Apple is working on deeper CarPlay integration, including air conditioning and audio controls

By: Yuriy Stanislavskiy | 07.10.2021, 20:10

While rumors of Apple creating its own car have not subsided, Apple has a presence in other cars through CarPlay. It's a service that allows a connected iPhone to display maps, communication apps and more on the in-car infotainment system's display.

It is reported that Apple wants to extend the functionality of CarPlay to be able to interact more closely with the car. This expanded functionality could include air conditioning controls, seat adjustments, and other settings.

Of course, all CarPlay functionality depends on partnerships with automakers. However, if Apple gets its way, CarPlay could include information such as temperature and humidity, speedometer and more. Apple also wants iPhone users to be able to change air conditioning settings, adjust seats and adjust the car's sound system without leaving CarPlay.

A few years ago, Apple added APIs that allow car manufacturers to release their own in-car control apps that will appear in CarPlay. However, those capabilities went largely untapped. Similarly, Siri's car customization capabilities were removed in iOS 15.

Source: bloomberg

Illustration: 9to5mac