Do not submit a proposal without reading this roadmap document. Ideas should be discussed on the SDL Slack #sdl_evolution open channel before a proposal is created here.

For more information about SDL, go to www.smartdevicelink.com.

This process and document is based on Apple's excellent Swift Evolution process.

This document tracks the ongoing evolution of SDL. Proposals should be made for any public API surface change, that is, any change that would necessitate a minor or major version change in any SDL mobile library. If a protocol or RPC change does not change any API surface, they must still be brought through the proposal process. In sum, the following changes must be proposed:

• Changes necessitating minor or major version updates to SDL Core, the mobile libraries, Manticore, SDL Policy Server, and SHAID according to semantic versioning, except those that are caused by a misspelling.
• Any change to the SDL Protocol.
• Any change to the SDL RPC spec.

Important documents:

• Goals for upcoming SDL releases – this document.
• The SDL evolution proposal review schedule to see upcoming SDL evolution proposal reviews.
• The SDL evolution review process to see how to propose and review proposals.
• The proposals versus issues document to understand the differences between an SDL Evolution Proposal and an SDL Issue.

When entering a proposal, only one platform will be listed as impacted on the proposal status page. It's inherent that some platforms impact others, as described below:

The SmartDeviceLink protocol specification describes the method for establishing communication between an application and head unit and registering the application for continued communication with the head unit. The protocol is used as the base formation of packets sent from one module to another.

All new SDL implementations should implement the newest version of the protocol.

Repository: https://github.com/smartdevicelink/protocol_spec

Changes to Protocol also impact the following platforms:

• Core
• iOS
• Android

Spec for RPC messages sent between mobile devices and hardware modules.

Repository: https://github.com/smartdevicelink/rpc_spec

Changes to RPC also impact the following platforms:

• Core
• iOS
• Android
• HMI (in most cases)

The Core component is the software which Vehicle Manufacturers (OEMs) implement in their vehicle head units. Integrating this component into their head unit and HMI based on a set of guidelines and templates enables access to various smartphone applications.

Repository: https://github.com/smartdevicelink/sdl_core

Changes to Core also impact the following platforms:

• Manticore

The Android library is implemented by Android app developers into their applications to enable command and control via the connected head unit.

Repository: https://github.com/smartdevicelink/sdl_android

The iOS library is implemented by iOS app developers into their applications to enable command and control via the connected head unit.

Repository: https://github.com/smartdevicelink/sdl_ios

Manticore is used to dynamically provision SDL Core and SDL HMI instances in the cloud.

Repository: https://github.com/smartdevicelink/manticore

SDL hosted instance: https://smartdevicelink.com/resources/manticore/

The SDL Policy Server handles authentication, data collection, and basic configurations for SDL connected vehicles.

Repository: https://github.com/smartdevicelink/sdl_server

SHAID is a centralized service designed to keep information about SDL-supported applications synchronized across the SmartDeviceLink (SDL) ecosystem.

Repository: https://github.com/smartdevicelink/sdl_shaid

You can see a detailed list of accepted and implemented proposals for upcoming versions on the proposal status page. Each proposal is listed as only impacting one platform, as it's inherent that some platforms impact others, as described above in the Platforms Section.

Release Date: August 15, 2017

Contents: This release enhances SHAID to allow application information (including name, description, default HMI level, RPCs required for integration, and ID) for SDLC-approved apps to be stored and accessible to "App Consumer" companies (OEMs and Suppliers). SHAID will also send notifications to these App Consumer companies when an SDLC-approved application registered on SHAID has been modified.

Release Date: October 30, 2017

Contents: Introducing control frame payloads and a revised version negotiation scheme. Release information can be found here.

Release Date: October 30, 2017

Contents: Release information can be found here.

Release Date: April 5, 2018

Contents: This release includes stabilization fixes and the Connectivity via iAP-BT and Transport Switch feature described here. Contents of this release are described in detail in the Core 4.5.0 Release Notes.

Release Date: May 1, 2018

Contents: Include enhancements and update to the latest version of Core.

Release Date: June 21, 2018

Contents: This release focuses on bug fixes and making integration easier for application developers. Contents of this release are described in detail in the Android 4.6.0 Release Notes.

Release Date: June 27, 2018

Contents: This major release includes additional Screen Manager components, and also hides Transport, Protocol and Proxy layers by making them private. Contents of this release are described in detail in the the iOS 6.0.0 Release Notes.

Release Date: October 19, 2018

Contents: Release information can be found here.

Release Date: October 19, 2018

Contents: Release information can be found here.

Release Date: October 19, 2018

Contents: Release information can be found here.

Release Date: October 19, 2018

Contents: Release information can be found here.

Release Date: October 19, 2018

Contents: Release information can be found here.

Expected Release Date: November 16, 2018

Contents: Include enhancements and update to the latest version of Core.