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Apple is looking to expand CarPlay’s functionality to include controls for key car functions such as the air conditioning system, radio, speedometer, seats, and more, according to a new report from Bloomberg.
The project, internally named “IronHeart”, is still in its early stages, but would include Apple working with automakers to extend the functionality of CarPlay to control the car’s main functions. Beyond music and navigation apps, CarPlay does not allow users to control any aspect of the car itself. This new iPhone-based project would seek to change that.
The company is working on technology that would allow access to features like the air conditioning system, speedometer, radio and seats, according to people familiar with the effort. The initiative, known as “IronHeart” internally, is still in its early stages and would require the cooperation of car manufacturers.
IronHeart would push CarPlay even further. The iPhone-based system could access a range of controls, sensors and settings, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the project is under wraps.
The report lists several different car functions that CarPlay may display in the future, including interior and exterior temperature and humidity readings, seats and armrests, dashboard, and controls for the built-in speaker. car.
Bloomberg says Apple’s “CarPlay” strategy is similar to that of its Home and Health offerings, where the company has consolidated users’ information into single apps on their iPhones. With “IronHeart”, CarPlay would be a more complete system allowing users to control their vehicle without having to switch between CarPlay and the car control system.
Ultimately, while Apple is rumored to build its own car, CarPlay and all of its plans would require the cooperation of the automakers. As today’s report notes, Apple has struggled to convince some automakers to adopt certain “CarPlay” features in their vehicles.
IronHeart is said to be Apple’s biggest push in cars since CarPlay released in 2014, but it may not be a hit with automakers. They might be reluctant to cede control of key features to Apple. While CarPlay is now featured in over 600 car models, other Apple initiatives in recent years have been slower to catch on with automakers.
But automakers have mostly been reluctant to add these upgrades. Air conditioning and radio applications are only supported by a few cars. And the EV routing feature is not available on any of the vehicles currently being shipped. The CarPlay display extension is only supported by a few brands, such as BMW and Volkswagen, and CarKey is only available on certain BMWs.
Apple recently brought in Kevin Lynch, who was previously an important part of watchOS development, to lead the Apple Car team, but after several departures, doubts are starting to arise as to whether Apple will ever release its own vehicle.
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