Which devices work?
CarPlay only works on iphones with Lightning, which means you won't be able to use CarPlay if your phone is older than the iPhone5. Although the iPad already supports this interface, Apple has not listed the iPad as a hardware device supported by CarPlay.
how to work
CarPlay, most of the basic functions of the iPhone can be used through the control panel of the car. Some of the features include the Siri voice assistant tool, iTunes music playback, Apple Maps and SMS. With CarPlay, drivers can make and receive calls without taking their hands off the wheel and listen to voicemail messages.
To use these features in the iPhone, drivers can touch the driving control panel in the car as if they were touching a phone, but with less interference, and with a button on the steering wheel, they can trigger Siri.
The design, which is controlled by steering wheel buttons, is important because in many places, there are strict rules regarding the use of smartphones by drivers. Recently, the news reported that a court in the United States ruled that drivers can view the navigation map of their smartphones while driving, which means that the law will become more tolerant of \"smart cars\".
Which cars will support CarPlay?
It is predicted that the first CarPlay support will be a number of luxury cars, from Mercedes, Ferrari and Volvo three companies. At the Geneva Motor Show, the three companies will be exhibiting CarPlay-enabled models.
Other automotive brands that will continue to support CarPlay include BMW, Toyota, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar Land Rover, Kia, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Logo, Subaru, Suzuki and Ford.
It is worth mentioning that Ford's support for CarPlay is noteworthy, because the company has been heavily promoting its own car information platform Sync.
However, Apple has not officially announced the second batch of car manufacturers to support CarPlay.
What apps does CarPlay support?
For now, the \"killer app\" on CarPlay will be maps and navigation, although Apple Maps has been improved since its release, but Google Maps is unquestionably the dominant application in the industry. Apple has not confirmed whether it will allow Google Maps in the future.
Previously, Apple removed Google Maps from iOS, prompting strong criticism from users. However, it may not be realistic to expect Apple to support rival apps in an entirely new in-car platform.
Initially, CarPlay will only support iOS apps, but in the next few years, if the number of car models supporting CarPlay increases and drivers demand more, Apple may relax the restrictions.
Who are the competitors?
Seamless in-car applications are still an emerging market, and no one company has become the dominant player. For now, CarPlay has at least two rivals to watch out for.
Ford's Sync system also aims to add smartphone features to in-car infotainment systems, such as making and receiving calls, sending text messages and playing music. Unlike CarPlay, Sync supports third-party mapping or navigation software on the platform, such as Scout from TomTom and Telenav.
In January, Ford announced an application development program to increase the number of applications for the Sync platform. However, judging from Ford's recent statements, the company is not interested in the vehicle platform war. After the CarPlay launch, a Ford spokesperson said that Ford plans to work with Apple and Microsoft to develop in-car systems.