14 DAY TRIAL // Apple has confirmed through its CarPlay web site that more cars will be able to use the infotainment system via aftermarket solutions soon to be sold by audio makers Alpine and Pioneer.
The CarPlay lineup currently includes Ferrari, Honda, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo, and future partners feature BMW Group, Chevrolet, Ford, Jaguar, KIA, Land Rover, Mitsubishi Motors, Nissan, Opel, PSA Peugeot Citroën, Subaru, Suzuki, and Toyota.
Not all upcoming cars from these vendors will bring CarPlay support, but buyers will still have a shot at using the infotainment system via aftermarket solutions developed by Alpine and Pioneer, leaders in car audio and navigation.
Apple specifically states on the site in question, “...you'll soon be able to add CarPlay to your current car with an aftermarket system.”
Announced on March 3, 2014, CarPlay gives iPhone users the ability to make and receive calls, use Maps, listen to music, and access messages just by speaking to Siri, or with a few taps.
Apple confirmed at the time that “Users can easily control CarPlay from the car’s native interface or just push-and-hold the voice control button on the steering wheel to activate Siri without distraction.”
Greg Joswiak, the company’s vice president of iPhone and iOS product marketing, said, “CarPlay has been designed from the ground up to provide drivers with an incredible experience using their iPhone in the car. iPhone users always want their content at their fingertips and CarPlay lets drivers use their iPhone in the car with minimized distraction.”
Drivers connect their iPhone to the vehicle and Siri helps them easily access contacts, make calls, return missed calls, listen to voicemails, compose messages, or have Siri read out incoming emails.
Navigation is a key feature that CarPlay enhances by making driving directions more intuitive. The system works with Maps to anticipate destinations. Based on recent trips and other information stored on the phone, CarPlay provides routing instructions, traffic conditions, and ETA. Siri is always there to assist with spoken turn-by-turn directions.
“Apple has led consumer technology integration in the car for more than a decade. CarPlay brings your car and iPhone together for a thoughtful experience that lets drivers focus on driving, while also tapping into everything they want to do with their iPhone,” Apple adds.
Compatible only with Lightning-enabled iPhones, including iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c and iPhone 5, CarPlay is available as an update to iOS 7.