Quote from Guido on 09.11.2024, 13:21

Can you download v4.05 (approved just 2 hours ago by Apple): https://apps.apple.com/app/id1089668246

Quote from blackhawk1618 on 09.11.2024, 13:24

Quote from Guido on 09.11.2024, 13:21

Can you download v4.05 (approved just 2 hours ago by Apple): https://apps.apple.com/app/id1089668246

Yes, I downloaded the latest 4.05 version.  🙂

But still I cannot change the Scenic maps always set to light mode.

Quote from Guido on 09.11.2024, 13:28

Is your CarPlay system in light mode? When you set the CarPlay appearance to automatic, the map will be set to whatever your CarPlay system is in.

Quote from blackhawk1618 on 09.11.2024, 13:29

The Scenic maps and navigation work perfectly in Light Mode on my iPhone at night. However, when I connect to CarPlay, it automatically switches to Dark Mode.

I would like to have always use Scenic Maps in Light Mode when connected to CarPlay.

Quote from blackhawk1618 on 09.11.2024, 13:31

Quote from Guido on 09.11.2024, 13:28

Is your CarPlay system in light mode? When you set the CarPlay appearance to automatic, the map will be set to whatever your CarPlay system is in.

I just have two options in CarPlay appearance "Automatic" and "Dark Mode".

Even though both iPhone and Scenic Appearance is set to "Light Mode" the Car Play starts Scenic Maps in Dark Mode at night.

Quote from Guido on 09.11.2024, 13:32

On CarPlay, Scenic will always use the map to whatever your CarPlay system is on. It will disregard the settings on iPhone. Are you requesting a setting to override this?

if so, I prefer not to do that. I’d like Scenic to act as other nav apps on CarPlay. Once the map customized becomes available again you will be able to customize the dark map appearance so that is suits your preferences more.

Quote from blackhawk1618 on 09.11.2024, 13:40

Yes Guido, I would love to have Map customization available again because the Dark Mode on current Scenic maps and navigation feels overly cluttered and lacks a visually appealing color scheme while riding. The colors used don't provide enough contrast and clarity, making it difficult to distinguish key map elements and routes.

Thank you in advance

Quote from Guido on 09.11.2024, 13:56

Yes. But your CarPlay unit itself should also have a setting, at least typically they do. When integrated in a car it’s typically linked to your light being on, or there’s an ambient light sensor. Typically they have an override to always be in dark or light mode. Even my Chinese standalone unit has a setting to force the whole UI to dark or light mode. I’d be surprised if your CarPlay unit does not have a setting/override for that.

 

To be clear… this is NOT the appearance setting from iOS on CarPlay. This is a setting somewhere in your unit user interface.

Quote from pe112 on 09.11.2024, 14:02

Hi blackhawk1618,

for what it is worth for you:

On my Carpuride Carplay unit in the Carplay settings app there are two separate settings regarding light/ dark / automatic mode:

- One for the general mode and

- a separate one to control light/dark mode  explucitely during  navigation.

Just saw you own two Carplay units. You might find it working on the Carpuride as I saud. About the other one I cannot say anything because I never saw/handled one of rhose.

Quote from blackhawk1618 on 09.11.2024, 14:03

Quote from Guido on 09.11.2024, 13:56

Yes. But your CarPlay unit itself should also have a setting, at least typically they do. When integrated in a car it’s typically linked to your light being on, or there’s an ambient light sensor. Typically they have an override to always be in dark or light mode. Even my Chinese standalone unit has a setting to force the whole UI to dark or light mode. I’d be surprised if your CarPlay unit does not have a setting/override for that.

I am using the Chigee AIO 5 Play for BMW CarPlay unit, and unfortunately it does not have an ambient light Sensor or the feature. The only available option in CarPlay Settings are "Automatic" and "Dark Mode" options, with no way to select Light Mode manually.

I also have a CarPlay unit from Carpuride that I have not tested yet.

I will try it on the Carpuride and provide an update here.

