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Apple says its in-car technology iOS in the Car will be a key focus for the firm as it continues to partner with vehicle manufacturers.
The technology – due to launch in 2014 – pairs an iOS device with a car’s dashboard system. For example, a vehicle that comes equipped with iOS in the Car can connect to an iPhone 5 and interact with it using a built-in display or Siri Eyes Free. The latter allows drivers to ask Siri questions or ask for directions while the iPhone screen remains blank, so not to distract drivers.
iOS in the Car lets users make phone calls, play music, send and receive messages, get directions and more.
Apple CEO Tim Cook said in an analyst call, as reported by AppleInsider.com: "I see it as very important. It is a part of the ecosystem. And so just like the App Store is a key part of the ecosystem, and iTunes and all of our content is key, and the services we provide from messaging to Siri and so forth, having something in the automobile is very very important.
"It’s something that people want. And I think that Apple can do this in a unique way and better than anyone else. So it’s a key focus for us."
This video below looks at the Chevrolet Sonic – the first car to feature Siri integration:
