The latest iOS 18 update introduces subtle but useful improvements, including a sound recognition feature integrated into CarPlay. Originally designed as an accessibility tool for those with hearing impairments, sound recognition uses the iPhone’s microphone to detect and identify various sounds around the device, such as alarms, animals, and human noises like coughing or crying.
When the device recognizes a sound, it sends a notification to alert the user. This feature, while initially developed for accessibility, now extends its usefulness to all users, particularly in the car with CarPlay integration.
Sound recognition in CarPlay relies on the iPhone to detect sounds near the vehicle. To function properly, the phone’s microphone must be unobstructed, and it is advised to keep it in a clear spot, like a windshield mount or air vent holder.
The feature is primarily tuned to recognize car-related sounds like horns and sirens, but it struggles to work when loud music is playing, as it’s still meant to assist users with hearing impairments. Notifications on CarPlay will alert the driver to sounds, showing categories like “siren” to enhance awareness, especially of approaching emergency vehicles.
Configuring sound recognition on CarPlay is straightforward. It uses the settings from the iPhone’s Accessibility menu, where users can enable the feature and choose which sounds they want the phone to recognize.
Though it primarily listens for car-related noises, the system can also detect sounds like crying or barking, depending on the phone’s placement and the car’s environment. This configuration ensures that users can tailor the sound recognition to their specific needs while driving.
The sound recognition feature is available only on certain iPhone models, specifically the iPhone 15 and 16 series. Both regular and Plus models support this feature, although it is crucial to have iOS 18 installed for it to work with CarPlay.
Since the sound processing happens on the iPhone, older models without this capability won’t be able to use sound recognition on CarPlay. This highlights Apple’s focus on ensuring that newer devices have the necessary processing power for advanced features like this.
In addition to sound recognition, iOS 18 brings other refinements to CarPlay, including contact profile pictures in message notifications and a redesigned home button reminiscent of early iPhone models.
While these changes are minor and some users may have hoped for a more significant overhaul, the enhancements improve user experience and familiarity. Major updates are not expected until iOS 19, which is scheduled for release in 2025.