Quote from Guido on 09.11.2024, 14:19

Ok. Thank you.

Ill explain a bit more on how this works:

At the ground level, there is the unit software (Chigee, Carpuride, Ford audio system, VW audio system, etc). That software should have an appearance setting. Often this is linked to ambient light sensor, or if the vehicle lights are turned on. Let’s call this the “Unit Appearance Setting”.
Here’s an example from my Ford system:

For the Ford, if set on “auto” the appearance is linked to the lights being on or off.

Your CarPlay unit runs (amongst others) the Apple “CarPlay” software. This is a layer on top of the unit software. The CarPlay software settings panel is from Apple. App developers can not change that. For appearance settings it  has following options:

When your CarPlay appearance setting is set to “Automatic”,  all CarPlay apps will use the “Unit appearance setting”. Note that this can change if you go into a tunnel, or if you ride around sunset/sunrise, or if you turn on your vehicle lights etc. Most unit softwares have some kind of setting to always be in dark or light mode. This depends on the unit though.

Apart from the “automatic” setting, the Apple CarPlay software provides a way to always be in dark mode, regardless of the unit appearance setting.

Hope this explains a bit more.

Quote from blackhawk1618 on 09.11.2024, 14:34

Quote from Guido on 09.11.2024, 14:19

Ok. Thank you.

Ill explain a bit more on how this works:

At the ground level, there is the unit software (Chigee, Carpuride, etc). That software should have an appearance setting. Often this is linked to ambient light sensor, or if the vehicle lights are turned on. Let’s call this the “Unit Appearance Setting”.
Here’s an example from my Ford system:

If set on “auto” the appearance is linked to the light being on or off.

Your CarPlay unit runs (amongst others) the Apple “CarPlay” software. This is a layer on top of the unit software. The CarPlay software settings panel is from Apple. App developers can not change that. For appearance settings it  has following options:

When your CarPlay appearance setting is set to “Automatic”,  all CarPlay apps will use the “Unit appearance setting”. Note that this can change if you go into a tunnel, or if you ride around sunset/sunrise, or if you turn on your vehicle lights etc. Most unit softwares have some kind of setting to always be in dark or light mode. This depends on the unit though.

Apart from the “automatic” setting, the Apple CarPlay software provides a way to always be in dark mode, regardless of the unit appearance setting.

Hope this explains a bit more.

Thank you Guido, for the detailed explanation.

I now believe this may be an issue specific to the Chigee CarPlay unit. I did some research and found that others are experiencing similar issues with this device.

I will reach out to Chigee and see if I receive any helpful response.

Quote from Middelfrangge on 23.12.2024, 03:34

Hi,

 

I have the similar issue with carplay. It does work on my motorcycle with the Carpuride display because that does not know if my head light is on or off. Now I built a Kenwood Monoceiver in my RV and here I also have only Automatic or dark mode and as soon as the lights are on the scenic map switches to dark mode even the setting is on light mode (in Scenic).

Now, Guido, I read the post above and would agree, but currently I use as well Osmand due to better visualisation of the map and here it does work to have a light mode even when my headlights are switched…..whatever  time and daylight it is, it is using the light mode as my setting is in Osmand.

There must be another option from my point of view…..would be great if you could test that, even I agree, the issue might by caused by the carplay unit, nevertheless there is an option for a light mode.

best regards and a merry christmas

Thomas

Quote from Guido on 23.12.2024, 17:34

Sure. I can add an option to override the CarPlay appearance. Will add it to the list.

Quote from Jonathan on 24.04.2025, 19:39

Hi Guido,

I’ve been experiencing the same issue as others since the big update earlier this year.

I’ve been using Scenic for about two years on the same CarPlay screen on my motorbike, and I’ve always had the map in light mode. Since the latest update, however, it only appears in dark mode. I’m confident the issue isn’t with my iPhone or the CarPlay screen, as both Google Maps and Gaia still display in light mode.

