While Google charts a new course with Android Automotive, Apple isn’t one to be left behind – and if new rumours are to be believed, the Cupertino company may soon become more invested in controlling acute parts of a vehicle through an extension of CarPlay.
Whereas Google has aggressively signed up major automakers to field Android Automotive – which integrates with vehicles at a system level rather than simply serve as an entertainment hub – Apple’s vision for CarPlay would apparently see somewhat of an alignment to how the company already handles HomeKit devices.
Bloomberg reports that Apple would prefer to enable iPhone users to remotely control sensors and other vehicle features through their iPhone, such as changing a seat position or the temperature of onboard climate control. Rather than interact with a touchscreen display, Apple’s plans would put Siri in the driver’s seat.
The initiative could form part of the company’s own autonomous vehicle program, dubbed Project Titan.
The move is an interesting one, seeing as deeper integration with an iOS device via CarPlay would obviate the need for Apple to become overly invested in producing CarPlay extensions, Apple-approved entertainment systems, or otherwise create entirely new products to satisfy a vehicle’s safety, comfort, or driving systems.
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