Column: Will Apple's 'iOS in the Car' upend the auto industry?
MINYANVILLE Credit: MINYANVILLE
The introduction of iOS 7 dominated the discussion of Apple’s (NASDAQ:AAPL) 2013 Worldwide Developers Conference, but another announcement the company made that was just as significant was that of car connectivity.
Come 2014, the Cupertino, California-based company said at WWDC, Apple lovers will be able to get their hands on car-specific versions of iOS on the dashboards of up to a dozen automakers. Through the voice-activated Siri, drivers will be able to access features like voice calling, Apple Maps, iMessages, and music.
Automotive partners who are on board with the “iOS in the car” program include Honda (NYSE:HMC), Mercedes (OTCMKTS:DDAIF), Nissan (OTCMKTS:NSANY), Ferrari, Chevrolet (NYSE:GM), Kia (KRX:000270), Hyundai (KRX:005380), Volvo (HKG:0175), Jaguar (NYSE:TTM), and Opel (a GM brand not sold in the U.S.), though it’s unclear which specific models will come with iOS integration.
