CarPlay Dark Mode

Lighten Up Apple CarPlay Map Dark Mode?

Problem for Effected Vehicles (Example 2021 GMC Acadia Denali)

After Apple iOS 13.3.3 is installed, vehicle CarPlay Settings > Appearance only allows vehicle users to choose Automatic or Dark with no option for a Light mode. The CarPlay Dark mode is often enacted on Apple and Google Maps during daylight conditions with no apparent way to change to the Light mode. The gray lines on a darker gray/blue map background makes it very difficult to understand during daylight conditions. 

This problem occurs most often when the vehicle Appearance is set to Automatic, it is started in a very dark garage or building and CarPlay Apple or Google Maps are selected. When you start the engine, Apple CarPlay reportedly sets the map Dark mode if the headlights are on and/or the vehicle ambient light sensor is not exposed to adequate light in the dark garage or building. The map mode will remain Dark even when the vehicle ambient light sensor is subsequently exposed to adequate light. Again, CarPlay Settings does not offer a Light Mode setting to correct the problem.

If the vehicle CarPlay Setting Appearance is set to Dark, the map mode will be dark even when the vehicle light sensor is exposed to adequate light.

Note that this applies to an Apple CarPlay map display in a vehicle not on an iPhone that uses different Light and Dark display mode settings for iPhone maps and other functions. Note also that if the vehicle has the different GM base Navigation installed, it will change from dark to light automatically or from light to dark.

Workaround for Effected Vehicles

·      To change from Dark to Light map mode.

·      Go to vehicle CarPlay Settings > Appearance and select Automatic.

·      Move the vehicle from a dark garage or building and park in an adequate sun or bright natural lighted area.

·      Turn off the vehicle and open and close the driver’s door to reset the system.

·      Allow at least for 4 minutes for vehicle ambient light sensor to be exposed to adequate light. Ensure the headlights are turned off.

·      Start the vehicle engine and observe CarPlay Apple or Google Maps. The CarPlay map display should be in the Light instead of Dark Mode.

Apple should add a CarPlay Light Mode Appearance setting, and GM will help establish Automatic changeover from Dark to Light modes with Apple.