Apple published the first complete list of automaker partners of its CarPlay platform on January 10, Monday. The official list of auto models included current and future vehicles that are compatible with CarPlay, including Ford, Chevrolet, Honda, and Audi.
Many of the carmakers on the official CarPlay list are common to United States drivers. However, others are less known in the U.S. including DS Automobiles, Škoda, and Citroën.
CarPlay's official list is an upgrade of Apple's website. In the past it only included a graphic with different brand logos, but provided no information about which car models worked with the platform.
Apple introduced CarPlay in March 2014. The tech giant added several major business partners last year, and later this year it will add support for Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep, according to Apple Insider.
The company's CarPlay has made tech headline news on many occasions. It is a way to link an iPhone to a vehicle's infotainment system. This allows the driver to access various smartphone functions including music, texts, calls, and navigation, according to Radio Mag Online.
Automobiles with CarPlay use the Lighting Connector to sync to an iPhone device. CarPlay collects data from an iPhone while it charges it, allowing drivers to use their vehicle to interact with their Apple smartphone.
CarPlay-enabled vehicles are equipped with a voice-control button on the steering wheel. However, the main features of the platform include the touchscreen interface and electronic equipment that are attached to the auto's dashboard.
The driver can use two main methods for interacting with the iPhone. They include physical buttons/dials, and touch/voice controls.
The biggest benefit of CarPlay for broadcasters is that the platform can stream music, iTunes Radio, podcasts, and audiobooks from an iPhone device and the vehicle's stereo. It allows the driver to access audio content from third-party apps including Spotify.
Apple's official CarPlay list shows that it supports more than 100 car models. Those are from 21 different car brands.
CarPlay was based on a little-known Apple iOS 4 feature named "iPod Out" that was developed for several years by Apple Inc. and BMW. iPod Out allowed vehicles to host audio/video from an iOS device.