Harman Could Bring Wireless CarPlay to Audi, VW, Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler, and Other Automakers

[MacRumors]

Harman today announced that it has achieved the first-ever implementation of wireless CarPlay in vehicles. It said its infotainment system is currently being deployed for a luxury German automaker, which more than likely refers to BMW, the only automaker that currently supports wireless CarPlay as a built-in feature.

A number of BMW models have supported wireless CarPlay since late last year, and Harman's announcement comes just as the 2017 BMW 5 Series with wireless CarPlay hits the streets in the United States.

Harman did not disclose plans to roll out wireless CarPlay to other automakers, but it has business relationships with several vehicle manufacturers, including Volkswagen Group, Daimler, and FCA, so it is plausible that wireless CarPlay could expand to brands such as Audi, VW, Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep in the future.

Harman provided the following statement to MacRumors:

HARMAN is the renowned Tier 1 supplier of infotainment systems to global automakers. Our customers include Audi/VW, Daimler, BMW, Chrysler/FCA, and many others. HARMAN has pioneered the introduction of many Apple features in the past into car - iPod out, CarPlay, etc - as well as other "smart apps" such as Android Auto and Baidu CarLife, for automakers across the world.

Volkswagen actually wanted to demonstrate wireless CarPlay at CES 2016, but it said Apple blocked them from doing so for undisclosed reasons.

Due to confidentiality agreements, it is likely we will have to wait for each of these automakers to announce wireless CarPlay individually, but Harman and BMW have proven that it can be accomplished.

Apple introduced wireless CarPlay support in iOS 9, but the majority of current systems require connecting an iPhone to the vehicle with a Lightning to USB cable. Harman's system is the first to enable wireless implementation, with the iPhone connecting via Bluetooth and data transferring via Wi-Fi.

Last month, Alpine introduced the first aftermarket system with wireless CarPlay for do-it-yourself installations. The iLX-107 features a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen with LED backlighting, and it begins shipping this month for a suggested price of $900. Some resellers may offer it for cheaper as seen with other Alpine receivers.

CarPlay is available in over 200 vehicle models around the world, enabling drivers to make and receive calls, access text messages, play music, get directions, check traffic conditions, and more with Siri voice commands and on-screen controls. CarPlay requires an iPhone 5 or newer.

Article Link: Harman Could Bring Wireless CarPlay to Audi, VW, Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler, and Other Automakers

 

[slimothy]

I guess that's pretty cool.

 

[thisisnotmyname]

finally

 

[DudeDad]

I now have a new car with carplay in it. I'm really enjoying it. As for wireless...meh....I'd rather have my phone charging, especially if I'm streaming music from Apple Music.

 

[DTphonehome]

Together with wireless charging, this is cool. Otherwise, meh. You're going to plug it in anyway to charge.

 

[Mac 128]

I now have a new car with carplay in it. I'm really enjoying it. As for wireless...meh....I'd rather have my phone charging, especially if I'm streaming music from Apple Music.

Which it will likely do wirelessly. Can't wait to never have to plug my phone in again, in places I frequently use it.

 

[BoltmanLives]

BMW crossed off list unless they rip it out OR give me a huge discount
Hope these rudimentary Android/iOS proprietary entertainment systems get the boot soon after Pocket Surface arrives on the scene

 

[macduke]

I find it funny that you can install a wireless CarPlay system for $900 when you can get a decently spec'd iPad Mini for under $300 which is probably faster and better. I remember a while back seeing some users installing them in their cars. I guess the main benefit of CarPlay is that you can hook it up to the car's audio controls, radio, and backup camera? Is that the only reason to get that instead of an iPad installation? My backup camera runs through my rear view mirror, I don't listen to the radio, but I would like to use hardware controls. Anyone still recommend doing this?

 

[Chupa Chupa]

I now have a new car with carplay in it. I'm really enjoying it. As for wireless...meh....I'd rather have my phone charging, especially if I'm streaming music from Apple Music.

BMW has wireless charging too.
[doublepost=1487881595][/doublepost]

BMW crossed off list unless they rip it out OR give me a huge discount
Hope these rudimentary Android/iOS proprietary entertainment systems get the boot soon after Pocket Surface arrives on the scene

Huh? It's an option, not standard equipment. BMWs are stripped compared to other cars of the same price point. Guessing BMW was never on your list or you would have known that.

 

[vladi]

Just like smartwatches completely missed the mark, these automotive entertainment overlays are completely wrong in execution both Apple and Android.

 

[Vanilla35]

Huh? It's an option, not standard equipment. BMWs are stripped compared to other cars of the same price point. Guessing BMW was never on your list or you would have known that.

