First Apple giveth, then Apple taketh away.
Yes, Apple’s dominance over consumer electronics may seem like a religion to some, but we’re not here to debate that.
The electronics company has had a surprising amount of influence over the car stereo industry during the last decade, especially considering it’s a market it wasn’t directly involved in until recently.
It started with the iPod in 2001, which allowed buyers to hear their playlists in the car via an array of inexpensive FM and tape deck interfaces. These devices never sounded particularly great, but Apple’s brilliant marketing (and the convenience of its products) caused aftermarket car stereo sales to decline.
Then, Apple introduced CarPlay (formerly iOS in the Car) this year, injecting new life into an industry that had been dealt a severe blow.
CarPlay allows drivers to integrate their iPhones into their vehicle’s infotainment system, granting convenient access to music, navigation, phone, and messaging services. CarPlay differs from the Siri Eyes Free system that is already available by anticipating driver routes, integrating third-party apps, and offering a new central screen.
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Countless manufacturers like BMW, Ford, Honda, Subaru, Toyota, GM, Jaguar Land Rover, Mazda, and Nissan plan to integrate the system in the future, but Ferrari looks to be the first out of the gate.
According to the Italian manufacturer, the Ferrari FF is the first production vehicle to be delivered with factory-installed CarPlay. Though Pioneer and Alpine planned to beat OEMs to market with their own CarPlay-powered head units, a firmware update has prevented the aftermarket masters from doing so, which leaves Ferrari alone at the finish line.
Expect Mercedes, Volvo, Honda, and Hyundai to start delivering CarPlay-equipped vehicles before the year’s end, with other manufacturers following suit in 2015.
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