Home / Definitions / iOS in the Car

iOS in the Car

Forrest Stroud
Last Updated May 24, 2021 7:46 am

An in-car infotainment strategy from Apple that will enable the company’s iOS mobile devices to work with the built-in audio systems of cars. iOS in the Car is expected to debut in 2014, and the initial list of automobile manufacturers publicly announcing support for iOS in the Car includes Honda/Acura, Nissan/Infiniti, Hyundai, Chevrolet/Opel, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, Jaguar and Ferrari.

By integrating the iOS operating system and its apps with a car’s in-dash system, iOS in the Car will allow drivers to make and receive phone calls, play music stored on their iOS device, view navigation maps and get step-by-step directions, send and receive text messages and more. iOS in the Car will also utilize Bluetooth technology and Apple’s Siri Eyes Free functionality for providing advanced voice control of the system.

iOS in the Car Evolves into Apple CarPlay

Apple’s iOS in the Car project made its official debut in March 2014 under the name Apple CarPlay. Apple CarPlay competes with existing in-car infotainment systems, including Microsoft’s Windows Embedded Automotive platform, which currently powers a variety of Ford (Sync), Kia (UVO) and Fiat (Blue&Me) vehicles.