Porsche Unveils New Digital Experience for Next 911, Taycan, Panamera, Cayenne – Without Next-Gen CarPlay

Porsche has announced the latest version of its Porsche Communication Management (PCM) vehicle management system, delivering what it calls an all-new digital experience for its upcoming 911, Taycan, Panamera and Cayenne refreshes. While the new PCM integrates Porsche's App Center and introduces Dolby Atmos, the announcement conspicuously does not say anything about Apple’s next-gen CarPlay experience, which the company had previously committed to adopting. 

Apple first announced its next-gen CarPlay software at its WWDC conference in 2022, promising to integrate deeply with a car and take over all its screens and functions including the dashboard instruments and climate control. It was supposed to deliver a fluid, iOS-inspired interaction model with highly customisable visuals to match different manufacturers’ branding and design priorities. After a long silence, Apple announced that Porsche and Aston Martin would be the first to launch cars featuring the new CarPlay, some time in 2024. The year ended with many publications noting that Apple’s website still promising this – the claim was quietly removed in mid-January 2025.

The lack of any mention of CarPlay, and the unveiling of Porsche’s next-gen PCM, calls the entire effort into question. Car manufacturers might be concerned about allowing Apple to control the entire user interface of their vehicles. Neither Porsche nor Apple has yet commented on this apparent change of plans, though some details might emerge at WWDC 2025. 

The new PCM suite delivers new hardware as well as software. It promises improved and expanded infotainment options as well as more features and better responsiveness. Buyers of the future 911, Taycan, Panamera and Cayenne will get the Porsche Connect package for 10 years as a standard inclusion.

One of the headlining features is Porsche App Center, which was first seen in the electric Macan. Users will be able to download popular third-party apps as well as several from Porsche, adding new features and functions to their cars. While the availability of apps will vary by market, Porsche says there will be options for music and video streaming, podcasts, smart ecosystem management, news, weather and even games. In addition, EV owners will be able to download apps to help with routing and charging.

Drivers of the new model-year 911, Taycan, Panamera and Cayenne will also be able to use Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant for the first time, though the Porsche Voice Pilot will continue to be available as well. They will be able to ask for information about places and destinations, or the latest news and weather updates. Alexa can also launch a playlist of music or deliver reminders. It can be triggered with a wake-word, a physical button, or the PCM touchscreen.

Dolby Atmos audio is also coming to the new Porsche lineup. Buyers who choose a model with a Bose or Burmester audio system will get immersive spatial sound, putting them virtually in the centre of a concert, play, or any other performance. Compatible media and playback apps will be required, and are available through the Porsche App Center.