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Apple's In-car Infotainment System is Only for iPhone Users

By - Source: Tom's Hardware US | B 33 comments
Tags :

Vroom, vroom, Siri.

Though Apple is not always first to market with a new product, devices like the iPod, iPhone, and iPad have played a huge role in shaping their respective categories. Analysts are always trying to predict Apple's next big thing, and we've heard a lot about smart watches and TVs over the last couple of years. But could that next big thing be cars?

This past weekend, rumors did the rounds that said Apple was gearing up to place its iOS mobile operating system in cars. Specifically, the Financial Times reported that Apple had worked out a deal that will see iOS inside Mercedes Benz, Volvo and Ferrari automobiles. The announcement was pegged for this week, at the Geneva Motor Show, which takes place in Switzerland. That kicks off this coming Thursday and runs through to March 16. However, despite the fact that the show is still several days away from starting, Apple has already confirmed the news.

 

Dubbed CarPlay, this version of iOS will include maps, GPS routing, iTunes, Siri, and the ability to make calls and send messages via the iPhone and iMessage. Though Mercedes, Volvo and Ferrari are the only ones showing off cars with CarPlay this week, BMW, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar Land Rover, Kia, Mitsubishi, Nissan, PSA Peugeot Citroën, Subaru, Suzuki and Toyota are all on board as future CarPlay partners.

What's interesting is that Apple doesn't seem to be leveraging CarPlay as a way to grow its iPhone user base. Instead, the company is catering exclusively to iPhone users. It seems rather straightforward. Apple is pitching CarPlay as a more fun and safer way to use your iPhone in the car, so if you don't have an iPhone, this isn't for you. Still, if Apple had implemented this system in a way that provided enough functionality as a standalone system, CarPlay could have acted as a steppingstone for those who haven't felt compelled to go iPhone over the last seven years. That said, Apple has never really been the inclusive type, so to hear the company's partnering with automakers on an infotainment system exclusively for iPhone users is not at all surprising.

Follow Jane McEntegart @JaneMcEntegart. Follow us @tomshardware, on Facebook and on Google+.

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Top Comments
  • 12 Hide
    Rhinofart , March 3, 2014 12:48 PM
    I've had an iPhone since original, and I can gaurantee, I will NOT be getting this in one of my vehicles unless it's running on Google Maps. And even then, unless it's open to any phone, it's pointless. Every single, and I do mean ever single time I've used Apple Maps, it's given me bad information. I honestly think, I'm going to switch over to Windows Phone 8.1. Some of my family have the higher end Nokia phones with Win8 on them, and I honestly love them.
Other Comments
  • 0 Hide
    aisalem , March 3, 2014 12:44 PM
    Your points doesn't really matter, it's only for Apple users. I guess it will be an option in the cars (like bluetooth some time ago or reverse camera). I wish them good luck as long as they won't start to sue everybody around for in-car satnav, etc.
  • 12 Hide
    Rhinofart , March 3, 2014 12:48 PM
    I've had an iPhone since original, and I can gaurantee, I will NOT be getting this in one of my vehicles unless it's running on Google Maps. And even then, unless it's open to any phone, it's pointless. Every single, and I do mean ever single time I've used Apple Maps, it's given me bad information. I honestly think, I'm going to switch over to Windows Phone 8.1. Some of my family have the higher end Nokia phones with Win8 on them, and I honestly love them.
  • Display all 33 comments.
  • 0 Hide
    ddpruitt , March 3, 2014 12:50 PM
    I don't mind if this is an option, provided that we have an option for Android devices. Problem is that the Apple solutions tend to be crap while the Android solutions are nonexistent. I had to buy a cheap iPod so I could control my music in my car from the dash. Hopefully Google's system will be a bit better
  • 0 Hide
    The_Trutherizer , March 3, 2014 12:52 PM
    Meh... Typical
  • 1 Hide
    jimmysmitty , March 3, 2014 12:56 PM
    Quote:
    I've had an iPhone since original, and I can gaurantee, I will NOT be getting this in one of my vehicles unless it's running on Google Maps. And even then, unless it's open to any phone, it's pointless. Every single, and I do mean ever single time I've used Apple Maps, it's given me bad information. I honestly think, I'm going to switch over to Windows Phone 8.1. Some of my family have the higher end Nokia phones with Win8 on them, and I honestly love them.


    I have heard the same thing about Windows Phone 8.1. A former boss and friend had them and love them.

    I think it is a mistake to limit it just to their phones. Not everyone who buys a car with it will only have a iPhone.

    Then again that is Apple. If they can't control the hardware/software they don't allow it.

