Apple SharePlay makes life easier for backseat DJs

Forget fighting for the AUX cord, or awkwardly sharing the driver’s iPhone password.

Apple has used its annual Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) to reveal SharePlay for Apple CarPlay, allowing passengers to request control of the vehicle’s music on the move.

“Now when the driver’s iPhone is connected to CarPlay, any passenger’s iPhone will automatically suggest joining their session. Just tap to connect,” said Anne Park Shedlosky, director of software program management at Apple.

“From there, it’s easy to play your favourite music, control playback and enjoy the ride together.”

Although it announced SharePlay, Apple was unusually quiet about CarPlay at WWDC.

It used the event last year to announce plans to take over a whole car’s interface, from the central infotainment touchscreen to the dials, navigation and climate control.

The first vehicles featuring the system were set to debut late in 2023, but as yet we’ve heard nothing about exactly which cars that would be.

Since then, a number of carmakers have pushed back against the idea of letting Apple take over their cabins entirely.