Apple CarPlay ios18

[RX30]

Aside for anything else, the release notes on 1.4.2 have zero detail or explanations, the manual does not seem to have anything related to 1.4.2 in regard to CarPlay and the adapt to speed limit features...has anyone found any useful documentation that would correspond to a user manual?

[andrewollason]

There is a fairly brief overview of the speed assist function. Like many things in the manual there seems to be more disclaimers than detail on how the systems actually function.

[andrewollason]

There is a bit more detail on CarPlay to be fair and a link to the Apple page for more detail.

[Geoff]

You're not alone! I have written to Volvo with my own observations as to various absurdities. I can't help feeling that if more owners expressed their concerns and dissatisfaction about the many features of the car's systems that just are not right, it would help. I have said all of this elsewhere in these pages and to Volvo, but just to reiterate... my own concerns are about...

the idiosyncratic key fob that is plainly dysfunctional and unhelpful on every level;
the so-called welcome screen and the fact that key options are not on it or are on it but are greyed out until Drive is selected;
voice activation not controlling all features of the HVAC system, yet purporting to do so - it doesn't control fan speed
radio reception - still dodgy despite 1.4.2;
the dash 'mood lighting' (whatever it's called) being a waste of time yet used as some sort of irresistible feature of the car in the marketing materials
the miniature size of icons on the screen making them all but illegible;
There's more which has slipped my mind just now.

All of that and much more.
I have to wonder if the part time Volvo sub-contractor developing the software is old enough to drive. But now that everyone is happy that they can listen to their favourite music and have their messages read to them perhaps a little more time can be spent on getting the basic car controls to work.
Somebody, somewhere is responsible for this, and I’m sure they’re keeping their head down.

[tombarnes]

Sorry to hear you've had issues Geoff, sounds like you've been soured by some bad experiences. Out of interest, how old is your vehicle? Was it one of the 'first'?

Mine was delivered on 20th August, and had come straight from Volvo UK (it's a lease via my job). So I'm pretty sure it's new, new.

Maybe it’s not as bad as I’m making out but the more people that say it is perfect the less Volvo will do to improve it.

I drove it to Lyon this afternoon, about 45 mins on some country roads but mostly main roads with good road markings, no issues apart from the usual bongs for exceeding non-existent speed limits. It usually, but not always, sees the limit sign but never the derestricted sign. Where the car is really hopeless in on narrow roads with worn or patchy road markings where it shakes and tugs on the steering. And occasionally brakes and steers violently.

1.4.2 doesn’t seem to have made any difference, the warning that the airbag is on disappeared when I pressed OK and so far, it hasn’t returned. But why on earth was the warning there at all, the airbag should be on, the warning should be that it is off. I won’t use CarPlay so no difference for me and there is not even a hint that any of things I’d like will be implemented. There is still no easy way to turn on the fog lights or four-wheel drive and no easy way to turn off the driver aids. Why is no one else bothered about it? Is everyone happy to fumble through various screens and menus while travelling at 70mph on the motorway?

I’ve noticed that there are three or four microphone signs (looks like a flower) scatted about the screen and steering wheel, why? You only have to say ‘hey google’ and it works, there is no need for any buttons let alone several. And there are two buttons for the hazard lights, why?

My car was ordered last November and delivered to the dealer in June, I collected it in July and judging by the date stamp on the key card it was probably manufactured at the end of February. All EX30 are manufactured by Geely in China and shipped to distribution points and a car delivered in August is probably MY24 but might be very early MY25. If it is MY25 it will have a EX30 badge on the back and slightly different steering wheel switches but otherwise the spec is identical to MY24 and presumably the software is also the same, or at least very similar.

Yes, I'm aware of the MY24/25 differentiation. Mine's a MY24, date stamps are May 2024. I ordered mine in January and I made the enquiry with Volvo as to which MY I would be getting when it was delayed back in May.

I'm really sad to see how disenchanted with Volvo you've become Geoff, but I can understand from what you've encountered. Completely ignoring any use of CarPlay may be a good idea

[Matt T]

Works like a treat

[andrewollason]

Well I for one am outraged. As I was sitting in my comfy chair listening to music I found I could not enjoy my minimised album art like you Matt. Simply unacceptable. On a slightly more serious note I’m curious as to why there is a difference. Wonder if it is a phone version/os thing. Need to check my partners phone as she is on a 15 and I’m on an 11. Out of interest Matt what are you using?

[andrewollason]

Hold on minute. Just noticed Matt is cheating as he has it on CarPlay! I got all outraged for nothing. Oh well at least the seats are comfy.

[RichTea]

The notification looks like a standard Apple thing. I will get a shot of it tomorrow. Will check the music thing too. Not sure if artist is displayed in the minimised box.

Did you manage to grab a picture?

[andrewollason]

So the message notification comes through like this to me. Pressing engages Siri who reads the message and then invites you to reply. If I’m on the android screen it switches over to CarPlay in order to do its stuff.