Talk of Apple developing a car has died down over the last few weeks. That is, until Apple’s operations chief Jeff Williams dropped a line that will get a few people excited. While at Code Conference, Jeff was asked, “are you guys going to do something with your $100 billion or are you just going to keep buying back shares?” His response: “Well the car is the ultimate mobile device, isn’t it?”
Let the rumors continue! Many of us have heard the talk of Apple possibly getting into the automotive industry, whether that is partnering up with automotive manufactures or creating their own car, Apple certainly has some level of interest in the car business. Jeff continued to explain that Apple is not necessarily looking to get into an industry where they feel they can make the most revenue, but the industries that Apple feels they can “make a huge amount of difference.”
The auto industry might just be what Apple is looking for if they are looking to try and make a “huge” difference. We’ve already seen some major developments with self driving and electric vehicles, but there is plenty of room for improvement and innovation.
Apple has already taken a step in the right direction by introducing CarPlay, a service that will allow Apple users to access Apple services, and third-party apps such as iHearRadio, MLB At Bat, Audiobooks, and other music/podcast apps while driving. First announced last year, there are a number of automotive manufactures already planning on implementing CarPlay in their vehicle lineups. Some major manufactures include Audi, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, Toyota, BMW Porsche, Jaguar, and Mercedes-Benz. For those of you who already own a car you love, or simply can’t afford a new car anytime soon (like me), you will be able to utilize an aftermarket system by Alpine or Pioneer to bring CarPlay features to your existing vehicle.
CarPlay has the potential to put Apple over the top when it comes to the never-ending Apple vs. Android battle. If CarPlay become standard in popular cars, it may entice Android users make the switch. That is, unless Google plans on creating something that can compete with CarPlay themselves; though there are already Android stereos (albeit unpopular) on the market. For those of you who are getting excited about CarPlay, keep in mind that you need to have an iPhone 5 or 6 in order to take advantage of it.
Check out this video Volvo created that depicts the look and feel of Apples CarPlay:
Apple has not announced an official release date for CarPlay, but it is rumored to hit the market later this year. Keep your eyes peeled for more news on this when it is officially announced.
What are your thoughts? Should Apple manufacture their own car, or develop technology for other car manufactures? Will CarPlay entice Android users to make the switch? Let us know what you think in the comment section below.