Apple has improved its Apple CarPlay services by supporting 50 new vehicles from 2016 and 2017. The in-car infotainment system will also include models beyond 2017 such as Audi's Q5 Luxury Crossover SUV and wireless CarPlay technology in select vehicles.
Car entertainment system manufacturers may face a surmounting challenge from Apple as 2016 and 2017 models of Audi, Honda, Kia, Maserati, Mitsubishi, Suzuki and Volkswagen are now supported by Apple and its in-car infotainment CarPlay. According to Engadget.com, the complete list of specific vehicle models is available in CarPlay's official website.
It also reports that BMW's 2017 "5" series could see the first wireless CarPlay from the renowned tech giant. Other brands are also chasing after the new technologies. According to AppleInsider.com, renowned luxury car manufacturer Chrysler would have its Jeep brand's newest 2017 "Compass" have support for both Apple's CarPlay and "Android Auto".
Jeep has not revealed the specifications of the new vehicle and its official costs but it confirmed that it would use a fourth-generation Uconnect dash to connect with the touchscreens for the smart devices. Aside from Jeep, some models from Chrysler's Fiat brands support CarPlay and Android Auto as well.
Apple CarPlay is a dashboard-turned-into-a-touchscreen that functions similarly to a smartphone -- except it is also a dashboard. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both quite expensive given car manufacturers have placed a premium on vehicles with touchscreens. If your smartphone is too small to navigate or heats up under the sun when attached next to your windshield, "smart dashboards" that use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto operating systems are a great option for navigation as well as entertainment.
Aside from smartphones and CarPlay, Apple is developing new technologies to rival competitors in the areas of virtual and augmented reality. According to Apple CEO Tim Cook, augmented reality will get bigger than virtual reality possibly because of its practical use in the real world.
