Apple Inc. to launch CarPlay system for iPhones in vehicles in 2014

Apple Inc. announced that it plans to bring its mobile operating system to automobiles by the end of 2014. The company said that the vehicles in-dash display will be connected with iPhone via a new CarPlay system, which will provide drivers with the opportunity to access the maps, music and messages on their iPhone device. Drivers will be able to use voice commands or steering-wheel buttons.

As reported by Bloomberg, the marketing vice president for the mobile device of Apple Inc. – Greg Joswiak, said for Bloomberg: “CarPlay lets drivers use their iPhone in the car with minimized distraction.”

Apple Inc. made an official statement today, revealing that its CarPlay system will be launched this week with Fiat SpAs Ferrari, Daimler AGs Mercedes-Benz and Volvo Car Group. The three partners of Apple in Europe – Honda, Hyundai and Jaguar are also expected to be provided with the CarPlay system later this year. The CarPlay system will be available as an update to the companys iOS 7 mobile software and is also compatible with the Siri voice-recognition feature. This move is part of the companys strategy to become the leader in the fierce competition for domination in the smart cars of the future segment.

Microsoft Corp. and BlackBerry Ltd are currently considered as the most serious rivals of Apple in the automobile entertainment systems segment. The software of Microsoft Corp. has been used by Ford Motor Co., but the company has announced that it is going to switch to the QNX system of BlackBerry Ltd.

As reported by Bloomberg, Frank Gilett, who is one of the analysts working for Forrester Research, said: “The car effectively becomes the second screen for the iPhone. This will make things extremely easy for consumers to use, because we already know how to use out Apple devices. Apple has a really appealing installed base.”

Apple Inc. rose by 0.29% on Monday to settle the session at $527.76, marking a one-year change of +22.60% and a market value of $469.40 billion. According to CNN Money, the 44 analysts offering 12-month price forecasts for Apple Inc. have a median target of $590.00, with a high estimate of $777.00 and a low estimate of $360.00. The median estimate represents a +11.79% increase from the previous close.