Apple has announced nine additional partners for its CarPlay initiative, marking the first expansion of the list since the feature’s March introduction. Joining the list of existing CarPlay partners is Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Audi, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep, Mazda, and Ram Trucks.
Audi announced its plans to offer CarPlay in the infotainment consoles of its vehicles last week. The luxury car maker has since given more detail on its plans, saying CarPlay support will roll out in Europe in 2015, with U.S. support coming the following year.
CarPlay partners expected to ship vehicles boasting the feature this year include Hyundai, Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, and Honda.
CarPlay was initially introduced at Apple’s WWDC 2013 as “iOS in the Car.” The company announced more about its plans for iPhone/auto integration in March 2014, having renamed the initiative as “CarPlay.”
The feature integrates apps running on iPhone 5s/5c/5 handsets running iOS 7.1 or later with the built-in infotainment displays in vehicles. Apple apps such as Phone Message, Maps, and Music will be supported. Third-party apps such as Spotify and MLB Radio will also be supported.
(Via 9to5Mac)