Is there a fix for this issue on the way? I'm really struggling to see the Scenic map in dark mode—so much so that I’ve started using Gaia instead. That said, I’d much prefer to use Scenic, as it’s far more user-friendly.

Thanks,

Quote from Guido on 24.04.2025, 20:42

Next week, an update will be released with the map customizer. This also enables choosing your map style for dark appearance and light appearance. In other words, you can set a light map for dark appearance.

What you could also try is setting your CarPlay system in light mode. It sounds like it’s set to dark mode. At the moment, Scenic adopts the appearance of your CarPlay system. Check the settings of your CarPlay system and see if you can change the appearance. This is NOt the appearance settings in your CarPlay setting, but the actual setting of your Vehicle/Carplay unit. In my post 12 above it’s explained in more detail.

Quote from Jonathan on 24.04.2025, 23:46

That's great news Guido about the new update coming up.

Like others, my carplay system only have automatic or dark mode. There's no other options I could find.

Hopefully the new update will fix it

Quote from Guido on 25.04.2025, 06:49

Are you sure you are looking at the unit settings?

I can’t believe there are CarPlay units out there that are in dark mode all the time without ability to at least manually switch it to light mode. I bought a cheap Chinese unit almost 3 years ago now, and even that one had a setting for it.

What unit do you have? Maybe there’s a firmware update available?

Although the upcoming Scenic update will certainly address this, the cleaner solution (the solution you’d really want), would be to switch your unit to light mode.

Quote from Dae on 25.04.2025, 11:15

The Chigee only had the option of dark or automatic. That previously resulted in dark mode all the time, until a very recent firmware update that enabled the built in light sensor. The options are still the same - auto or dark - but now auto actually works based on ambient light level.

Quote from Jonathan on 25.04.2025, 17:50

Yes, definitely looking at the unit settings. Even turned my wireless connection off and there is nothing on it to be in light mode. I have a moon icon at the top which seems like I should be able to change it to day mode, but it doesn't do anything when I click on it. It's a chinese unit as well, bought from AliExpress. Looks like I can do a firmware update but I can't find anything online (some people have been asking as well). I'm currently trying to message the seller on AliExpress but gosh it's a nightmare!

 

Quote from Guido on 25.04.2025, 18:40

I have a moon icon too. But it works. But it does reset to dark every time I disconnect and reconnect power to the unit.

this is my unit: https://scenic.app/forum/topic/portable-waterproof-carplay-units-for-your-motorcycle/#postid-4703

Quote from Jonathan on 25.04.2025, 19:19

I have the exact same one but different brand (Ekiy 5)

Quote from Marts on 26.04.2025, 17:57

Quote from Guido on 09.11.2024, 13:28

Is your CarPlay system in light mode? When you set the CarPlay appearance to automatic, the map will be set to whatever your CarPlay system is in.

Is this what controls how the map is displayed in CarPlay?

For example, yesterday when I went through a tunnel it changed to "night mode" (which actually looks nicer) then when I exited the tunnel it changed back.

I don't know if it was triggered by the auto setting on the headlights. I can't remember if they came on or not.

 

Quote from Guido on 26.04.2025, 18:00

Yes. Scenic adopts the appearance of your CarPlay unit. Most integrated units (integrated in a car) have some kind of ambient light sensor and/or are linked to the lights being on.

Quote from Jonathan on 02.05.2025, 19:53

To anyone with the same problem I had:

I finally managed to find a firmware update for my AliExpress CarPlay GPS unit. After reaching out to the seller—who said they don’t provide firmware updates—I did a lot of research online.

Eventually, I found a YouTube video from another brand that supplies firmware updates for their CarPlay units, and the hardware in their video looked identical to mine. I took a risk and applied their firmware update—and it worked!

Now I can switch between day and night modes on CarPlay, and Scenic works perfectly.

