Apple's CarPlay was first unveiled as iOS in the Car during the 2014 Geneva Auto Show, and had Volvo, Ferrari, and Mercedes-Benz as its demo cars. Almost a year later and the on-board information and entertainment software system is still sluggish, with Google having its own Android Auto version, and rather few automakers making CarPlay an option for their latest models. As of this year, only Ferrari and Mercedes-Benz cars are able to come equipped with CarPlay.
However, 2015 is promising to be a good year for Apple's dashboard app, as Apple CEO Tim Cook announced during the Spring Forward event that most major automakers are now expressing their assurance for the CarPlay infotainment system to be incorporated on their vehicles. Furthermore, the announcement also touched on a certain fact: installing the CarPlay app to at least 40 new car models is already in the works, and these will roll out before the end of the year.
CarPlay lets users access their smartphones while driving, so that there would be no need to take their eyes off the road. Drivers can open their contacts list, make calls, and listen to voicemail using Siri, Apple's virtual assistant personified. They can also let Siri read out messages and take note of dictated replies.
For navigation, drivers can also use Apple Maps, with the app anticipating where the destination will be via information on recent trips, contacts, texts, or emails. It can also act as a guide, giving the best routes, traffic conditions, and estimated time of arrival. Siri can read out turn by turn directions through the Maps.
Through CarPlay, drivers can also play their favorite tracks on their iPhones via the car's stereo, using voice commands or the car's controls. CarPlay can also access third party music apps like Spotify.
