When Apple CarPlay meets WRC! 📱

A few people have asked how I’ve managed to get Apple CarPlay to deliver this welcome message when I connect my iPhone to my car…

It was done thanks to the automation function within the re-vamped Apple Shortcuts app — introduced with the recently released iOS13.1.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to replicate it…

STEP ONE…

Open the Shortcuts App and select ‘Automation’ (at the foot of the screen) and hit the ‘+’ sign. Then choose, ‘Create Personal Automation’.

STEP TWO…

Select ‘CarPlay’ from the ‘New Automation’ menu.

STEP THREE…

Make sure the ‘CarPlay’ selection is on ‘Connects’ then hit ‘Next’.

Then choose ‘Add Action’ and type ‘Text’ in the search box.

You’ll then arrive on this screen.

STEP FOUR…

Type in the welcome message you want to hear when you connect your iPhone to your car.

(See below for a suggested script)

STEP FIVE…

Hit the ‘+’ sign and type in ‘Speak’ into the search box and select ‘Speak Text’.

STEP SIX…

Select ‘Show More’ and choose the Siri voice you want to deliver the welcome message.

Test if the automation is working by hitting the blue ► button at the bottom right of the screen.

If you’re happy, select ‘Next’.

STEP SEVEN…

Next, ensure ‘Ask Before Running’ is switched off and hit ‘Done’.

That’s it — finished!

As a suggestion, below is the script I used in my own welcome message.

Just copy and paste into ‘Step Four’ above — but don’t forget to type in your own name!

Hello [INSERT YOUR NAME HERE].

Are you ready for SS1?

OK. Select launch mode.

Five.
Four.
Three.
Two.
One.
Go!

80.
Line.
Long 5 right tightens.
Minus.
Opens 30.
Slow 5 right minus.
Keep in.
120 over crest.

Enjoy!

N.B. Remember — to use the above automation, you’ll need an in-car entertainment system that can use Apple CarPlay. You also need an iPhone that’s running iOS13.1 plus the latest version of Apple Shortcuts.

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