetting = .automatic

    // Update with route information (iOS 17.4+)
    let routeInfo = CPRouteInformation(
        maneuvers: upcomingManeuvers,
        laneGuidances: lanGuidances,
        currentManeuvers: [currentManeuver],
        currentLaneGuidance: currentLaneGuidance,
        trip: currentTrip,
        maneuverTravelEstimates: travelEstimates
    )

    // Display on instrument cluster
    instrumentClusterController.compassSetting = .showAlways
}

Grid Template

// Create grid buttons with icons
let homeButton = CPGridButton(
    titleVariants: ["Home"],
    image: UIImage(systemName: "house.fill")!
) { button in
    // Navigate to home
}

let workButton = CPGridButton(
    titleVariants: ["Work"],
    image: UIImage(systemName: "building.2.fill")!
) { button in
    // Navigate to work
}

let favoritesButton = CPGridButton(
    titleVariants: ["Favorites"],
    image: UIImage(systemName: "star.fill")!
) { button in
    // Show favorites
}

// Create grid template with up to 8 buttons
let gridTemplate = CPGridTemplate(
    title: "Quick Actions",
    gridButtons: [homeButton, workButton, favoritesButton]
)

interfaceController.setRootTemplate(gridTemplate, animated: true)

// Update buttons dynamically
let newButtons = [homeButton, workButton, favoritesButton, newButton]
gridTemplate.updateGridButtons(newButtons)

Search Template

// Create search template
let searchTemplate = CPSearchTemplate()
searchTemplate.delegate = self

// Set as root
interfaceController.setRootTemplate(searchTemplate, animated: true)

// Implement CPSearchTemplateDelegate
func searchTemplate(
    _ searchTemplate: CPSearchTemplate,
    updatedSearchText searchText: String,
    completionHandler: @escaping ([CPListItem]) -> Void
) {
    // Perform search
    let results = performSearch(query: searchText)

    // Convert to list items
    let listItems = results.map { result in
        let item = CPListItem(text: result.name, detailText: result.address)
        item.handler = { item, completion in
            // Handle selection
            self.showResultDetails(result)
            completion()
        }
        return item
    }

    // Return results
    completionHandler(listItems)
}

func searchTemplateSearchButtonPressed(_ searchTemplate: CPSearchTemplate) {
    // User tapped search button
    print("Search initiated")
}

Point of Interest Template

// Create points of interest
let poi1 = CPPointOfInterest(
    location: MKMapItem(placemark: MKPlacemark(coordinate: coordinate1)),
    title: "Apple Park",
    subtitle: "1 Apple Park Way",
    summary: "Apple headquarters",
    detailTitle: "Visitor Center",
    detailSubtitle: "Open 9 AM - 5 PM",
    detailSummary: "Tours available",
    pinImage: UIImage(systemName: "applelogo")
)

let poi2 = CPPointOfInterest(
    location: MKMapItem(placemark: MKPlacemark(coordinate: coordinate2)),
    title: "Golden Gate Bridge",
    subtitle: "San Francisco",
    summary: "Iconic landmark",
    detailTitle: "Vista Point",
    detailSubtitle: "Always Open",
    detailSummary: "Great views",
    pinImage: UIImage(systemName: "bridge")
)

// Create POI template
let poiTemplate = CPPointOfInterestTemplate(
    title: "Nearby Attractions",
    pointsOfInterest: [poi1, poi2],
    selectedIndex: 0
)

poiTemplate.pointOfInterestDelegate = self

// Implement delegate
func pointOfInterestTemplate(
    _ template: CPPointOfInterestTemplate,
    didSelectPointOfInterest poi: CPPointOfInterest
) {
    // User selected a POI
    print("Selected: \(poi.title)")

    // Show navigation options
    showNavigationOptions(for: poi)
}

func pointOfInterestTemplate(
    _ template: CPPointOfInterestTemplate,
    didChangeMapRegion region: MKCoordinateRegion
) {
    // Map region changed (user panned/zoomed)
    fetchNearbyPOIs(in: region)
}

Information Template

// Create information items
let addressItem = CPInformationItem(
    title: "Address",
    detail: "1 Apple Park Way, Cupertino, CA"
)

let hoursItem = CPInformationItem(
    title: "Hours",
    detail: "9:00 AM - 9:00 PM"
)

let phoneItem = CPInformationItem(
    title: "Phone",
    detail: "(408) 996-1010"
)

