Audi will begin to offer Apple CarPlay in new models that are scheduled for release in Europe by 2015 and in the United States by 2016.
Audi follows Hyundai, Ferrari, Mercedes Benz, Volvo and Honda as car companies that have announced that they will be releasing cars that support CarPlay.
Formally announced in March earlier this year, CarPlay takes full advantage of the user's iPhone in upgrading the driving experience. Plugging in the iPhone into a CarPlay-supported vehicle gives users complete access to functions such as Messages, Music and Apple Maps on the display of the car. Navigating CarPlay is done either through voice with Siri, tapping on the touchscreen, or using buttons and knobs.
CarPlay is advanced enough to predict where you will most probably be going, according to the addresses found within your e-mail messages, text messages, calendars and contacts.
CarPlay will be integrated into the built-in controls of Audi vehicles, including the car manufacturer's MMI touch system. In addition to Siri's voice controls and dial controls, this provides users with several ways to operate CarPlay while minimizing the distraction of driving on the road.
Users may also easily switch between using CarPlay and Audi's own infotainment functions.
"Audi owners have high expectations when it comes to integrating access to mobile devices in vehicles," said Audi of America President Scott Keogh in a press release. "CarPlay is immediately recognizable to iPhone users and will be a great added benefit for our customers. That's why it was essential for Audi and Apple engineers to work closely together to seamlessly bring the capabilities of CarPlay to the advanced interfaces of the Audi MMI system."
Audi's partnership with Apple further solidifies the company's strategy of venturing into the digital car space. Just last week, Audi announced that it will also be working with Google to include Android Auto into some of its models slated for 2015.
The structure of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto makes it possible for the two to co-exist within the same car manufacturer, with some auto makers such as Honda and Volvo, in addition to Audi, looking to create support for both platforms.
"CarPlay has been designed from the ground up to provide drivers with an incredible experience using their iPhone in the car," said Apple vice president of iPhone and iOS Product marketing Greg Joswiak. "iPhone users always want their content at their fingertips and CarPlay lets drivers use their iPhone in the car with minimized distraction."
