Apple CarPlay – new in-car OS unveiled in Geneva

Mercedes-Benz - Apple "CarPlay"

Remember iOS in the Car? You might have been wondering what happened to it, nearly a year after it was announced at Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) in June. Well, it’s finally here, and it has gained a new look and a new name: Apple CarPlay.

CarPlay – included on iPhone models 5 and newer with iOS 7.1 – takes over the car’s infotainment system with a touch of a button, giving the driver direct access to their phone’s calls, messages, maps and music. CarPlay also includes support for selected third-party apps including Spotify, Beats Radio, iHeartRadio and Stitcher, with more to come.

The system can be controlled via the car’s existing touchscreen or physical controls, but it can also be operated via Siri – activated through the car’s dedicated voice control button. Users can dictate messages, make calls, control music playback and get directions hands free.

At the Geneva Motor Show, CarPlay was on display on the Ferrari FF and the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class, where it will be offered on first. It was also demonstrated on the Volvo Concept Estate, and will be available on the next-generation XC90 – as well as some Honda and Hyundai models – later this year.

Moving forward, Apple expects CarPlay to feature on future models from its partners, the long list of which include BMW, Chevrolet, Ford, Jaguar Land Rover and Toyota.

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Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 

Comments

  • Optional on Mar 11, 2014 at 7:55 pm

    I seriously hope that all car manufacturers will make this as optional feature for all their models.

    Don’t make it as standard as I totally hate the too restrictive iOS environment. Android is still the best in term of the ease of sharing anything between devices.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 20 Thumb down 8
    • Petrolhead (Member) on Mar 12, 2014 at 12:10 am

      Looking forward in Apple to buy Tesla and pair their iOS with Tesla Model S’ massive 17inch screen onboard! A giant iPad anyone?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 19 Thumb down 4
    • That bladdy new C-Class interior is more tempting than the IOS, they pick the wrong car haha. So looking forward to see the real thing!

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 1
  • KnightRider on Mar 11, 2014 at 8:21 pm

    KITT

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 1
  • Seems very dangerous when navigating through the CarPlay. Why can’t they do it like Android Moto X? Just say Ok Google, then it’ll response to you.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 3
  • Now, everyone can get lost with ease.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 3
    • kzm (Member) on Mar 12, 2014 at 1:30 am

      u don’t understand…Apple IOS 7 device connect to in car system (Blackberry QNX) n control it..

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 2
  • Annihilated on Mar 11, 2014 at 9:09 pm

    Apple map? Really? uh..oh!

    Driver: Navigate to Kuala Lumpur.
    CarPlay: Getting direction to Serangoon..
    Driver: Ayak, no la. Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur.
    CarPlay: Would you like to send message to Nolan?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 27 Thumb down 2
    • kzm (Member) on Mar 12, 2014 at 1:31 am

      I don’t think Blackberry QNX (in car system) has Apple Map

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 2
  • niterunner99 on Mar 11, 2014 at 9:10 pm

    Like to see the car owner’s face when Apple changes the connector size or pins…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 17 Thumb down 4
  • the title just missed out (i)

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
  • albag on Mar 11, 2014 at 10:10 pm

    hope got map for penang 2nd bridge… instead it will guide us into the sea

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 6
    • kzm (Member) on Mar 12, 2014 at 1:34 am

      the car in car system does not has Apple map..Apple CarPlay oni connect to in car system n control it

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 3
      • Jonathan Lee (Member) on Mar 12, 2014 at 3:08 pm

        CarPlay does have Apple Maps. When CarPlay is activated, the iPhone completely takes over the infotainment system and puts in its own contacts, messages, music and maps.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
  • jolly_idiot (Member) on Mar 11, 2014 at 10:41 pm

    The driver look so sohai

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 3
  • Aceonz on Mar 11, 2014 at 11:06 pm

    Having response delay on a luxury car doesn’t make sense!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 2
  • skyjuice on Mar 12, 2014 at 12:07 am

    me: I’m hungry.
    Siri: sorry, there’s no list of restaurant in malaysia
    yeah, great…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 1
  • Roti Canai on Mar 12, 2014 at 1:17 am

    was at geneva, everything in french or german or italian, couldn’t try it

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 2
  • monster on Mar 12, 2014 at 6:31 am

    kalau pasang kat golf cart dipanggil FOREPLAY???

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 1
  • donuts on Mar 12, 2014 at 12:45 pm

    Why dont i just mount an iPad mini or later bigger iPhone and easier than dealing with all this BMW/Merc compatibility with iOS..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Hope Proton realize that the infotainment system in the Suprima is rubbish and get the apple for its future cars .

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
 

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