"iOS in the Car" is Now CarPlay - Debuts Later This Year

Posted by Stephen Hall on March 3rd, 2014

"iOS in the Car," which was unveiled with iOS 7 last year, is now officially known as CarPlay. The iPhone in-the-car integration setup is revving up for launch later this year, and vehicles from Ferrari, to Mercedes-Benz, to Volvo will premiere CarPlay as early as this week.

In essence, CarPlay is exactly what we've all expected it would be: a streamlined, driver-friendly implementation of iOS 7 for your car's infotainment system. In addition, CarPlay integration brings a deeper Siri experience; including the addition of a voice control button on the steering wheel, and the ability for the voice assistant to send, read, and reply to your text messages.

According to Greg Joswiak, Apple’s vice president of iPhone and iOS Product Marketing, “CarPlay has been designed from the ground up to provide drivers with an incredible experience using their iPhone in the car."

The experience focuses on making the use of iOS 7 safer and easier in the car, with CarPlay including many smart features that will make getting to your destination a breeze. For example, CarPlay can take a peak at your iOS calendar and email inbox to provide predicted directions, as well as remind you of appointments and the like.

Check out Volvo's promotional video for CarPlay below.