Hyundai Launching CarPlay in Sonata in First Quarter of 2016

[MacRumors]

Hyundai has confirmed that CarPlay will launch in the 2016 Sonata in the first quarter of next year, per the Detroit Free Press. The carmaker will reportedly sell an SD card with new software to get the system for an undisclosed price.

The report does not specify if CarPlay will be available in 2016 Sonata models sold outside of the United States, or if Apple's in-dash software will be backwards compatible with the 2015 Sonata. The carmaker has not yet outlined plans to bring CarPlay to the rest of its vehicle lineup.

In April 2014, Hyundai announced that CarPlay would be available in the Sonata beginning in the 2015 model year, but it failed to deliver on that promise. CarPlay is only now beginning to experience wider U.S. adoption in 2016 vehicles from General Motors, Volkswagen, Honda and other automakers, as either a standard feature or entertainment package upgrade.

CarPlay provides hands-free or eyes-free access to Maps, Phone, Messages, Music, Podcasts and third-party apps including Spotify, Rdio, iHeartRadio, CBS Radio and MLB At Bat. The platform uses Siri and interfaces with your vehicle's knobs, dials and buttons for safer access to common iPhone features. The software is compatible with iPhone 5 or later running iOS 8 or above.

Article Link: Hyundai Launching CarPlay in Sonata in First Quarter of 2016

 

[hauntvictim]

I have a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. I have emailed their HQ multiple times about the CarPlay launch and availability. They continued to stick by backwards compatibility for the '15 models. Fingers crossed.

 

[jmgregory1]

Once you've been in a vehicle with CarPlay, it makes all old bt connected systems seem really old school. I've rented a few GM cars with it and was really surprised by how seamlessly it worked. Plug my iPhone in and accept the connection, no having to find the right bt connection, maybe delete old connections when the car has too many other people's phones stored, being able to have your texts automatically read. The only thing I didn't like was Maps as the car's system seemed faster.

 

[HenryDJP]

Even with a cheap car like a Hyundai that's good to see they are being implemented with CarPlay rather than upscale quality cars only.

 

[solipsism]

I've tested several vehicles and aftermarket infotainment head units with varying results. A couple of the earlier ones were just so slow respond that even as an iOS user I would have rather used their default system and control my iPhone the old fashion way.

I've never tried testing via the wireless option, but except for very short drives where taking your iPhone out of your pocket to charge whilst driving is too much of an inconvenience, I don't see that getting often, which makes it a back-burner concern.

PS: Are there any automobiles that are yet using capacitance, IPS panels on their head units?

 

[solipsism]

Even with a cheap car like a Hyundai that's good to see they are being implemented with CarPlay rather than upscale quality cars only.

Cheap? The Hyundai Equus starts at $61,500 USD, and the Sonata starts over $20k and goes up considerably after that. It's inexpensive for the amount of car and features you get compared to German automakers, but these aren't cheap, budget vehicles. If you mean

• https://www.hyundaiusa.com/equus/
• https://www.hyundaiusa.com/sonata/

 

[shareef777]

I've tested several vehicles and aftermarket infotainment head units with varying results. A couple of the earlier ones were just so slow respond that even as an iOS user I would have rather used their default system and control my iPhone the old fashion way.

I've never tried testing via the wireless option, but except for very short drives where taking your iPhone out of your pocket to charge whilst driving is too much of an inconvenience, I don't see that getting often, which makes it a back-burner concern.

PS: Are there any automobiles that are yet using capacitance, IPS panels on their head units?

CarPlay is wired only at the moment. I believe the phone supports wireless, but no manufacturer has shipped a wireless capable head unit.

As for the touchscreen, I believe the 2016 Accords are capacitance based touch.

 

[solamar]

I have the Kenwood DDX9902S and love it.. but Carplay needs to expand it's App support.. or rather Developers need to expand support. So far, it's only Media Apps that support it. Would like see some alternative apps like Google Maps and Automatic should support it to display it's live info for drive stats, maybe some other car modules that support ODB-II could have companion apps that support Carplay would be very nice.

It also really needs support for Bluetooth.. most times I'd prefer to not have to plug in...

Overall, I'm in the "Happy" category with Carplay..

 

[Iconoclysm]

Even with a cheap car like a Hyundai that's good to see they are being implemented with CarPlay rather than upscale quality cars only.

The problem here is that the cheap cars require upgrading to their best trim's entertainment system...and the expensive ones are going to be charging $350+. CarPlay in my XC90 was $640 before a dealer discount due to my complaining about the cost.

 

[Iconoclysm]

I've tested several vehicles and aftermarket infotainment head units with varying results. A couple of the earlier ones were just so slow respond that even as an iOS user I would have rather used their default system and control my iPhone the old fashion way.

I've never tried testing via the wireless option, but except for very short drives where taking your iPhone out of your pocket to charge whilst driving is too much of an inconvenience, I don't see that getting often, which makes it a back-burner concern.

PS: Are there any automobiles that are yet using capacitance, IPS panels on their head units?

The Volvo XC90 has a capacitive and infrared panel, the infrared allows the screen to work with gloves on.

