When announcing iOS 7 last year, Apple also introduced the “iOS in the Car” which was scheduled to launch in 2014. At the time, Apple announced that is working with BMW, Audi, Chrysler, General Motors, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, and Toyota to implement Siri Eyes Free features.
Just recently, developers managed to get the “iOS in the Car” working on the iPhone Simulator and showed us some of its functionality. Financial Times now reports that Apple, together with Ferrari, Volvo and Mercedes, will unveil the new system next week.
The official announcement of Apple’s deal will be made at next week’s Geneva Motor Show, sources told the Financial Times.
“iOS in the Car” aims is to provide direct access to iOS device functionality, control, and usage, directly via the manufacturers native in-car control systems.
Integration is aimed for several functions that iOS devices currently incorporate, these include:
- Siri: Eyes Free mode – for eyes-free and hands-free operation
- Satellite navigation (Satnav)
- Telephony instruction and control
- Music control
- iMessage control and response
Google and other technology companies are already working on plans to develop their own car models alongside traditional automotive manufacturers.
“Connected Cars” is a term that has been used more and more recently, and this year’s Consumer Electronics Show paid attention to what the automotive world has been doing on that front. Cars connected to the internet and seamlessly integrated with personal communication devices are seen as a predecessor to self-driving cars, and also as a mobility solution that is controlled and monitored from a central system (think around cloud computing).
BMW initially announced they were not going to include the functionality, but later back-pedaled changing their position to possibly introducing the standard to their vehicles.
