How to find and pay for parking with Apple CarPlay
With the latest iOS 14 software update for the iPhone, Apple has allowed new categories of application to work with CarPlay.
Powered by an iPhone connected to a car via USB or Bluetooth, CarPlay is Apple's car infotainment system, putting car-safe versions of commonly used applications on the vehicle's touchscreen display.
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One of the categories newly added to CarPlay includes apps used to find and pay for parking spaces. The first to roll out its CarPlay-friendly update is called SpotHero.
This application is a leader in the marker and works in over 300 cities across North America. But with CarPlay access, instead of stopping the car and reaching for your phone to find a space, or have your passenger help out, you can safely access SpotHero through the CarPlay interface.
Using your car's own controls, you can use SpotHero to find a space at your destination, book it and pay while driving. The app can also be used to rebook a space you have used recently, and use a parking pass if you already have one.
The interface shows a list of parking options close to your destination and listed in order of which is closest to your destination. The app also shows the price of each space and the exact address; just pick the one you want and follow the instructions to pay.
We welcome Apple's adding of more application categories to CarPlay, so long as their interfaces are designed to be safely used by the driver. The current version of CarPlay works on all iPhones running iOS 14, which includes everything from the iPhone 6S up to the current-generation iPhone 12.
Other categories of application added to CarPlay with iOS 14 include apps to help you find electric car chargers, and apps for ordering food from a takeout or restaurant ahead of your arrival.
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