Ladies and gentlemen, it’s now official. Apple iOS is coming to a vehicle near you, with Cupertino-based company launching the CarPlay integration setup for car infotainment systems.
Designed from the ground up to provide drivers with an “incredible experience using their iPhone in the car,” the system places Siri in the center, allowing drivers to control music, make and take phone calls, listen to texts while keeping their hands behind the wheel, and eyes on the road ahead. You’ll also be able to touch the big screen, but as we all know it – that’s not as safe as using your voice.
Aside from Apple’s own apps, CarPlay will support few other streaming services such as Spotify, Beats Radio, iHeartRadio and Stitcher. Access to navigation also comes included and so do other related services like local business listings.
The first vehicles with integrated CarPlay and a dedicated voice control button on the steering wheel will debut at the Geneva Motor Show this week, and will include few models from Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo. Shortly afterwards, Honda, Hyundai and Jaguar will join the party, while many others have also committed to the idea, including BMW, Chevrolet, Ford, Kia, Land Rover, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Opel, Peugeot – Citroen, Subaru, Suzuki and Toyota.
Finally, when it comes to compatible devices, the service will only work with iPhones with Lightning connectivity; this includes the iPhone 5, 5c and 5s.