// Create action buttons
let callButton = CPTextButton(text: "Call", textStyle: .normal) { button in
    // Make phone call
    makePhoneCall()
}

let directionsButton = CPTextButton(text: "Directions", textStyle: .confirm) { button in
    // Start navigation
    startNavigation()
}

// Create information template
let infoTemplate = CPInformationTemplate(
    title: "Apple Store",
    layout: .leading,  // or .twoColumn
    items: [addressItem, hoursItem, phoneItem],
    actions: [callButton, directionsButton]
)

interfaceController.pushTemplate(infoTemplate, animated: true)

Action Sheet Template

// Create actions for action sheet
let confirmAction = CPAlertAction(title: "Confirm", style: .default) { action in
    // User confirmed
    self.performAction()
}

let cancelAction = CPAlertAction(title: "Cancel", style: .cancel) { action in
    // User cancelled
    print("Action cancelled")
}

let destructiveAction = CPAlertAction(title: "Delete", style: .destructive) { action in
    // User chose destructive action
    self.deleteItem()
}

// Create action sheet
let actionSheet = CPActionSheetTemplate(
    title: "Choose Action",
    message: "What would you like to do?",
    actions: [confirmAction, destructiveAction, cancelAction]
)

// Present modally
interfaceController.presentTemplate(actionSheet, animated: true, completion: nil)

Alert Template

// Create alert actions
let okAction = CPAlertAction(title: "OK", style: .default) { action in
    // User tapped OK
    print("User acknowledged")
}

let retryAction = CPAlertAction(title: "Retry", style: .default) { action in
    // User wants to retry
    self.retryOperation()
}

let cancelAction = CPAlertAction(title: "Cancel", style: .cancel) { action in
    // User cancelled
}

// Create alert with multiple title variants for different screen sizes
let alert = CPAlertTemplate(
    titleVariants: [
        "Connection Lost",
        "Lost Connection",
        "No Network"
    ],
    actions: [retryAction, cancelAction]
)

// Present alert
interfaceController.presentTemplate(alert, animated: true, completion: nil)

// Auto-dismiss after 5 seconds
DispatchQueue.main.asyncAfter(deadline: .now() + 5) {
    interfaceController.dismissTemplate(animated: true, completion: nil)
}

Voice Control Template

// Create voice control states
let listeningState = CPVoiceControlState(
    identifier: "listening",
    titleVariants: ["Listening...", "Say a command"],
    image: UIImage(systemName: "waveform")!,
    repeats: true
)

let processingState = CPVoiceControlState(
    identifier: "processing",
    titleVariants: ["Processing...", "Working on it"],
    image: UIImage(systemName: "gear")!,
    repeats: false
)

let successState = CPVoiceControlState(
    identifier: "success",
    titleVariants: ["Done!", "Complete"],
    image: UIImage(systemName: "checkmark.circle.fill")!,
    repeats: false
)

// Create voice control template
let voiceTemplate = CPVoiceControlTemplate(
    voiceControlStates: [listeningState, processingState, successState]
)

// Present voice control
interfaceController.presentTemplate(voiceTemplate, animated: true) {
    // Start listening
    self.startVoiceRecognition()
}

// Update state based on recognition progress
voiceTemplate.activateVoiceControlState(withIdentifier: "processing")

// Show success when done
voiceTemplate.activateVoiceControlState(withIdentifier: "success")

// Dismiss after completion
DispatchQueue.main.asyncAfter(deadline: .now() + 1) {
    interfaceController.dismissTemplate(animated: true, completion: nil)
}

Contact Template (Communication)

// Create contact
let contact = CPContact(
    name: "John Appleseed",
    image: UIImage(named: "contact_photo")
)
contact.subtitle = "Friend"
contact.informativeText = "Last contact: Today"

// Create contact action buttons
let callButton = CPContactCallButton(handler: { button in
    // Initiate phone call
    self.makePhoneCall(to: contact)
})

let messageButton = CPContactMessageButton(phoneOrEmail: "john@example.com")

let directionsButton = CPContactDirectionsButton(handler: { button in
    // Navigate to contact's location
    self.navigateToContact(contact)
})

contact.actions = [callButton, messageButton, directionsButton]

