## Next-Gen CarPlay: EU Trademark Filings Signal Imminent Arrival
Apple recently reinforced its commitment to next-generation CarPlay by submitting design trademarks to the European Union Intellectual Property Office. This move, coupled with redesigned CarPlay icons discovered within the iOS 18.2 beta code, strongly suggests the much-anticipated software overhaul is nearing its public debut. These developments offer a renewed sense of optimism for the platform’s future, especially after a period of relative silence.
### A Deeper Dive into the CarPlay Interface
The filed images showcase a variety of instrument cluster and user interface layouts for the next-generation CarPlay experience. Intriguingly, some images appear to feature the Audi logo. While Audi was initially named as a partner during Apple’s June 2022 preview, concrete integration plans remain unconfirmed. This latest development, however, adds fuel to the speculation surrounding Audi’s adoption of the revamped system.
### 2024 Launch: Still on Track?
While the imagery doesn’t reveal any previously unseen features, the timing of the EU filings is significant. Apple’s official website maintains that the first vehicles equipped with next-generation CarPlay will be available in 2024. However, with December fast approaching, concerns about potential delays are understandable. These recent filings, unearthed by *MacRumors* contributor Aaron Perris, provide reassurance that Apple is actively progressing towards a 2024 release. Although both Aston Martin and Porsche showcased next-generation CarPlay designs in December 2023, neither has launched a compatible vehicle yet. This underscores the complexity of integrating this advanced software into production models. The EU trademark filings, therefore, serve as a tangible indicator of Apple’s ongoing efforts to bring this enhanced in-car experience to market.
