Apple has announced CarPlay, a new in-car interface that will integrate your iPhone with your car. You’ll be able to access your phone with more ease, just by using your voice or the controls on your car.
CarPlay should become available in cars from other manufacturers later this year.
CarPlay connects your iPhone to your car and makes it possible for you to receive your messages, calls and other notifications using Siri or your voice. If you need to get somewhere, Apple Maps will give you detailed navigation (if it’s available) and show the map on the car’s built-in display. You will also be able to listen to whatever you want through your car’s speakers – music, audibooks, podcasts etc. Accessing vital functions without reaching for your iPhone should become a whole lot easier. CarPlay will even support third-party apps, such as Spotify and iHeartRadio and you’ll be able to activate voice controls by pressing a button on the steering wheel. CarPlay is available for iPhones with iOS 7 and a Lightning connector – these include the iPhone 5, the 5s and the 5c.
CarPlay will debut at the Geneva International Motor Show 2014 in cars from Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo. However, Apple says that we can expect CarPlay to be compatible with cars from BMW, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Toyota and others in the future.