Apple Looking to Boost In-Car Integration of Maps and Siri in iOS 7

Building on yesterday's report describing a "very, very flat" design for iOS 7, 9to5Mac reports that Apple is also looking to make significant improvements to vehicle integration with the next-generation mobile operating system. In particular, Apple is looking at ways to integrate Maps and Siri with the built-in displays increasingly found in cars.

According to people familiar with the plans, Apple is working with car makers on updated versions of car center consoles that could attach to iOS devices like the iPhone. Specifically, an iPhone could be plugged into a car and an optimized, redesigned version of Apple Maps will appear on the car’s built-in display instead of a proprietary GPS system found in many cars.

Sources have described this as a feature akin to a video-out or mirrored display representation of the iPhone’s Maps app onto the bigger screens included with most modern vehicles.

The report's sources warn that the actual integration may take some time to appear given the complexities of negotiating deals with car companies, testing, and required improvements to Apple's services infrastructure, but that the technology supporting the integration is coming as part of iOS 7.

siri_eyes_free_bmw

Siri Eyes Free mode

Apple last year announced an "Eyes Free" mode for Siri as part of iOS 6, but it took until February of this year for Chevrolet to become the first car manufacturer to offer the integration with its Spark and Sonic models. A number of manufacturers have, however, committed to support Eyes Free in their vehicles in the future.

Tag: 9to5Mac
Related Forum: iOS 7

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Top Rated Comments

kahkityoong Avatar
150 months ago
Wait for it. All the predictable complaints about maps.
Score: 27 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Nimrad Avatar
150 months ago
Ha.. I wouldn't trust maps in a $80k vehicle


matter fact.. not even in a honda fit
I would definitely trust apples apps vs BMWs own maps. Most car maps are waay worse if you haven't noticed.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Nimrad Avatar
150 months ago
And then in 3~4 years the plug/design is changed and you are screwed if you want a new iPhone.

I guess really only beneficial to the people who buy new cars every few years.
Wow, you're just unbelievable. 3-4 years? How come? The old 30-pin connector lasted 10 years and then you can get an adapter to the new one.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Muscle Master Avatar
150 months ago
Ha.. I wouldn't trust maps in a $80k vehicle


matter fact.. not even in a honda fit
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ArchAndroid Avatar
150 months ago
Sorry. I had to...

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIakZtDmMgo
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Eduardo1971 Avatar
150 months ago
I don't understand why the iphone is on a cradle and the BMW's navigation screen is right above it since I know that newer BMW's have an iPhone dock that is integrated into the arm rest. Discreet and clean. In addtion, the dock allows for integration of Bluetooth, and audio via the BMW Link Application.

I have a '04 ZHP and my iPhone 4 is kept in my bag or glove box hidden from view and without the need of an ugly cradle (my automobile came with Bluetooth and Navigation).

That cradle really undermind's the clean dashboard.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)