Quote from Guido on 02.05.2025, 21:46

That’s great Jonathan. I have good news as well. Yesterday v4.18 was released with the map customizer and the ability to select a light map for dark mode. Here’s more info: https://scenic.app/forum/topic/scenic-4-custom-map-styles/#postid-12240

Quote from Karlchen on 03.05.2025, 01:59

Hallo Guido,

 

Erstmal vielen Dank für deinen Einsatz.

Ich bin schwer begeistert.🤩 👍

2 kleine Fragen habe ich dazu.

1. Kann man die Dicke des Navigationsstrichs einstellen?

2. Was bedeutet dieses Zeichen und kann man das ausschalten?

Ich finde das nicht.

Beste Grüße

Karlchen

Quote from Dae on 03.05.2025, 02:03

Quote from Karlchen on 03.05.2025, 01:59

Hallo Guido,

 

Erstmal vielen Dank für deinen Einsatz.

Ich bin schwer begeistert. 

2 kleine Fragen habe ich dazu.

1. Kann man die Dicke des Navigationsstrichs einstellen?

2. Was bedeutet dieses Zeichen und kann man das ausschalten?

Ich finde das nicht.

Beste Grüße

Karlchen

For #1, do you mean the line that shows the route? If yes, it’s in settings and not the customiser.

For #2, it means the road has a gate across it.

Quote from Karlchen on 03.05.2025, 02:23

Hallo Dae,

Ja das meinte ich.

Vielen Dank. Kann man das Zeichen Foto das Tor ausschalten?

Die gleiche Frage habe ich noch für das Haus. Wofür steht das und kann man das auch ausschalten? Bei mir ist weniger mehr…

Ich hatte immer die vielen Zeichen als störend wahrgenommen und möchte die nur sehen, die mich auf einer Motorradtour interessieren könnten.

 

Beste Grüße

 

Quote from Guido on 03.05.2025, 02:52

Both are under POI Categories > Other.

The one above is “weather shelter” and the gates is “gates / toll booths / barrier” (don’t know the Germans terms from the top of my head.

Quote from Aging Bull on 23.06.2025, 11:23

Quote from Jonathan on 02.05.2025, 19:53

To anyone with the same problem I had:

I finally managed to find a firmware update for my AliExpress CarPlay GPS unit. After reaching out to the seller—who said they don’t provide firmware updates—I did a lot of research online.

Eventually, I found a YouTube video from another brand that supplies firmware updates for their CarPlay units, and the hardware in their video looked identical to mine. I took a risk and applied their firmware update—and it worked!

Now I can switch between day and night modes on CarPlay, and Scenic works perfectly.

Hey man - I'm having the same problem as you... my chinese carplay unit doesn't have the day/night mode toggle and Scenic and Google maps are both stuck in dark mode making them unusable, but Google maps a little more usable than Scenic.

Anyway - any chance you can post more details @jonathan? Could you link me to the youtube video and updated firmware?

Quote from Jonathan on 23.06.2025, 13:45

Quote from Aging Bull on 23.06.2025, 11:23

Quote from Jonathan on 02.05.2025, 19:53

To anyone with the same problem I had:

I finally managed to find a firmware update for my AliExpress CarPlay GPS unit. After reaching out to the seller—who said they don’t provide firmware updates—I did a lot of research online.

Eventually, I found a YouTube video from another brand that supplies firmware updates for their CarPlay units, and the hardware in their video looked identical to mine. I took a risk and applied their firmware update—and it worked!

Now I can switch between day and night modes on CarPlay, and Scenic works perfectly.

Hey man - I'm having the same problem as you... my chinese carplay unit doesn't have the day/night mode toggle and Scenic and Google maps are both stuck in dark mode making them unusable, but Google maps a little more usable than Scenic.

Anyway - any chance you can post more details @jonathan? Could you link me to the youtube video and updated firmware?

Hi mate,

I used the Ricoel firmware update (https://store.ricoel.com/update-motorcycle-carplay/). They have a video on how to do it, super easy!

Hopefully it'll work with yours as well