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Apple to Expand CarPlay With New Integrations

Users may have more control over a vehicle's settings

By Cesar Cadenas Cesar Cadenas Writer California State University - Long Beach Cesar Cadenas has been writing about the tech industry since 2016 on a variety of topics like cryptocurrency, video games, the latest gadgets, and much more. lifewire's editorial guidelines Published on October 7, 2021 02:12PM EDT Fact checked by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr University of Maryland Baltimore County Rich Scherr is a seasoned technology and financial journalist who spent nearly two decades as the editor of Potomac and Bay Area Tech Wire. lifewire's fact checking process Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Software & Apps Mobile Phones Internet & Security Computers & Tablets Smart Life Home Theater & Entertainment Software & Apps Social Media Streaming Gaming Apple is planning a new initiative to expand CarPlay's capabilities by further integrating it into vehicles and adding new controls over systems. According to Gizmodo, the project, known as "IronHeart," seeks to extend CarPlay beyond music and navigation apps to allow users to control more of a vehicle's systems. IronHeart mirrors the company's other efforts to consolidate apps into a comprehensive system, similar to Apple Home and Health. Witthaya Prasongsin/Getty Images As it currently stands, CarPlay works by connecting an iPhone to a car’s internal display to control information and entertainment apps, and even offers a hand-free way to send texts. In the new iteration, Apple seeks to include control over a car’s internal climate, speedometer, seats, armrests, and sound system. The new functionality is also expected to control a vehicle’s sensors, although the company didn’t say exactly which ones. The IronHeart project is still in its early stages and will require cooperation from car manufacturers to make it possible. More than 600 different car models currently support CarPlay. EMS-FORSTER-PRODUCTIONS/Getty Images Over the past several years, Apple has been hard at work to expand its reach into the world of automobiles. A rumored Apple Car was in the works with Hyundai for some time, but the deal between the two companies fell through. Another vehicle, dubbed Project Titan, has been in development since 2014 with no concrete release date in sight. Numerous executives from Project Titan have left the company to work at other manufacturers, as Apple continues to struggle with cars. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire Your Car's Driving Assistance Tech Isn't Meant to Be Used Alone—Here's Why Tesla Phone: News and Expected Price, Release Date, Specs; and More Rumors Apple Car: News and Expected Price, Release Date, Specs; and More Rumors How to Fix It When Apple CarPlay is Not Working Apple Watch Series 8: Release Date, Specs, Price, and News Can You Use Factory Steering Wheel Controls With Aftermarket Head Units? What Android Auto Is and How to Use It What are Car GPS Trackers and How Do They Work? How to Listen to Pandora in Your Car Yes, You Can Charge your EV Wirelessly & Here's How How to Use an MP3 Player in Your Car The 3 Best Car Stereo Systems of 2022 What Is a Steering Wheel Audio Control Adapter? How to Listen to Internet Radio Applications of Green Technology How to Get Amazon Alexa in Your Car Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies