Apple CarPlay Could Control More Parts Of Your Vehicle In The Future



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Since its introduction in 2015, Apple CarPlay has represented a notable upgrade from the user interfaces that most cars have by default, but many of our concerns about this, and Android Auto, arise because of their limitations. Newer features like dual-screen support and third-party apps like Google Maps could help, but there are still huge parts of the driving experience that exist outside of Apple’s control panel. Now Mark Gurman reports for Bloomberg This “IronHeart” push from Apple envisions binding parameters like climate controls, seat positioning and even specific surround sound settings to your iPhone.

It’s a gap that Google has bridged by making deals with automakers like Polestar, Ford, Honda, and GM to use Android Automotive as the basis for their user interface. According to Bloomberg, while Apple’s plans would require the involvement of the automaker, this is not a plan to provide the basis for an infotainment system like Android Automotive.

Instead of, Bloomberg suggests that it might sound like Apple’s smart home push with HomeKit, with an API that devices (in this case, cars) access with varying levels of sensor control and communication support. An interesting wrinkle is the mention that with iOS 15, Apple removed several API features from SiriKit, making its sometimes disappointing assistant less capable than before. This includes controls that could, on compatible vehicles, manage these exact settings, such as seat position, air conditioning, or audio source.

If the plans turn into real upgrades, it could mean that different cars have different levels of feature support, some using CarPlay to customize the seat position, while others might not support it. but could configure the vehicle’s air conditioning settings according to your iPhone’s preferences. As the report notes, so far there has been limited support for things like manufacturer-supplied CarPlay apps that can access these more in-depth control settings, and only BMW supports Apple CarKey so far. now.

So what does this mean for Apple’s not-so-secret automotive program, Project Titan? Bloomberg reports that CarPlay Extensions would not collect data on cars or users, so whatever project Kevin Lynch is currently leading, it will have to glean useful information in some other way.

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