Apple makes play for connected cars

iPhone maker Apple is eyeing the connected car market with the announcement of Apple CarPlay, which will be available on select new cars in 2014 and the firm claims it will be a smarter and safer way for consumers to use their iPhone in the car.

The service takes the user experience from the iPhone and transfers it to the car’s built-in display. At launch, it will be compatible with the iPhone 5, iPhone 5C and iPhone 5S.

It will allow users to send and receive messages, make calls and listen to music. CarPlay also uses Siri voice control as well as the car’s dashboard knobs, buttons and touchscreen. According to Apple it is specially designed for driving scenarios and apps have been redesigned to allow users to use them without taking their focus off the road.

The service will be available on models this year from Ferrari, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo. Apple added that in the future, the service will extend to BMW, Chevrolet, Ford, Kia, Land Rover, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Opel, Peugeot-Citroen, Subaru, Suzuki and Toyota.

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It appears that the connected car market will be characterised by two business models: embedded connectivity, in which automobile manufacturers create internet-embedded vehicles; and smartphone integration and tethering, which sees car makers allow consumers to use their smartphones more effectively in their vehicles.

Apple’s CarPlay falls into the latter category, and according to research from telecoms trade body the GSMA, smartphone integration and tethering will lead to greater data consumption in the car.