 

[69Mustang]

Cheap? The Hyundai Equus starts at $61,500 USD, and the Sonata starts over $20k and goes up considerably after that. It's inexpensive for the amount of car and features you get compared to German automakers, but these aren't cheap, budget vehicles. If you mean

• https://www.hyundaiusa.com/equus/
• https://www.hyundaiusa.com/sonata/

I think Henry meant cheap as in inexpensive. To that end, Hyundai does sell 4 vehicles from $15K-$18K. That's cheap. Using the Equus as a retort is sort of like using a Toureg as an example of VW not selling cheap cars when the Jetta is right there.

Even with a cheap car like a Hyundai that's good to see they are being implemented with CarPlay rather than upscale quality cars only.

Agreed. Offering it throughout model and manufacturer lineups increases the chances of adoption.

 

[Iconoclysm]

CarPlay is wired only at the moment. I believe the phone supports wireless, but no manufacturer has shipped a wireless capable head unit.

As for the touchscreen, I believe the 2016 Accords are capacitance based touch.

The technology can support wireless now and it's likely only going to use the WiFi radio to do it, but the software will need to be updated by the manufacturer. Because Apple works closely with the manufacturers, it will probably take even longer for that to happen, these guys won't just flip the switch without consultation.

 

[solipsism]

I think Henry meant cheap as in inexpensive. To that end, Hyundai does sell 4 vehicles from $15K-$18K. That's cheap. Using the Equus as a retort is sort of like using a Toureg as an example of VW not selling cheap cars when the Jetta is right there.

For their class, they are inexpensive, but Hyundai the brand, which is how he framed it, isn't some inexpensive brand. I also noted the Sonata. If that's Henry's measure, then all major automotive makers have inexpensive cars.

 

[Lankyman]

And yet independent research in many countries shows that using a phone when driving, be that hands free or physically holding the phone is a huge distraction and has been responsible for many deaths?

What would be a step forward is if technology could be made to make the phone shut down for both incoming and outgoing calls when a car is in motion.

 

[solipsism]

And yet independent research in many countries shows that using a phone when driving, be that hands free or physically holding the phone is a huge distraction and has been responsible for many deaths?

Lots of things cause one's reaction time to be lessened. Mythbusters has a recent episode on it, but there are certainly plenty of peer reviewed articles on it that doing anything other than driving affects your ability to drive safe. From eating, to listening to music, to having children crying, to even being emotionally distraught behind the wheel.

What would be a step forward is if technology could be made to make the phone shut down for both incoming and outgoing calls when a car is in motion.

That's not going to happen because it would 1) be ineffective in getting people to stop (see the War on Drugs and Three Strikes Rule being used to keep people from not breaking the law by making the laws so harsh that people wouldn't break them), and 2) even if it was hypothetically effective it would be like fixing a one of a million leaks in a damn (see previous comments about other things causing distractions whilst driving.

The solution for safer roads will be self-driving cars. Note: I am not implying driver-less cars.

 

[HWSMAR]

Hyundai has confirmed that CarPlay will launch in the 2016 Sonata in the first quarter of next year, per the Detroit Free Press. The carmaker will reportedly sell an SD card with new software to get the system for an undisclosed price.

The report does not specify if CarPlay will be available in 2016 Sonata models sold outside of the United States, or if Apple's in-dash software will be backwards compatible with the 2015 Sonata. The carmaker has not yet outlined plans to bring CarPlay to the rest of its vehicle lineup.

In April 2014, Hyundai announced that CarPlay would be available in the Sonata beginning in the 2015 model year, but it failed to deliver on that promise. CarPlay is only now beginning to experience wider U.S. adoption in 2016 vehicles from General Motors, Volkswagen, Honda and other automakers, as either a standard feature or entertainment package upgrade.

CarPlay provides hands-free or eyes-free access to Maps, Phone, Messages, Music, Podcasts and third-party apps including Spotify, Rdio, iHeartRadio, CBS Radio and MLB At Bat. The platform uses Siri and interfaces with your vehicle's knobs, dials and buttons for safer access to common iPhone features. The software is compatible with iPhone 5 or later running iOS 8 or above.

Article Link: Hyundai Launching CarPlay in Sonata in First Quarter of 2016

 

[HWSMAR]

I bought in July for my Kia Venga from 2010 a Pioneer SPH-DA-120 app radio which is CarPlay compatible. It works very well although the Dutch siri is not optimal in use with Apple Maps. But for normal driving it is very pleasant to use all my apps I use normal on my iPhone 6.
The only one information what I miss during navigation is my real speed. I used to have it on my TomTom equipment before I bought the pioneer and my speed control was adjusted to this 'real speed'.

 

[Robert.Walter]

Shame on Hyundai for its bait and switch approach of soon and free changing to wait to pay. What a way to squander customer good will. An imaginative firm would offer free updates at dealer as part of a customer visit or an oil change.

