Apple announces CarPlay: “the smarter, safer and more fun way to use iPhone in the car”

Apple have announced a deal with leading car manufacturers that will see them start to implement CarPlay: an inbuilt system designed to allow drivers to use their iPhones more effectively while driving.

CarPlay will be built into the car’s native interface, with Siri activated by pushing and holding a button on the steering vehicle, allowing the user to issue voice-activated commands for the maps system, to make calls, and – most vitally for the music industry – to control and access their music collections. CarPlay will also support third-party streaming services, and digital radio.

Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo will showcase vehicles installed with CarPlay this week at an auto show in Geneva, while deals to house CarPlay have also been struck with BMW, Ford, GM, Jaguar Land Rover, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mitsubishi, Nissan, PSA Peugeot Citroën, Subaru, Suzuki and Toyota.

“CarPlay has been designed from the ground up to provide drivers with an incredible experience using their iPhone in the car,” said Greg Joswiak, Vice President of iPhone and iOS Product Marketing. “We have an amazing lineup of auto partners rolling out CarPlay, and we’re thrilled it will make its debut this week in Geneva.”

The app will be compatible with iPhone 5, 5S and 5C.