Engadget explains how iPhone users can personalise Apple CarPlay by creating a Shortcuts automation that plays a greeting or short sound whenever the phone connects to the car. The feature does not replace a vehicle’s built-in start-up sounds, but can make a commute feel more personal and can also trigger practical follow-up actions such as navigation or reminders.

Users need an iPhone, the Shortcuts app and an audio file stored locally in the Files app rather than iCloud Drive. In Shortcuts, they create a CarPlay “Is Connected” automation set to “Run Immediately”, select the saved file, and test its volume; the article recommends clips of two to five seconds to avoid disrupting navigation. The automation can later be edited, disabled without deletion, or expanded with actions including music, commute directions and disconnection routines.