A new Apple CarPlay feature could soon allow iPhone users to pay for gas from their in-car infotainment screen without using card payment. Apple unveiled its next-generation CarPlay at the Worldwide Developers Conference in June alongside iOS 16. However, while iOS 16 is expected to be rolled out to a slew of devices this fall, the next-gen CarPlay will take a few years before becoming widely available. That's because automakers will have to install new hardware in their cars to support the new features.
Much like Android Auto, Apple CarPlay is an in-car software that can be used to mirror iPhone apps on a car's infotainment display. All iOS apps, however, are not supported. Some of the supported apps include Apple Maps, Apple Music, Messages, Podcasts, News, etc. Compatible third-party apps include Google Maps, Spotify, WhatsApp and more. Almost all major automakers support CarPlay, except for Tesla, which doesn't support either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. However, an enterprising Polish developer recently found a way to run both software in Tesla vehicles with a nifty little hack.
According to Reuters, some gas station chains in the U.S. are prepping to take advantage of a new CarPlay feature in iOS 16 that will allow users to pay for their fuel through their car's infotainment screen. This will be possible thanks to the addition of a new Apple CarPlay app category called 'Fuel and Driving Tasks' in iOS 16. According to the report, the new category will support apps that help users fuel up from their car and offer "road information, toll support, and towing help" directly from the car's infotainment center.
Petroleum Refiners Are Already On-Board
Talking to Reuters, Jack Barger, the senior vice president of marketing for gas station chain HF Sinclair confirmed that the company plans to use the new feature to help its customers pay for their gas directly from their CarPlay-enabled displays. Barger did not reveal much information for now but said that it would announce new details in the coming months. According to Reuters, HF Sinclair operates through 1,600 gas stations in the U.S.
Reuters also spoke to Donald Frieden, the CEO of Houston-based mobile commerce company P97 Networks, about the development. Frieden confirmed that he has also had discussions with oil companies that want to make their apps work with CarPlay, but did not reveal any names. Reuters also contacted BP, Shell and Chevron for comments on the new Apple CarPlay feature for iOS 16, but none of them responded.
Source: Reuters