A popular automotive utility app, Sidecar, recently introduced a feature that caught the eye of many Apple CarPlay users. For a brief period, the app allowed drivers to browse the web and watch videos directly on their car’s infotainment screen through the CarPlay interface. This functionality, however, was short-lived.
The developer behind Sidecar announced that Apple directly requested the removal of the “Park and Browse” feature. This specific function let users input a website URL via their iPhone and then access it on the car’s display using CarPlay, but it was designed strictly for use when the vehicle was parked, addressing potential safety concerns about distracted driving. Accessing this web and video capability required a $9.99 in-app purchase.
Despite designing the feature with safety in mind, ensuring it only operated while stationary, the developer confirmed Apple’s intervention. In a statement shared online, the Sidecar team expressed disappointment but affirmed their respect for Apple’s platform guidelines. They stated, “Unfortunately, we’ve received a direct request from Apple to remove this feature from our app in alignment with App Store guidelines… we fully respect Apple’s platform requirements and have removed the feature from Sidecar accordingly.”
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Apple maintains strict control over the types of applications allowed to function within the CarPlay environment, generally limiting them to categories like navigation, messaging, music, and specific vehicle functions. Web Browse and video playback have not been permitted categories, primarily due to concerns about driver distraction. While systems in other vehicles, like Teslas, allow video streaming when parked, Apple has yet to officially sanction this for CarPlay apps.
The removal sparked reactions from users, especially those who had recently paid for the feature. The developer acknowledged this, noting, “Bruh I literally paid the $10 four hours ago… and I never even got it to work,” was a sentiment echoed by some. In response, Sidecar is offering full refunds for the purchase, with instructions available within the app itself.
While the Browse feature is gone, the developer mentioned they will file a feature request with Apple, hoping such capabilities might be officially supported in the future. The Sidecar app itself continues to offer other features like trip logging and vehicle statistic viewing, and the team is exploring development for Android Automotive systems as well. For now, CarPlay users wanting web access or video playback while parked will have to look beyond official App Store solutions.
Dwayne Cubbins
873 Posts
For nearly a decade, I've been deciphering the complexities of the tech world, with a particular passion for helping users navigate the ever-changing tech landscape. From crafting in-depth guides that unlock your phone's hidden potential to uncovering and explaining the latest bugs and glitches, I make sure you get the most out of your devices. And yes, you might occasionally find me ranting about some truly frustrating tech mishaps.
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