They're not stripped of options. Just stripped of standard equipment

 

[Weaselboy]

BMW crossed off list unless they rip it out OR give me a huge discount
Hope these rudimentary Android/iOS proprietary entertainment systems get the boot soon after Pocket Surface arrives on the scene

CarPlay is not standard on BMWs, it is a $300 option.

 

[Sevanw]

Something tells me, Android Auto is gonna get more attention very soon from Harmon. Most likely with extra support for Samsung devices.

 

[Rocketman]

Volkswagen actually wanted to demonstrate wireless CarPlay at CES 2016, but it said Apple blocked them from doing so for undisclosed reasons.

The diesel drama of course. I have had two VW diesel cars and they were awesome on reliability and economy, and given most cars spend time in traffic jams, the differential exhaust doesn't mater on a VW designed for long range continuous driving.

If you don't have 300,000 miles on your VW diesel when you move along, you are not using it correctly.

 

[dwaltwhit]

wireless carplay and wireless charging together would be the bee's knees! I am just biding my time until any of it makes it to jeep

 

[IJ Reilly]

Together with wireless charging, this is cool. Otherwise, meh. You're going to plug it in anyway to charge.

Yup, this. I suppose wireless CarPlay would be useful for shorter trips, and wired can be kind of a pain if you discover you need it while driving but your phone is in your pocket.

Wonder if this is all is software or requires special hardware.

 

[cardfan]

I'm still good with just using a proclip mount with charger for iphone plus. Carplay still looks pretty limited.

 

[69Mustang]

BMW has wireless charging too.

Yup. I completely forgot about that. Since multiple car manufacturers are offering Qi charging, it may be one of the reasons Apple joined the Wireless Power Consortium. Sort of makes me think the iPhone will get Qi charging abilities since it seems to be the de facto choice of the automotive industry.

 

[Michaelgtrusa]

Congrats to Harman.

 

[44267547]

wireless carplay and wireless charging together would be the bee's knees! I am just biding my time until any of it makes it to jeep

I'm assuming CarPlay would only be available in the Grand Cherokee Limited or The Wrangler Limited. It wouldn't be available in the base models, would it? Unless you add the option.

 

[Lepton]

Wireless CarPlay with wireless charging is surely a goal, but even without wireless charging it is useful. If I'm on a road trip I want to charge, but if I'm just doing a quick milk run it'd be great to just hop in the car, leave the phone in the pocket, but still use CarPlay.

 

[DeepIn2U]

Together with wireless charging, this is cool. Otherwise, meh. You're going to plug it in anyway to charge.

This is a solution for passengers (family/friends) into your car yet MOSTLY for Uber riders Play your own ghetto boom box!

 

[xraydoc]

I have the usual USB CarPlay in my car -- wireless CarPlay would be a huge bonus. Too bad there's no USB-wireless adapter.

My car does have a Qi wireless charging slot (works with Android phones, and iPhones with a Qi case), so between the two that would be great. I did buy a Qi wireless charging case (can't remember the brand, but it was one on GM's recommended list) and it works quite well.

 

[danranda]

I find it funny that you can install a wireless CarPlay system for $900 when you can get a decently spec'd iPad Mini for under $300 which is probably faster and better. I remember a while back seeing some users installing them in their cars. I guess the main benefit of CarPlay is that you can hook it up to the car's audio controls, radio, and backup camera? Is that the only reason to get that instead of an iPad installation? My backup camera runs through my rear view mirror, I don't listen to the radio, but I would like to use hardware controls. Anyone still recommend doing this?

I recently spent a week with a rental car that has carplay (wired, not wireless). I also used to have an iPad mounted in a non-permanent way to my personal car a few years ago. I can tell you, the experiences are vastly different from each other.

Yes, Carplay is attempting to bring specific iOS apps and their content to your dash, but it integrates into cars in a much more meaningful way than sticking an iPad to your dash, and I don't just mean being able to use physical car controls to control the interface. The interface is also far different from an iPad's interface. It really is designed for car use, and glancing at important info, which makes it much safer than trying to tap around on an iPad. I recommend trying it whenever you have a chance to see for yourself how different it is. Perhaps in the end it doesn't fit your needs or budget, but it is a pretty great experience if you ask me.

One thing I remember enjoying was setting different audio levels for when siri spoke to me, as in while giving me directions, vs the music I was playing from my phone. It was great to be able to crank up a song and not get jarred when siri would inevitably yell at me, as would be the experience in my ipad dash mounted car. it's a small detail, but it mattered to me.

 

[AustinIllini]

This is pretty cool and I'll admit occasionally I forget to plug in my phone but the wireless feature isn't really necessary.
[doublepost=1487892127][/doublepost]

CarPlay is not standard on BMWs, it is a $300 option.

I was shocked to find that Audi was the only one of the makes that has Carplay by default.