Apple CarPlay is going to allow third party navigations systems such as Waze and Google Maps to use the iPhone-mirroring service, starting with the upcoming iOS 12 system upgrade, the tech firm has announced at its 2018 WWCD developer conference.
The move will fix a longstanding frustration with CarPlay: Apple Maps is less popular than its rival Google Maps, while many motorists swear by the traffic-dodging functionality of Waze. Both will now be accessible through the CarPlay Interface.
Apple hopes it will encourage more drivers to actively use CarPlay, rather than default to their own car’s navigation systems. Once they’re hooked into the mapping systems, it’s expected they’ll use other functions within the Apple iPhone system.
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Apple describes CarPlay as “a smarter, safer way to use your iPhone in the car… [it] takes the things you want to do with your iPhone while driving and puts them on your car’s built-in display”. Many drivers have for years wanted to use Waze – an app designed for drivers – through CarPlay. At last, Apple has responded.
Most major vehicle manufacturers now offer CarPlay as standard-fit or (oddly, in the case of premium-brand Volvo) a cost-option, and those who don’t freely admit it’s coming soon. CarPlay rival, Android Auto, has for some time offered navigation using third-party apps such as Waze.
iOS 12 will launch as a system update for iPhone users in the autumn.