The connected car is quickly becoming a focus for technology companies and auto-makers alike. We are just beginning to see efforts like Apple’s Carplay and Google’s Android Auto make their way into a increasingly larger list of auto-makers offerings.

But the focus of tech companies and automakers alike have escalated to a convergence of cars and technology. Tesla’s car technologies, Google plans for a self driving car, and Apple’s Titan project — a still unconfirmed car project — are threatening to upend the whole idea of what a car could be.

Apple’s Carplay, a system released by Apple in 2014, is a good step forward for Apple iPhone owners who want a connected car. Carplay leverages the iPhone to drive applications on a center console screen in selected car-makers models. Even though carplay is now two years old, it’s adoption in new cars is just beginning to pick up steam.

Adoption of Carplay is becoming more common.

As the Apple rumor mill turns to looking forward to the Apple Car, I found myself wondering how Apple could ensure that Carplay remains relevant to consumers and automakers alike. By most estimates, the Apple car is 5–10 years away.

Timeline and projection of Apple’s efforts for the connected car.

So in the period before we the Apple Car, how could Carplay improve?

We must assume that Apple is likely dedicating most of it’s resources and focus into “Project Titan” and accept that Carplay isn’t going to be a first priority in the meantime. Carplay’s approach will seem familiar to those who have an Apple Watch, where the iPhone is basically driving another screen. This iPhone satellite approach represents the easiest way to update Carplay with new innovations from inside Apple.

The iPhone Satellite approach.

If Apple were to re-purpose Apple Watch complications for use in Carplay, Apple could extend existing infrastructure and services into the car without adding too much technical debt or overhead.

Bring Apple Watch features ‘Back to the Car’

Apple Watch complications have become one of the most useful aspects of the watch, and I believe that by adding them to Carplay, Apple could leverage them to help it’s Carplay product.