Apple may roll out 'iOS in the Car' next week

Apple seems set to foray into your car next week with the announcement of tie-ups for its 'iOS-in-the-Car' solution. According to a report by Financial Times, company sources have revealed that the in-car operating system will be launched at next week's Geneva Motor Show. 

"The technology group (Apple) will next week launch its first in-car operating system with Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo as it attempts to take the lead in a fierce race to dominate tomorrow's smart cars," said the report. 

Apple had announced the 'iOS in the Car' solution during its Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) 2013. It will bring in-car access to Siri (hands-free, eye-off mode), Apple Maps and, videos and music, and also allow drivers to make calls and send iMessages on-the-go. 

 

 Though the report did not specifically mention the name of the in-car software, all the features described in the report match those of 'iOS in the Car'. 

This deal "marks the first time that Apple is embedding its software in devices other than its own branded products. The choice of the Ferrari, Volvo and Mercedes-Benz is seen to be in keeping with the US tech group's high-end phones," according to the report. 

At WWDC 2013, Apple's software chief Eddy Cue had announced that Apple is in talks with car makers like Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, BMW, Audi, Ford, Chevrolet, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar, Land Rover, Nissan, Toyota etc to integrate 'iOS in the Car' software in their new products. 

Apple, of course, is not the only technology company looking to tap the market for in-car infotainment systems. BlackBerry and Microsoft are also in the market to integrate their own in-car solutions in cars by major manufacturers. 

In the past, Apple executives have said that in-car integration is very important to the company. The company is moving past smartphones and tablets and looking at new avenues for growth. Among the eagerly anticipated new Apple products are smartwatches and HDTVs. CEO Tim Cook has also said "there is a ton of stuff going on" and said Apple TV is more than just a hobby now.