The upcoming iOS 18.4 is set to launch soon, with Apple releasing the Release Candidate (RC) build to developers and beta testers this past Monday. This update includes not only the previously announced features, such as Priority Notifications and enhancements in Visual Intelligence but also introduces a new API for sports applications within CarPlay.
Sports applications can now utilize the new CarPlay API
Apple did not officially announce the new API; it was subtly introduced through a documentation page on the Apple Developer website. Titled “CPNowPlayingModeSports,” this API is described by Apple as a “sports mode” that modifies the Now Playing screen’s layout specifically for “sporting events.”
Notably, Apple specifies that the API is intended for events featuring “exactly two teams.” The applications employing this API can display information about each team on either side of the screen, complemented by a “large colorful image as the background.”
“The sports mode provides a layout for now playing tailored to live-streaming or recorded playback of a sporting event that involves exactly two teams,” reads the API description.
As this is a new API, it now falls on developers to implement it in their applications so users can experience its functionality. The API requires an iPhone running iOS 18.4, along with Xcode 16.3 RC or later for developers.
Additionally, iOS 18.4 will bring more enhancements to CarPlay, including a third row of icons for vehicles equipped with larger displays. Moreover, Apple Maps will now recognize that certain vehicles can charge at Tesla NACS stations during EV routing.
Apple has indicated that iOS 18.4 will be available to the public in early April.
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