Iconic gauges in the style of Apple CarPlay

We put Apple's new CarPlay framework to the test by redesigning several iconic instrument clusters from the pre-screen era.
Detailed Case Study:
blackboxinfinite.com/CarPlay-...

[@MePeterNicholls]

I’d love to see aftermarket car play gauge displays available

[@Mouamle]

I'd love to see automakers allow us to customize the layout (or even just allow advanced users to do so)

[@RetroSoulX]

I have been saying this since since the first time I heard about the new generation of Apple CarPlay being announced.

[@magnesium_subsoil_94]

This makes e feel a lot better about it. Not making everything look super generic like an iPhone

[@Zentrify]

it literally is making everything super generic

[@raffaelearmellino8117]

except you can't actually make most of this stuff in carplay

[@rs_2001]

if u plan on buying a porsche or audi, then sure this is amazing rn

[@Redaft]

@@Zentrify its not

[@StarChaser1879]

@@raffaelearmellino8117 they literally just announced their CarPlay engine to make these types of things

[@TimurIskhodzhanov]

The original NSX gauges are absolute perfection. Especially the JDM version without the mph gauge. The more I look at those NSX gauges, the more I see that the designers knew exactly what they were doing and totally nailed it.

[@ndc5544p]

looks kind-of bad imo. The end of the speedometer and tachometer scales don't stop at the same angle. The red in the big gauges is different than the red used in the other gauges, including the needles. The font is a tad too big making it look clumsy somehow. The scale on the small gauges isn't aligned to the edge of the gauge like on the tach and speedo, making them look oval and not round like the big gauges. Honestly, the more I look at it the more it looks like something I'd find in a truck. After a bit of googling the gauges look very similar to those in a MAN TGX, or an older DAF. So yeah, not what I would want in my supercar. While I agree it's iconic, doesn't mean it's also good.

[@tubbycustard8866]

its obviously subjective but that is the most boring and uninspiring gauge to me. it is literally any gauge cluster from the 90s, my old 94 altima looks the same lol.

[@albertKFC]

dear BMW, please use Apple CarPlay for your current gauge cluster design....

[@essentialtech388]

I suspect they will be one of the first, I’m pretty sure they teamed with Apple to make docks for them around 2007.

[@SKELLYHUNTERofficial]

They’ll make sure you pay a subscription on top of that!

[@brightivan]

They probably need Apple designers to design the exterior first.

[@user-it6io9vo5l]

@@SKELLYHUNTERofficialthey literally went back on their decision

[@charlesdoesmore5488]

Android users just have to sell thier BMWs now...

[@ClubBlau]

Great. Especially S2000 and Corvette! The number fonts leave a little to be desired on some - I hope Apple opens up more flexibility for those.

[@chrisvanhorn]

Absolutely incredible work on these.

[@mahomedyaseenabdoola9249]

Imagine being allowed to create inspired gauge styles and being able to use them. It will just make the experience a whole lot better. Giving you the option to add a classic version of the 911 dials on a current model. Would be sick 😆

[@zollotech]

Looks great. Hopefully some auto makers adopt some of this.

[@SAMMYGNW]

Amazing work! I hope we get cars with customizable dashboards in the future and also having the option of downloading pre made ones from older or iconic cars.

[@noahm]

FYI for the 911 Turbo (or anything, really), the SF font has an open “4” setting which resembles the source/original.

[@ChakibTsouli]

Chuckled at the image of John Delorean getting arrested in the dash

[@boontarin]

I just hope carmakers will make it as good as this.

[@wyattb3138]

3:52 Keanu looking dude

[@porterdesignandmotion]

Really nice breakdown and reimagination of the aesthetic and personality of each vehicle and brand. I can feel the auto industry feeling nervous about what it might mean to be "tied down" by the foundation Apple is setting in the HMI space, but your take on these classics shows it is a pretty flexible foundation. Thanks for sharing this!

[@sergeysaases8439]

absolutely love the designs

[@vankho]

I've been wondering about this and so excited to see the execution and concepts! Well done!

[@drizzzzz]

This was absolutely fantastic! Thank you for making this!

[@topherlikescandy]

Good job, no hate, but dang none of these compare to the originals. Real gauges are so good!!

[@joshuabrazile]

I've been in love with that Corvette dash since I was a kid. I love what you all did with it!

[@ElliottCollect]

This is a very calming video. Very nicely done.

[@cedricchanning9911]

fabulous work!

[@SuhailAmar]

Outstanding work on these. 👏👏👏

[@edoardodepiccoli3004]

I loved every single second of this, amazing

[@ayg58_F1]

Damn all of these are amazing! You've completely redefined modern retro with a bang!

[@demikoo]

I can't wait to see some of these get implemented into new cars!!

Pretty awesome work!

[@Monochrome_eteled]

making perfection more perfect outstanding

[@TheOneTrueJack]

Love the clear BTTF time machine homage in the top right of the Delorean dash (tastefully blurred and uncommented on presumably to avoid pesky copyright issues). Nice touch.