Also boo on Honda for also playing bait and switch. In a massive show of bad faith, Honda allowed Apple to use photos of a Honda display audio unit in its promotions of CarPlay. Even after successfully testing CarPlay in 2014 vehicles via a customer installed USB update, Honda has dragged its feet in introducing and then reneging on its representations of offering a future backwards compatible firmware update to their early customers of display audio equipped vehicles.

 

[solipsism]

Shame on Hyundai for its bait and switch approach of soon and free changing to wait to pay. What a way to squander customer good will. An imaginative firm would offer free updates at dealer as part of a customer visit or an oil change.

Also boo on Honda for also playing bait and switch. In a massive show of bad faith, Honda allowed Apple to use photos of a Honda display audio unit in its promotions of CarPlay. Even after successfully testing CarPlay in 2014 vehicles via a customer installed USB update, Honda has dragged its feet in introducing and then reneging on its representations of offering a future backwards compatible firmware update to their early customers of display audio equipped vehicles.

If you honestly believe these companies are intentionally making fraudulent claims then you should seek out a lawyer to class-action lawsuit on the behalf of buyers that bought their vehicle because of an impending, free update to CarPlay.

 

[Lankyman]

Lots of things cause one's reaction time to be lessened. Mythbusters has a recent episode on it, but there are certainly plenty of peer reviewed articles on it that doing anything other than driving affects your ability to drive safe. From eating, to listening to music, to having children crying, to even being emotionally distraught behind the wheel.



That's not going to happen because it would 1) be ineffective in getting people to stop (see the War on Drugs and Three Strikes Rule being used to keep people from not breaking the law by making the laws so harsh that people wouldn't break them), and 2) even if it was hypothetically effective it would be like fixing a one of a million leaks in a damn (see previous comments about other things causing distractions whilst driving.

The solution for safer roads will be self-driving cars. Note: I am not implying driver-less cars.

Even with legislation idiots will always be idiots. It's the ones with at least some semblance of intelligence that we need to get through to. Research in the UK shows (and this has been backed up by other studies) that using a phone/having a conversation on a phone whilst driving is as dangerous or more so than drink/drug driving. Now whilst the other things you mention are certainly a distraction only these two/three activities are classed as highly dangerous.

I have lost count of how many times of late I have seen total idiots clearly texting/reading texts whilst driving at 70 mph on a motorway.

 

[LuckyBubba]

Cheap? The Hyundai Equus starts at $61,500 USD, and the Sonata starts over $20k and goes up considerably after that. It's inexpensive for the amount of car and features you get compared to German automakers, but these aren't cheap, budget vehicles. If you mean

Hyundai is low in price - but cheap? Not at all.. I bought into hyundai and purchased an Azera in 06 - 180000 miles later, she is still running like a charm. I have been holding out on a new purchase until CarPlay has been installed in the entire lineup. I read an article recently where GM said that CarPlay is the clincher. I have to agree with them, my purchase is based entirely upon Carplay's availability my next vehicle.

 

[shareef777]

The technology can support wireless now and it's likely only going to use the WiFi radio to do it, but the software will need to be updated by the manufacturer. Because Apple works closely with the manufacturers, it will probably take even longer for that to happen, these guys won't just flip the switch without consultation.

I've read that the head units being shipped today don't include the hardware necessary to enable wireless connectivity. Even if they did, I wouldn't be shocked if the manufacturers refuse to enable the feature and leave it for new models only as an 'upgraded' feature.

 

[HenryDJP]

I think Henry meant cheap as in inexpensive. To that end, Hyundai does sell 4 vehicles from $15K-$18K. That's cheap. Using the Equus as a retort is sort of like using a Toureg as an example of VW not selling cheap cars when the Jetta is right there.

Correct. Thank U. My comment wasn't meant that Hyundai's are cheapo crap cars. I owned one and it ran very well without issues. I definitely meant inexpensive. Thing is when most consumers hear the name "Hyundai" they don't associate it with the likes of Mercedes, BMW or Tesla. The name is generally associated with affordability.

 

[solipsism]

Even with legislation idiots will always be idiots. It's the ones with at least some semblance of intelligence that we need to get through to. Research in the UK shows (and this has been backed up by other studies) that using a phone/having a conversation on a phone whilst driving is as dangerous or more so than drink/drug driving. Now whilst the other things you mention are certainly a distraction only these two/three activities are classed as highly dangerous.

I have lost count of how many times of late I have seen total idiots clearly texting/reading texts whilst driving at 70 mph on a motorway.

Even a conversation with someone in the car reduces your reaction time. If one pays attention, they will notice that they will look at the front seat passenger in which the are talking to from time to time. With hands-free there is nothing but the road and instrument panel that needs to be looked at it, so one could argue that talking to someone in a car is potentially slightly more dangerous.

But even those that take personal precautions, also need to be aware of how others might reaction around them. I can't wait until autonomous driving removes a most of the major accidents on the road.

 

[FlunkedFlank]

2015 Sonata owner here. On one hand I've been eagerly awaiting this for over a year now, assuming they even keep their word on 2015 compatibility. On the other hand CarPlay will be useless to me if it doesn't support Waze. Or can you still run arbitrary apps on the phone itself while it is controlling a CarPlay device?