    My wife has a 2013 Taurus Limited with Sync and it is pretty nice so far.
  • 0 Hide
    Midimaker78 , March 3, 2014 1:05 PM
    Built on BlackBerry's QNX
  • -2 Hide
    deadlockedworld , March 3, 2014 1:16 PM
    The stepping stone is the second iteration. Apple always markets to their own first, then expands the party to allow others in. (see Apple TV, ipod, Safari, itunes, etc)
  • 1 Hide
    glasssplinter , March 3, 2014 1:20 PM
    How much longer before you can't take your vehicle to a mechanic anymore? You've got a problem with the in dash computer? Oh, I'm sorry you need to take it to the (whatever) store to get that fixed. Make it Bluetooth connected and leave it at that. Hopefully you have the option of not including it. Imagine selling this vehicle 5, 10, or 15 years from now when they kill support for it. Oh, we're sorry but we released the 2S version and your version is now a brick. That will be $3,000 to make it work again.
  • 4 Hide
    gsxr1181 , March 3, 2014 1:23 PM
    Again Apple attempts to rip somethings that's been around for years, and call it there own. Been doing this since 2002. And currently run Riderunner in my pickup. A whole site is dedicated to this, even for Android devices. MP3CAR if your interested. Hopefully it won't take off because then they will shut sites like this down.
  • 2 Hide
    lamorpa , March 3, 2014 1:48 PM
    iPhone only? They can bite on my yonka-bone.
  • -1 Hide
    hitman40 , March 3, 2014 2:32 PM
    Quote:
    Again Apple attempts to rip somethings that's been around for years, and call it there own. Been doing this since 2002. And currently run Riderunner in my pickup. A whole site is dedicated to this, even for Android devices. MP3CAR if your interested. Hopefully it won't take off because then they will shut sites like this down.
    What do you mean call their own? All they want to do is bring iOS funcationality to car entertainment, is that so hard to do without some Android fanboy or ant Apple fanboy comming out of the shadows and smiting them with "ripping other people" claims?
  • -7 Hide
    jamsbong , March 3, 2014 2:37 PM
    Quote:
    1. Siri is crap.2. Apple maps are even worse and very dangerous.3. Yet another overpriced POS from apple.
    Update info.1. Siri has improved considerably and it does work these days. Google Voice is not any better.2. Apple maps are more accurate than Google ones based on personal experience from using both of them (on Nexus4 and iPhone 5s).Apple's time of arrival is accurate and updates based on the current situation; Google Map does not.I get more search hits and connection to Yelp with apple maps. Google map on gives what it has and usually is less than Apple ones.The GUI on Apple maps is easier to read because fonts are bigger.3. I would argue that Apple products are rightly priced because you're getting more for your money. The outstanding quality software and support is what kept users coming back to Apple products. Moreover, you'll get fantastic resale value out of it so it is not expensive at all if you consider the whole life-cycle usage of the product.I'm not here to change anyone's opinions. I'm just describing by personal experience after using Nexus4 and iphone 5s.
  • 1 Hide
    back_by_demand , March 3, 2014 4:23 PM
    Apple car stereo only works with iPhoneSHOCKER(not)
  • 1 Hide
    bmwman91 , March 3, 2014 4:29 PM
    Change the company to Microsoft and the OS to Windows in this announcement. Can you imagine the uproar? "What businesses do they have FORCING car buyers to use a Windows phone? Monopolistic [language edited by moderator]!"
  • 0 Hide
    jimmysmitty , March 3, 2014 6:53 PM
    Quote:
    Change the company to Microsoft and the OS to Windows in this announcement. Can you imagine the uproar? "What businesses do they have FORCING car buyers to use a Windows phone"


    Microsoft already has a system in place with Ford/Lincoln called Sync. They might change it to a Windows based kernel at some time but as of right now it is compatible with iOS/Android/Windows Phone/BB. Pretty much as long as it supports BT it will work with Sync and it was one of the first hands free like this and works very well.

    On the other hand, this is Apple being more monopolistic as they want you to use only their products. That's fine and dandy but still annoying.
  • 0 Hide
    wekilledkenny , March 3, 2014 8:12 PM
    3 more brands to avoid...
  • 0 Hide
    niems , March 3, 2014 11:07 PM
    Pretty sure this will be an optional extra in the vehicle so I don't get why everyone is having a winge.
  • 0 Hide
    gadgety , March 4, 2014 3:27 AM
    "What's interesting is that Apple doesn't seem to be leveraging CarPlay as a way to grow its iPhone user base. Instead, the company is catering exclusively to iPhone users."Apple IS leveraging CarPlay to grow its user base. No iPhone, CarPlay no function.
  • 0 Hide
    niems , March 4, 2014 4:55 AM
    Quote:
    "What's interesting is that Apple doesn't seem to be leveraging CarPlay as a way to grow its iPhone user base. Instead, the company is catering exclusively to iPhone users."Apple IS leveraging CarPlay to grow its user base. No iPhone, CarPlay no function.


    I think they mean that if you have the phone, then you can use CarPlay (which as I see it is just an extended touch screen for the iPhone). My guess is that when a phone is not connected, the screen displays the manufacturer's OEM infotainment. It appears to be acting as an extension of how plugging a phone via USB gives access to contacts and music via steering wheel and infotainment controls; CarPlay just seems to be a way to 'make your car an iPhone accessory'. I could further speculate that the manufacturer could offer a system which can switch between OEM, CarPlay, and future Android based systems on-the-fly.

    It would be silly if either 1) you have absolutely no infotainment in the car if an iPhone is not present, or 2) that the manufacturer doesn't offer an OEM system if the first point is actually true (but like most car accessories, these are usually optional extras).

    So, if Apple WERE leveraging CarPlay to grow its iPhone user base, I would suspect they would either enforce 1) or 2), which would be absolutely absurd.
  • 2 Hide
    vertigo_2000 , March 4, 2014 5:55 AM
    So, I have an iPhone now (I don't but just go with it). I buy a car with Apple's car play option. Everything is good. 2 years later, my phone contract is up and I want to switch to Android, because Apple has stagnated and all the innovation is in Android. Well, I keep my car longer than my cell phone, so I'm basically forced to get another Apple phone. Repeat again 2 years later. A car with this feature basically ensures Apple of repeat customers... even those who don't want to.
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