How To Customize Apple CarPlay Split Screen: Our Step-By-Step Guide

You're cruising down the road, and your Apple CarPlay screen is split into three sections. Music? Check. Maps? Check. But that third widget? Something you rarely use, maybe a random podcast app or a stock ticker you don't care about.

Wouldn't it be nice to swap it for something actually useful, like your calendar or a weather update?

You're not alone. Many of our customers ask how to customize their CarPlay screen setup for a more personalized driving experience.

In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to customize your CarPlay split screen so you can see what you need while driving, not what Apple thinks you do. Plus, we’ve got a few extra CarPlay hacks to make your drive even smoother. 

First, What You Should Know about CarPlay Split Screen

CarPlay Screen allows you to use two to three apps simultaneously on your car’s display, making it easier to multitask while driving. 

• For example, you can have navigation on one side and music or messages on the other.

Apple introduced this feature to improve user experience and reduce distractions. The split screen works with iPhones running iOS 13 or newer, ensuring your iPhone is updated.

To customize the split screen in Apple CarPlay, navigate to Settings > General > CarPlay on your iPhone, select your car, and then tap "Customize."

However, not all car displays support split screens. Compatible systems must have a screen large enough to show two apps clearly. 

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• Display size and resolution are important for a smooth experience. Larger screens generally work best for this feature. We made our CarTablet Pro Max™ a 10-inch mountable screen for even older cars. 

Apple designed this to be intuitive, so it doesn’t require complicated controls, and you can switch or adjust apps easily while driving. 

This feature helps drivers stay focused without switching between apps manually.

Customizing CarPlay Split Screen: Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps to customize the layout and make CarPlay work best for you.

Step 1: Access CarPlay Settings on Your iPhone

Before customizing CarPlay, you need to access its settings on your iPhone.  

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.  

2. Scroll down and tap General.  

3. Tap CarPlay.  

4. Your car’s name will appear in the list if it has been previously connected. Tap on your car to open CarPlay settings.  

If your car isn't listed, make sure it’s connected via USB or Bluetooth. You may need to reconnect by tapping “Forget This Car" and setting it up again.  

Step 2: Customize Your CarPlay Apps and Layout

You can personalize your CarPlay experience by adjusting app positions and enabling split-screen compatibility.  

1. Tap Customize under your car’s CarPlay settings.  

2. You'll see a list of apps available for CarPlay.  

3. Modify the layout by doing the following:  

REARRANGE THE APPS

Tap and hold an app icon, then drag it to a new position in your preferred order.  

ADD OR REMOVE APPS

Tap the green "+"  button next to an app to add it to CarPlay or the red "-" button to remove it.  

CHANGE SPLIT SCREEN ORDER

Some apps support smaller widgets in split-screen mode. Drag these apps to the list if you want them to appear more frequently.  

Place navigation and music apps at the top for quick access. Some third-party apps, like WhatsApp and Spotify, support split-screen but may require the latest updates.  

iOS 18, for example, allows for split-screen functionality. Users can see maps, music, and other apps running simultaneously across different displays.

Step 3: Activating Split Screen in CarPlay

Once your layout is customized, you can activate split-screen mode directly on your car's display.  

1. Connect your iPhone to CarPlay via USB or Bluetooth, depending on your car’s compatibility.  

2. Tap the widget icon on your car's screen (usually in the bottom left corner). This will switch to the split-screen view.  

3. You should now see multiple apps side by side, such as Maps and Music, and be able to switch seamlessly between them.  

If your car's display is too small, the split-screen experience may not be great. Larger screens (above 7 inches) work best for a clear, responsive split-screen experience.  

Even if you use an older car with no modern infotainment system for Apple CarPlay, you can use our 10-inch  CarTablet Pro Max™ (2025 Model)

• Instant Apple CarPlay & Android Auto

• Drive Safer with the Built-in 4K Dashcam

• Plug and Play setup with no tools required

App Pairing Strategies: Optimal Combinations

Ultimately, choose a combination of apps on the split screen that best suits your driving style. 

1. Navigation + Music/Podcast Apps

This is the most popular combination. 

Keep Apple Maps, Google Maps, or Waze in the main panel for clear navigation, while Spotify, Apple Music, or a podcast app stays in the smaller panel for quick playback control. 

This setup helps you stay en route while enjoying your favorite tunes or podcasts without distraction.  

We’ve made our CarTablet work with the car's speakers directly through the included AUX cable or wirelessly through a built-in FM transmitter. 

2. Navigation + Communication Apps

If you frequently take calls or send messages on the road, pairing a navigation app with WhatsApp, messages, or a phone can be useful. 

This way, you can see your directions while receiving call or message alerts, making it easy to respond hands-free using Siri.  

