Hello everyone,
I am currently working on an app project aimed at users who want to quickly and easily capture their ideas and notes while on the go. The basic concept is to develop an iOS app where users can store both typed notes and voice recordings – essentially a "brain dump" solution. The core functionality (storing, editing, synchronizing via CloudKit, etc.) will be handled within the iOS app.
In addition, I plan to integrate a CarPlay extension that allows the driver to start and stop a recording – ideally through a minimalist interface featuring a large record button and a "Done" button. Since the iPhone is often not within immediate reach in the car, the CarPlay integration should serve as a quick trigger to initiate the recording in the iOS app.
My questions are as follows:
Has anyone had experience implementing a CarPlay extension for an app that primarily handles notes and voice recordings, rather than falling into the traditional categories like navigation, audio, or communication? Has such a concept ever been approved by Apple, or are there known hurdles and guidelines that must be observed? Are there alternative approaches to implementing CarPlay integration in this context in a compliant and effective manner? I would greatly appreciate any feedback, shared experiences, and tips on best practices.
Thank you in advance and best regards!
Recording apps are not allowed in CarPlay.
From the CarPlay Programming Guide:
Recording In general, recording is not supported while in CarPlay. If your app has recording features, don’t enable them when CarPlay is active. If you activate an audio session with recording enabled, it can affect audio playback from other sources and impact audio input for the car’s own functions such as voice assistants and phone calls. While in CarPlay, configure audio sessions without recording features. An exception is for CarPlay navigation apps which use recording features for voice input. In CarPlay navigation apps, recording features may be used, but only in conjunction with the voice control template.