Today, Harman International Industries announced that it has achieved the world's first implementation of its wireless CarPlay in vehicles. Harman said that its infotainment system is now being deployed for a luxury German automaker, which seems to be as the Bayerische Motoren Werke or most commonly known as BMW. According to reports, the luxury vehicle and engine manufacturing company is the only automaker that currently supports the wireless CarPlay function as a built-in feature.
Wireless CarPlay On BMW Model Cars
According to The Verge, plenty of BMW model cars have already supported wireless CarPlay since late last year. Harman's announcement today comes just as the same time as the 2017 BMW 5 Series hits the streets in some part of the United States. This BMW model vehicle was the first car to offer wireless CarPlay which features Bluetooth to connect the driver's iPhone into the car. It also boasts its Wi-Fi connection for ongoing connectivity of the driver as well as the passengers.
In addition to its features, wireless CarPlay allows you to get your iPhone interface on the vehicle's infotainment screen even it is not connected or plugged in. And now, thanks to Harman, many people will soon be enjoying the wireless CarPlay even if they are not riding on a luxury car such as the 2017 BMW 5 Series. Harman could also bring wireless CarPlay to other automakers such as Audi, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler and more. Note that wireless CarPlay requires an iPhone 5 or newer Apple iPhone.
Harman Could Bring Wireless CarPlay To Other Automakers
Harman did not disclose any plans to roll out wireless CarPlay to different automakers, but it already has business relationships with some vehicle manufacturers, such as Volkswagen Group, Daimler, and FCA. With that, wireless CarPlay could also possible to be seen to brands including Audi, VW, Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler, Dodge as well as Jeep in the future. According to MacRumors, Volkswagen wanted to demonstrate the wireless CarPlay at CES 2016, but Apple prevented them from doing so for unknown reasons.
Because of some confidentiality agreements, it seems like we need to wait a little bit more for each of these automakers to announce the wireless CarPlay feature on their individual car. However, Harman and BMW have proven that it can be accomplished, so it will not be impossible. In fact, CarPlay is available in more than 200 vehicles around the world, which enables drivers to make and receive calls as well as text messages, play music, make directions, check traffic conditions and talk to Siri.
