Source: Apple Inc. Canonical content at https://developer.apple.com/design/human-interface-guidelines/carplay. This file is a structured index of that content, snapshot 2025-02-02. Apple HIG text and imagery are © Apple Inc.; this repository provides organization and cross-referencing for AI agent consumption only.
CarPlay
iPhone interactions
Eliminate app interactions on iPhone when CarPlay is active.
Never lock people out of CarPlay because the connected iPhone requires input.
Make sure your app works without requiring people to unlock iPhone.
Audio
Let people choose when to start playback.
Start playback as soon as audio has sufficiently loaded.
Display the Now Playing screen when audio is ready to play.
Resume audio playback after an interruption only when it’s appropriate.
When necessary, automatically adjust audio levels, but don’t change the overall volume.
Layout
Provide useful, high-value information in a clean layout that’s easy to scan from the driver’s seat.
Maintain an overall consistent appearance throughout your app.
Ensure that primary content stands out and feels actionable.
Color
In general, prefer a limited color palette that coordinates with your app logo.
Avoid using the same color for interactive and noninteractive elements.
Test your app’s color scheme under a variety of lighting conditions in an actual car.
Ensure your app looks great in both dark and light environments.
Choose colors that help you communicate effectively with everyone.
Icons and images
Supply high-resolution images with scale factors of @2x and @3x for all CarPlay artwork in your app.
Mirror your iPhone app icon.
Don’t use black for your icon’s background.
Error handling
Report errors in CarPlay, not on the connected iPhone.
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For the complete guidance, including worked examples and illustrations, see the canonical page: https://developer.apple.com/design/human-interface-guidelines/carplay