[@AsToNlele]

Absolutely gorgeous

[@colintang3910]

tbh id love to see more support for analog gauges and older styles as well!

[@mikixd7956]

Extreamly beautiful video i love it

[@buzzcrushtrendkill]

I love the retro segemented digital guage clusters

[@PsychicOracle]

This is so good

[@minglingli7097]

We might not be able to replace physical things but this does offer a great alternative great vision too

[@User57655]

That 911 rework looks so good!

[@police428]

2:29 IMO. You should’ve kept the design of the original gauges on how the RPM climbs and falls with the power curve. Was an interesting touch to show where to keep the revs to maximize performance

[@evilhamsterzz]

genuinely so sick bruh

[@gabethebaeb_5881]

This is beyond genius

[@BarcelonasHotCrowd]

LOVE THIS!

[@frederickgramlich]

These all turned out awesome! I have to ask though, are these actually possible to create with Apple’s tools or are they more proof of concept with the design language?

[@ricardoalejandromejiaquiro8451]

Love it, just like Porsche did its apple carplay radios for the classic models they could do this for the clusters. I would definitely buy it

[@sortaspicey9278]

I can't wait to have to update my ic

[@magnumeis1228]

One word: NICE!

[@DstinctPingu]

These are great! How can we make our own?

[@Peterraawwrr]

Looks super cool, one tiny criticism on the S2000 gauge is that on the OG after 6000 RPM the gauge stretches out to the redline, whereas the CarPlay version is consistent with its spacing, perhaps a limitation on CarPlay side?

[@tony_117]

I own a c4 corvette, and was literally thinking about this the other day, well more of what would it look like if I used modern tech to recreate my digital dash

[@patrickmartin3322]

The S2000 and C4 Corvette ones are fantastic

[@GuillaumeGamer]

How do you create those? What is the software you use for design? Can it be done on pc?

[@DrewShah]

Very Cool ⚙

[@ClubBlau]

Is this actually for an aftermarket dash one can buy and install and use? Like Motec?

[@DanielLazo-jr9tj]

This is the best thing I've seen today ❤

[@osamaFXX]

Mini Cooper iconic big dash dial should be there too.

[@Neojhun]

That Lancia Delta digital dashboard would be soo fitting on the future RIVIAN R3X.

[@patriotbarrow]

DeLorean's temp gauge was on point.

[@Mikivli]

I personally love analog wish it was an option. Lexus made a cool screen one with the LFAs I think car manufacturers should do similar or make oled screens a thing with a plastic around the software gauges to look sort of analog or round oled screens

[@ClubBlau]

How quickly will the digital speed numbers update while accelerating (refresh rate)? Will it show EVERY mile per hour increment one at a time, or skip a bunch of numbers when accelerating or braking quickly (like the original S2000)? I'd personally love to see EVERY number updating superfast - in a way better than the original S2000 digital display. Would be really cool under braking and acceleration.

[@adrianen9440]

The apple carplay we want but couldn't have 😫😫

[@jcooper_]

These look great, and really emphasise how important a sense of personality remains in a digital age. Cars today with basic digital clusters - ie the main numbers without any flair - are going to age horribly as tech moves on, but those which retain a style and a sense of occasion will stay fresh or even iconic. And ultimately, like a good watch, analogue will always be king.

[@r_punt73]

Still, I don’t really understand, is it possible to make displays like in this video, is that only concept to show Apple what they can upgrade in the system or these layouts are already functional and ready to use?

[@vraajvir]

do a redesign of more modern dashes including the mclaren 720s, ford gt, ferrari roma

[@Sithhy]

0:48 - I like how the speedo says mp/h

[@Sithhy]

Also RMP instead of RPM in the Delta gauges

[@xfer43]

Nissan’s Z31 300ZX digital dash would be awesome…

[@neodan2004]

would like to see them on the new bmw big screen dashboard

[@MePeterNicholls]

It’s good. 👍🏼

[@gabriele_armani]

supercool! good job

[@TheSchwiz]

This is the future. Regardless if Apple brings it to everyone or not.

[@ddz_7628]

It would be nice if people could figure out how to open source this, sort of like how they have with current carplay with a plethora of cheap Chinese android headunits

[@BMSThomas]

How do I add this to my CarPlay?

[@r_punt73]

Right now new version of CarPlay is under development. Porsche and Aston Martin already announced cars with new CarPlay support. No release date yet

[@satsumagt5284]

The Integrale does feel quite “useless” without the RPM markings in my opinion, how am I supposed to know I’m at 4k? “Bar halfway full” is not enough for me, as it lacks the maximum

[@kjyu]

I have to admit, you did a better job than 99% of car makers whose design just feels tacky

[@AutoGarageTV]

Looks great, but my main issue being that most manufactures won't cough up the extra cost of OLED displays, making most potential designs have large areas of "almost black" grey areas if implemented in new cars. Looking like a cheap tablet strapped to the dash board on an otherwise good UI design. While some manufactures do place physical bezels in those grey areas when using cheaper displays, a lot don't. Like what happened to the center console unit when everything turned into the same blank tablet to accommodate carplay/android auto, I'm worried the instrument cluster will follow suit with everyone just using a cheap rectangular screen. Then compensating with UI. There will be no reason in the future to experiment with new displays, or unconventional designs that doesn't conform to a rectangular display.

