Apple’s CarPlay service will allow divers to connect their iPhones right into their car, enabling them to get Apple Maps directions, make calls, send and receive texts, and listen to music all by using their car’s built-in controls, be it voice, in-dash touchscreen, or knobs and other physical controls.
Integrating iPhone With The Car
CarPlay represents Apple’s realization that the car must become one of the future hubs that the iPhone can seamlessly connect with. In the past there have been some (somewhat flaky) ways to connect your iPhone to your car’s infotainment system, but those have been hit or miss. With Apple’s CarPlay system, Apple is firmly behind the steering wheel and we can expect CarPlay’s features to be expanded each year.
Apple originally announced its intention to integrate iPhone and the car with its “iOS in the Car” announcement at last year’s WWDC. “CarPlay” is the official rebranding of that (which we think sounds better too).
So what can you do with CarPlay? Right now, nothing more than the basics. Matter of fact, if you have a high-end car made in the last few years, your car’s infotainment system may already do much of this on its own. However, given that CarPlay now allows for seamless iOS integration it’s likely Apple’s solution will appeal to many more people.
Maps: I don’t know if this is a cool feature or if it’s something to dread given Apple’s poor Maps history. But with CarPlay drivers will be able to access Apple Maps via their vehicle. Drivers will be able to get directions, view traffic conditions and see estimated times of arrivals. A nice added feature is CarPlay will be able to predict destinations based on your contacts, text messages, email, and calendar entries.
Phone Calls Aided By Siri
Siri is making its way to the iPhone 4
CarPlay will allow you make and return calls, and listen to voicemails, all via Siri. This obviously is beneficial to drivers since they’ll now be able to easily call people without having to take their eyes off the road.
Text Messaging… Also Using Siri
Just as with phone calls, CarPlay will allow you to send and read your messages without needing to look at your phone. CarPlay will read your text messages aloud and allow you to dictate new messages or replies using Siri.
Music
This should surprise no one, but CarPlay supports the music library on your iPhone. It also supports Apple’s Podcasts app and iTunes Radio. Additionally it supports a few limited third-party apps, which, I suspect, we will see more of in the future. Current third-party app support includes Beats Radio, iHeartRadio, Spotify, and Stitcher.
Steep “System Requirements”
First of all, CarPlay isn’t live yet. But Apple says it will be demoed by Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo this week, which means we could very well see the release of iOS 7.1 soon, since CarPlay will most certainly be enabled in that. Once CarPlay is available, however, there will be some steep system requirements. First, you’ll need a new car...
Yes, unless Apple says otherwise, there will be no third-party kits that you can install in your old junker to get CarPlay support. So be prepared to splash out on a new Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz, or Volvo if you want to be the first to use CarPlay, or a car from BMW Group, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai Motor Company, Jaguar Land Rover, Kia Motors, Mitsubishi Motors, Nissan Motor Company, PSA Peugeot Citroën, Subaru, Suzuki and Toyota Motor Corp later on “down the road” according to Apple.
The need for a new car is obvious. Many cars made in the last decade don’t feature the voice integration, touchscreen, or physical controllers CarPlay needs to interact with.
Speaking of those various input methods... While CarPlay supports a wide arrange of inputs it will most readily benefit those that have an in-dash touchscreen in their car, so if you’re going to spring for a new ride, make sure you add that option.
CarPlay also has some steep requirements on the iOS end of things too. First of all, it requires an iOS device with a Lightning connector – 30-pin Dock connectors need not apply. It also won’t work with iPads, iPad minis, or iPod touches. The only supported iOS devices that will work with CarPlay are the iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c and iPhone 5
Driving To The Future
As someone who lives in the city and generally hates cars, CarPlay is a pointless feature... to me. But it’s a very wise move on Apple’s part. In the next decade more new drivers will take to the road in China and India – two of Apple’s biggest potential markets – than all the drivers who have ever taken to the road in American history (a very car-loving country).
To those that do love cars, however, CarPlay is sure to be another sign that Apple isn’t content on resting on it’s laurels. CarPlay’s features may seem rather “basic” at launch, but now that Apple is officially rolling it out the company is sure to continue adding new and increasingly useful features for drivers in the future.
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