Audi announced Monday that it is adding Apple's much-awaited CarPlay System as an alternative to its own MMI touch infotainment system.
Audi, the German luxury automobile company, will soon be offering new infotainment systems from the world's two biggest mobile OS providers, Google and Apple.
While Android Auto supports Android smartphones in car systems, integrating support for Apple's CarPlay will cover a larger based of customers. The company announced Monday that it will be offering CarPlay in new models starting next year in Europe, with consumers in North America having to wait until early 2016.
"Audi owners have high expectations when it comes to integrating access to mobile devices in vehicles," Scott Keogh, President of Audi America, said in apress release, Monday. "CarPlay is immediately recognizable to iPhone users and will be a great added benefit for our customers. That's why it was essential for Audi and Apple engineers to work closely together to seamlessly bring the capabilities of CarPlay to the advanced interfaces of the Audi MMI system."
CarPlay will integrate with Audi's own Multi Media Interface (MMI), acting as a second screen for iPhones and a safer option while driving. The integration with Audi's own dial, touch and voice control system will allow drivers to make calls, pull out directions using maps and use other apps, all with Apple's personal voice assistant Siri. Drivers can easily switch between CarPlay view and Audi MMI functions.
Other car makers who have agreed to integrate CarPlay sometime this year include Ferrari, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo. Cars supporting Google in integrating Android Auto include Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Jeep, Kia, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Opel, Subaru, Suzuki and Volvo.
Volvo has revealed that its CarPlay integration will be more robust as the physical buttons on the dashboard design will be replaced with tiles for touch display system.