[@biggkoz]

People were complaining about this?? 😄

[@jlmpc8733]

I really think you missed the retro aspect. just a needle. not these weird progressbar thingies

[@Fanatic17]

Would it make sense to have the 911 turbo gauges on my 1.0 four banger non turbo econobox? No! Would I do it anyways? You’re damn sure I would

[@Kasakuja]

I don‘t like the (thick) lines every needle drags behind itself. It can be cool but especially in these examples, a needle without any extra design elements would‘ve done a lot better job at recreating most of these original gauges. Though I‘m not even sure if Apple let‘s you do that

[@Kasakuja]

Mostly it was about the 911 Turbo, Testarossa (I really miss the needle here…) and NSX (though it looks way better here than on the Porsche. Also I hate the rounded corners on the red rev limit, loses so much snappyness) And the Speedometer on the S2000 looks like a street sign… But I really like the Corvette‘s transition as well as the Delta Integral‘s, where the dragged lines work well, giving it a radar type look with the crosshair.

[@zandreaszxd606]

Is this the same blackbox that brought us nfs underground, most wanted, etc.?

[@JamesR624]

Dang. Can't believe they forgot about half of the DeLorean's cluster, especially since the new CarPlay infastructure is capable of going across the whole dashboard; the time circuits! Sorry, I had to.

[@arutezza]

wish this could be done with android auto getting a cheap walmart tablet could make a good gauge replecement for a car with a broken one

[@TimurIskhodzhanov]

To be honest, most of the redesigns look less readable than the originals, and too generic. I presume some of this is due to the API limitations and/or Apple design guidance. For example, it's hard to read what the RPMs are in between the thousands. For comparison, the NSX or Ferrari tachs only need a quick glance to see the RPMs with ~200 rpm precision. The analog speedometers are IMO a step in the wrong direction at this point. A good responsive digital speedo is all that's needed. Why did you need to make the S2000-inspired speedo a bright rectangle? That bright spot will surely hurt my eyes when driving at night.

[@TimurIskhodzhanov]

It's funny that you showed the linear gen 2 BRZ tachometer in the "Track mode" as an example of "radial tachometers are not good". I don't know a single person who, having driven a gen 1 BRZ (radial analog tach) and a gen 2 BRZ (linear) preferred the linear one. It's much easier to read the analog one, especially when glancing (on track).

[@lukapogo]

Good designs, but after watching this i have to agree with the critics. The Apple-provided elements and the way they are allowing designers to make them unique are not distinct enough.

[@zenkoz3158]

I'm taking personal offense to the lack of Z31 guages here

[@JXHNDRX]

I just wished you overlaid the redesign on the original or at least showed it toward facing rather than at an angle. And for longer than 3 seconds… Great work though

[@fruitylabel7414]

I don't understand why people complain about CarPlay ? Maybe because only luxury brands use it ?

[@linkinstreet]

Now make an Android Auto version

[@zadyeDK]

we need real dials, not more screens

[@RegenTonnenEnte]

What even is apple car play?!

[@r_punt73]

Well, operating system for your navigation. With simple words: when you connect iPhone to your car, the car becomes the part of your iPhone

[@ubacow7109]

Idk how i feel about it. Inda cheapens the look and feel tbh...

[@sepg5084]

How to make your beloved machine look like a cheap gadget, and almost unrepairable just like Apple.

[@donzadonz1]

Tbh they all look mid. Fuck a unified infotainment system especially if it's by apple.

[@sortaspicey9278]

#StopTheYolk

[@joelmulder]

Modern car UI is so horrible. The only decent UI is Tesla, but even that is merely good, not particularly exciting. How awesome would it be if the UI became an iconic part of car design again in the future.

[@logicerrormusic]

Or maybe just go back to gauges? Every infotainment looks bad and uses worse, these screens are getting out of hand with their functions, looks, dimensions, usability, comfort.

[@sideswipebl]

Yeah just rip all the soul and actual design out of the… design. What’s the point of this? Like intentionally making it worse. I don’t get it.

[@mattholwood]

Apple have drastically overestimated their abilities. They make a great ICE interface, mostly because it's a phone you can legally use while driving. But replacing gauge clusters is less likely than them replacing Rolex with the Apple Watch. This project is clearly dead in the water, now they're trying to persuade the public with a video which was only really intended for auto manufacturers.

[@mattholwood]

To add to this, my iPhone craps out regularly, my gauge cluster has never gone wrong. CarPlay is 'streamed', there is noticeable lag. Dead/forgotten/lost phone = what? CarPlay takes up to 30s to connect, sometimes it doesn't connect at all. No fully custom dials completely destroys any innovation, auto manufacturers are totally beholden to Apple's 'innovations'. The list is a mile long.

[@4rumani]

They still look like an iphone. So shitty

[@Le_Sabre]

This is such a beautiful video… shame I can’t use it bc my car is too old🥲