Apple is preparing the launch of its car designed software, Apple CarPlay. One of the main efforts is the one of making sure the software will have an optimized hardware offered by car producers. The car makers Audi, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep, Mazda and Ram will join a list of Apple partners where other top car producers already reside. Other companies, among which Toyota, Ford, BMW, Chevrolet, Nissan, already established a partnership with Apple. For 2014 we can expect to see the product of Apple CarPlay partnerships with just a handful of initial producers. Ferrari, Honda, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo will soon introduce the new system, which Apple presents as ‘The Best iPhone experience on four wheels.’ The folks who do not plan to buy a new car in the very near future, Alpine and Pioneer will provide aftermarket solutions.

Apple CarPlay partnerships rely only on Apple Maps navigator?

Apple counts on Apple Maps as a navigation system. We are not sure if in this case Google Maps will be available, a troublesome factor, as Apple Maps have proved to be unreliable. Maybe Apple works hard in the meantime to catch up with Google Maps.

Google is not taking a break either. Android Car will be available to car models from at least 25 car makers. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Car will offer similar benefits for smartphone users. The main idea is to provide a smooth transition from the smartphone screen to the car display. The main applications will be ported and the functionality will be similar.

The increased gained safety on board will be the most important consequence of both platform’s introduction in the car ecology. By using the voice control, drivers will be able to attain maximum freedom in focusing on driving, while benefiting from the smartphones’ capabilities.

Auto makers will have to pay a fair share of efforts in the process too, for two main reasons. Firstly, they will have to adjust the display of the cars’ functions to intertwine with the new platforms. Car displays have been a part of the industry for a while and for a good purpose, which is not going to be less important. Secondly, the software platforms will provide incentives for car makers to adapt the car electronic components in order to improve the overall functionality, especially the warning systems. Apple CarPlay partnerships, as well as the ones established by Android Car, are probably just the first steps, albeit important ones, on the road toward driverless cars.