The highlight of this update is the native support for Apple Maps and other navigation applications on the driver display, conveniently placing vital information behind the steering wheel. Additionally, the screen now provides call information, allowing drivers to effortlessly answer, reject, and end calls using the steering wheel-mounted controls.
Notably, the center screen also receives attention, as Volvo introduces a call mute button on the display. The CarPlay tile has been updated as well, displaying media information and providing easy access to play, pause, and skip controls within the app. For those who don't use CarPlay, there's the option to choose whether the mirrors should fold when locking the car.
Apart from these improvements, Volvo will also address minor engine calibration optimizations and bug fixes, which resemble software updates for smartphones rather than cars. It's worth mentioning that this update is exclusively available on Volvo models equipped with Google built-in, and features may vary across different markets.
Over-the-air updates grant automakers unparalleled flexibility in enhancing the user experience of their vehicles. This level of control enables them to offer additional features and performance capabilities through subscriptions and paywalls, sometimes at an extra cost. The automotive industry is heading towards a future where the digital experience inside cars matters more than ever, with automakers striving to maintain control.
Source: Volvo
