At the World Wide Developers Conference, today, Apple made some announcements that will affect how you use your iPhone or iPad in your car. In the fall, Apple will push an update for iPhones and other Apple devices with some features that will be helpful to car owners. We hope that all the features announced for iOS 9will be work with in-car systems because last year iOS 8 caused major Bluetooth connection problems with in-vehicle infotainment systems.
Wireless CarPlay with more AutoPlay
The rumors were right, in the next iOS for iPhones, iOS 9, CarPlay will be able to wirelessly connect to compatible cars. The cars with the wireless connections, however, won’t be on the market, for a while. CarPlay will also be compatible with more screens sizes with different aspect ratios.
iOS 9 will enable automakers to create apps that let users control features of the car, such as the air conditioning, lighting, and audio controls without leaving the CarPlay user interface.
The current version of CarPlay lets you play music, use Siri, get directions, make phone calls and send/receive messages. It requires that the iPhone be connected to a USB port via a lightning connector.
CarPlay features Siri voice control and works with the car’s knobs, buttons, or touchscreen. Maps and directions are based on email, text messages contacts and calendars, the update will further enhance these functions.
Better Siri Suggestions and Total Recall
Many newer cars with iPhone integration work with Siri via Siri Eyes-Free by holding down the steering wheel button. Siri will be improved and be like Google Now. Siri will notify you when you need to leave for appointments, based on traffic conditions. It learns from your habits. Say, you listen to workout music during the day, it will display your favorites at the appropriate time.
Siri can remind you about things you’re looking at in your apps or maps. Say you’re looking at a place in Apple Maps where you want to stop later, you can ask for a reminder when you get to your car.
Siri will work with Apple Music and know what to look for when you ask for something like “The Top 10 songs of the 1990s”
Map Improvements
Apple Maps adds public transit and walking information. Therefore you can get directions when walking from your car to your desired location.
Apple Music Service at Your Service
Apple Music offers a huge collection of music with music expert programmed playlists for iPhones and Android phones. Apple Music will be available starting on June 30 in over 100 countries. Free trials memberships are for 3-months after which a $9.99/month subscription fee.
The update to iOS 9 is due out in the fall when usually the next model iPhones are released. iOS 9 will be available for iPhone 4s and later, iPod touch 5th generation, iPad 2 and later, iPad mini and later.
Home Sweet HomeKit
iOS 9 will also have HomeKit for home automation, which could mean that you can program your iPhone to open your garage door, turn on your lights, air conditioning and your favorite tunes when you are near your home.
iOS 9 will be pushed out in the fall. We suggest that you wait at least a few weeks after the update is first available to make sure that is compatible with your car.