Apple CarPlay to be available on older cars

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Drivers will be able to add Apple’s CarPlay iPhone connectivity to their existing car stereo, meaning it won’t be exclusive to the cars already revealed with the system at this year’s Geneva Motor Show.

The radio manufacturers Pioneer and Alpine have both already said they’re working with Apple to introduce the CarPlay software to their existing and new car stereo head units.

CarPlay allows you to pair a compatible iPhone (so the iPhone 5, 5S or 5C) with your car infotainment system, controlling the voice, touchscreen and buttons through the car’s in-built screen.

It also works with Siri to send and receive text messages, meaning drivers can keep in touch with their friends without taking their hands off the wheel.

Plus, drivers can also use CarPlay to use a sat-nav downloaded on their phone, meaning it could indicate an end for conventional built-in sat-nav systems.

However, videos can’t be played through CarPlay, meaning drivers won’t be able to catch up with their favourite TV programmes while stuck in traffic.

Prices for radios that can work with CarPlay are expected to start at around £550.
 
Ferrari, Honda, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo have all confirmed their cars will be available with CarPlay from this year, while a host of other manufacturers including BMW, Jaguar and Ford have all said they’re looking at introducing CarPlay in the future.

By Andrew Brady, Motoring Research