Hyundai will offer CarPlay in its 2016 Sonata sometime in the first quarter of 2016, says a report today from the Detroit Free Press. The report doesn’t mention any plans by the Korean car maker to bring Apple’s hands-free system to any other models in its lineup.
“Hyundai says owners will have to buy an SD card with new software to get the system. That contradicts the company’s earlier assurance that the system would be a free download for customers who bought a properly equipped 2015 or ’16 Sonata midsize sedan. Hyundai already offers Android Auto in the cars for Google phone users at no additional charge.”
“Hyundai and Apple are committed to delivering drivers the best possible experience while using CarPlay in their vehicles,” according to a statement from Hyundai. “We are currently working together to complete CarPlay integration.”
Hyundai announced in April of 2014 that it would offer CarPlay in the Sonata beginning with the 2015 model year, but failed to deliver the system for that model year. 2016 models from General Motors, Volkswagen, Honda, and others are expected to offer the system as either a standard or premium feature.
CarPlay offers iPhone users hand-free access to Maps, Phone, Messages, and more – including some third-party apps – via the vehicle’s built-in infotainment center in the vehicle’s console. The software is compatible with the iPhone 5 or newer, running iOS 8 or above.