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• If you delete Apple Maps, you lose the ability to use the split screen. However, the split display returns if you add Apple Maps to the phone.

3. Calendar + Communication

Busy drivers can benefit from displaying Apple or Google Calendar alongside their Phones or Messages. This helps you stay aware of upcoming appointments while quickly coordinating with colleagues or family.  

Resolution Considerations for Apple CarPlay Split Screen

For the best CarPlay Screen experience, your display should have a high resolution and enough screen space to clearly show two apps. 

A low-resolution or small screen may make text and icons harder to read, affecting usability.

Aftermarket Displays & CarPlay Screens

If your car’s built-in display is too small or lacks CarPlay, aftermarket CarPlay screens can improve your experience. 

These screens offer larger displays, higher resolutions, and better split-screen support, making it easier to view navigation, music, and messages simultaneously. Many also come with touchscreen controls for smoother interactions.

Also, not all cars support wide or high-resolution screens. This limits how well CarPlay Split Screen works. 

If your vehicle's display is older or smaller, you may see compressed layouts or smaller icons, making it harder to interact with apps.

Our CarTablet Pro Max™ is Made for You

With the CarTablet Pro Max™, you get an easy-to-mount screen that fully supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wired or wireless. 

Its 4K high-resolution display ensures crystal-clear visuals and smooth split-screen functionality. 

Plus, it works with almost any car regardless of age, making it the best upgrade for a premium CarPlay experience.

Other CarPlay Hacks You May Not Know

In addition to customizing the split screen on CarPlay, here are some other things you can do: 

1. Share Your Arrival Time with Others

With Apple CarPlay, you can let friends or colleagues know when you'll arrive. If you're running late, CarPlay can update them on your estimated arrival time.

To do this, tap Share ETA at the bottom of the CarPlay screen. Then, choose the people you want to update.

• If they have an iPhone with iOS 13.1 or later, they’ll get a notification in Apple Maps.

• If they have an older iPhone, they’ll receive an iMessage.

• Android users will get a regular text message.

2. Let Passengers Add Songs with SharePlay

If you're using iOS 17 and Apple Music, passengers can help choose songs for the ride. The driver starts playing music, and passengers can tap the SharePlay icon, scan a QR code, and add songs to the queue.

To use this, everyone involved must be on iOS 17 or later, and the person starting SharePlay needs an Apple Music subscription.

3. Stop Notifications While Driving

To avoid distractions while driving, turn on Do Not Disturb While Driving. This feature prevents notifications from appearing on your CarPlay screen.

To set it up:

• Open Settings on your iPhone.

• Select Do Not Disturb While Driving.

• Tap Activate with CarPlay.

• Once it's on, people who text you will get an automatic reply so you can focus on the road.

4. Listen to and Reply to Messages Hands-Free

Reading messages while driving is dangerous and even illegal in some places. CarPlay lets Siri read your messages out loud and even reply to them for you.

To enable this:

• Open Settings > Siri & Search.

• Turn on Announce Notifications.

• Tap CarPlay and choose to either announce or mute new messages.

If you choose "Announce New Messages," Siri will read incoming messages aloud. You can also save your last preference so it stays the same for future drives.

5. Take a Screenshot of Your CarPlay Screen

Want to save a map location or a song playing in CarPlay? You can take a screenshot just like on your iPhone.

Press the lock and volume up buttons simultaneously. This will capture and save your CarPlay and iPhone screens in your photo gallery.

6. Use Google Maps in CarPlay

CarPlay supports Google Maps, which allows you to switch to a satellite view to see roads and landmarks better.

To enable this:

• Open Google Maps in CarPlay.

• Tap the gear icon in the top-right corner.

• Toggle on Satellite View for a more detailed map display.

Now, you can enjoy a clearer, more detailed navigation experience.

FAQs

Which apps support the CarPlay split screen?

CarPlay Split Screen supports navigation apps like Apple Maps, Google Maps, and Waze, music apps like Spotify and Apple Music, and communication apps like WhatsApp and Messages. Some third-party apps also work, but compatibility depends on your iOS version and the car’s display.

Can I change the size ratio between split-screen apps?

CarPlay automatically sets the split-screen ratio in most vehicles, with the main app taking up more space. Some cars with wider or high-resolution CarPlay screens allow adjustments, but this depends on the car's software and display capabilities.

Why isn't the split screen working on my vehicle?

If the CarPlay Split Screen doesn’t work, your car’s display may not support it, or your iPhone might need an iOS update. Also, check that your vehicle’s software is up to date and that the split screen is enabled in the CarPlay settings.

How do I save my preferred split-screen configuration?

CarPlay remembers your last-used apps, but you can customize the layout by going to Settings > General > CarPlay > Customize on your iPhone. You can rearrange, add, or remove apps to match your preferred split-screen setup.