// Create contact template
let contactTemplate = CPContactTemplate(contact: contact)

// Present contact card
interfaceController.pushTemplate(contactTemplate, animated: true)

Message List Template (Communication)

// Create leading configurations (profile images)
let profileImage = UIImage(named: "profile")!
let leadingConfig = CPMessageListItemLeadingConfiguration(
    leadingItem: .image(profileImage),
    leadingImage: profileImage,
    unreadIndicator: true
)

// Create trailing configurations (timestamps/badges)
let trailingConfig = CPMessageListItemTrailingConfiguration(
    trailingItem: .image(UIImage(systemName: "chevron.right")!),
    trailingImage: UIImage(systemName: "paperclip")
)

// Create message list items
let message1 = CPMessageListItem(
    conversationIdentifier: "conv_1",
    text: "John Appleseed",
    leadingConfiguration: leadingConfig,
    trailingConfiguration: trailingConfig,
    detailText: "Hey, are you free for lunch?",
    trailingText: "12:30 PM"
)
message1.handler = { item, completion in
    // Open conversation
    self.openConversation(id: "conv_1")
    completion()
}

let message2 = CPMessageListItem(
    fullName: "Jane Smith",
    phoneOrEmailAddress: "jane@example.com",
    leadingConfiguration: CPMessageListItemLeadingConfiguration(
        leadingItem: .image(UIImage(named: "jane_photo")!),
        leadingImage: UIImage(named: "jane_photo")!,
        unreadIndicator: false
    ),
    trailingConfiguration: trailingConfig,
    detailText: "Thanks for the update!",
    trailingText: "Yesterday"
)

// Create list template with messages
let section = CPListSection(items: [message1, message2])
let listTemplate = CPListTemplate(title: "Messages", sections: [section])

interfaceController.setRootTemplate(listTemplate, animated: true)

List Image Row Item

// Create images for grid display
let image1 = UIImage(named: "album_cover_1")!
let image2 = UIImage(named: "album_cover_2")!
let image3 = UIImage(named: "album_cover_3")!
let image4 = UIImage(named: "album_cover_4")!

// Create list image row item with titles
let imageRowItem = CPListImageRowItem(
    text: "Recently Played",
    images: [image1, image2, image3, image4],
    imageTitles: ["Rock Hits", "Chill Vibes", "Workout Mix", "Road Trip"]
)

// Handle image selection
imageRowItem.listImageRowHandler = { item, index, completion in
    // User selected image at index
    print("Selected image \(index)")
    self.playAlbum(at: index)
    completion()
}

// Handle row selection
imageRowItem.handler = { item, completion in
    // User tapped the entire row (not a specific image)
    self.showRecentlyPlayed()
    completion()
}

// Create list with image row
let section = CPListSection(items: [imageRowItem])
let listTemplate = CPListTemplate(title: "Music", sections: [section])

// Update images dynamically
let newImages = [image1, image2, image3, image4, image5]
imageRowItem.update(newImages)

Notifications in CarPlay

import UserNotifications

// Request CarPlay notification permission
UNUserNotificationCenter.current().requestAuthorization(
    options: [.alert, .sound, .carPlay]
) { granted, error in
    // Handle result
}

// Create a category that appears in CarPlay
let carPlayCategory = UNNotificationCategory(
    identifier: "DELIVERY_UPDATE",
    actions: [],
    intentIdentifiers: [],
    options: [.allowInCarPlay]
)

UNUserNotificationCenter.current().setNotificationCategories([carPlayCategory])

Navigation Multitouch (iOS 26+)

// Multitouch is automatically enabled on iOS 26+
// Handle zoom changes in your map delegate
extension CarPlaySceneDelegate: CPMapTemplateDelegate {
    func mapTemplate(_ mapTemplate: CPMapTemplate,
                     panWith direction: CPMapTemplate.PanDirection) {
        // Update map viewport for pan gestures
        updateMapViewport(direction: direction)
    }

    func mapTemplateDidBeginPanGesture(_ mapTemplate: CPMapTemplate) {
        // User started panning — pause auto-follow
    }

    func mapTemplate(_ mapTemplate: CPMapTemplate,
                     didEndPanGestureWithVelocity velocity: CGPoint) {
        // Pan ended — optionally resume auto-follow
    }
}

Navigation Voice Prompts

import AVFoundation

class NavigationVoiceManager {
    private let synthesizer = AVSpeechSynthesizer()

    func speak(_ instruction: String) {
        let session = AVAudioSession.sharedInstance()
        try? session.setCategory(
            .playback,
            mode: .voicePrompt,
            options: [.duckOthers, .interruptSpokenAudioAndMixWithOthers]
        )
        try? session.setActive(true)

        let utterance = AVSpeechUtterance(string: instruction)
        utterance.voice = AVSpeechSynthesisVoice(language: "en-US")
        synthesizer.speak(utterance)
    }

    func stop() {
        synthesizer.stopSpeaking(at: .immediate)
        try? AVAudioSession.sharedInstance().setActive(false, options: .notifyOthersOnDeactivation)
    }
}

Navigation Re-route (iOS 17.4+)

// When the driver deviates from the planned route
func handleReroute(session: CPNavigationSession, trip: CPTrip) {
    // Calculate new route
    calculateNewRoute(from: currentLocation, to: trip.destination) { newRouteChoice in
        // Resume trip with new route
        session.resumeTrip(for: trip, with: newRouteChoice)

        // Update maneuvers for the new route
        session.upcomingManeuvers = self.buildManeuvers(for: newRouteChoice)
    }
}

Navigation Metadata for Instrument Cluster / HUD (iOS 17.4+)

// Enable metadata forwarding to vehicle HUD and instrument cluster
extension CarPlaySceneDelegate: CPMapTemplateDelegate {
    func mapTemplateShouldProvideNavigationMetadata(
        _ mapTemplate: CPMapTemplate
    ) -> Bool {
        // Return true to forward maneuver data to vehicle displays
        return true
    }
}

// Provide route information for the instrument cluster
func updateInstrumentCluster(
    controller: CPInstrumentClusterController,
    maneuvers: [CPManeuver],
    laneGuidances: [CPLaneGuidance],
    trip: CPTrip,
    estimates: [CPManeuver: CPTravelEstimates]
) {
    let routeInfo = CPRouteInformation(
        maneuvers: maneuvers,
        laneGuidances: laneGuidances,
        currentManeuvers: [maneuvers.first].compactMap { $0 },
        currentLaneGuidance: laneGuidances.first,
        trip: trip,
        maneuverTravelEstimates: estimates
    )
    // Route info is automatically forwarded when metadata is enabled
}

Widgets in CarPlay (iOS 26+)

import WidgetKit
import SwiftUI

struct MyCarPlayWidget: Widget {
    let kind: String = "CarPlayWidget"

    var body: some WidgetConfiguration {
        StaticConfiguration(kind: kind, provider: Provider()) { entry in
            CarPlayWidgetView(entry: entry)
        }
        .configurationDisplayName("Quick Status")
        .description("Shows status on CarPlay home screen.")
        .supportedFamilies([.accessoryCircular, .accessoryRectangular])
    }
}

struct CarPlayWidgetView: View {
    var entry: Provider.Entry

    var body: some View {
        VStack {
            Image(systemName: "car.fill")
            Text(entry.statusText)
                .font(.caption)
        }
    }
}

Live Activities in CarPlay (iOS 26+)

import ActivityKit

struct DeliveryAttributes: ActivityAttributes {
    public struct ContentState: Codable, Hashable {
        var status: String
        var eta: Date
    }
    var orderNumber: String
}

// Configure activity to appear in CarPlay
let content = ActivityContent(
    state: DeliveryAttributes.ContentState(
        status: "On the way",
        eta: Date().addingTimeInterval(600)
    ),
    staleDate: nil
)

let activity = try Activity<DeliveryAttributes>.request(
    attributes: DeliveryAttributes(orderNumber: "12345"),
    content: content,
    pushType: .token
)

// In your widget configuration, add CarPlay support:
// .supplementalActivityFamilies([.carPlay])

Launching Other Apps

// Open another app from CarPlay (e.g., hand off to phone for payment)
func openCompanionApp(scene: CPTemplateApplicationScene) {
    guard let url = URL(string: "myapp://complete-order") else { return }
    scene.open(url, options: nil) { success in
        if success {
            print("Opened companion app")
        }
    }
}

Reference Documentation

For complete API details, see the categorized documentation in the references/ directory.