Apple May Finally Give CarPlay Control Over Your AC, Radio, Seats (and More)

Apple created CarPlay as a way to bring iOS to your car’s infotainment system, making everything you might want to do on your iPhone conveniently available on your dashboard while driving around. It gives drivers a safe way to make phone calls, send texts, listen to music, access Maps, etc. Now, Apple is reportedly looking to expand CarPlay’s functionality beyond the iPhone to give users control over essentially everything. 

According to a report from Bloomberg, this new initiative, known as “IronHeart,” is still in the early stages, but when implemented, it will give CarPlay the ability to control core car functions, including air conditioning, radio, speedometer, seat adjustments, inside and outside temperature and humidity readings, and control over the car’s speakers.

IronHeart would represent Apple’s strongest push into cars since CarPlay was released in 2014, but it may not be a hit with automakers. They could be reluctant to hand over control of key features to Apple. While CarPlay is now in more than 600 car models, other Apple initiatives launched in recent years have been slower to catch on with automakers.

Bloomberg

Moving Forward

CarPlay pulls its information from the iPhone when connected to the Lightning port or wirelessly, requiring little to no effort. This upgraded version of CarPlay would be a bit more complicated, requiring automakers to give Apple control over their car’s core functions for it to work. So, it makes sense why some would be reluctant.

However, if they have their consumers’ best interest, they’ll realize how much more comprehensive this version of CarPlay? would be because it would no longer be necessary to switch between ?CarPlay? and the car’s control system when it is all in one place.

Still, it’s likely going to take some time to officially release the CarPlay enhancements to the masses for multiple reasons. Bloomberg says that few cars support climate control and radio apps. Additionally, the EV routing feature isn’t available on any vehicles currently shipping, and only a few car brands support CarPlay display expansion, including BMW and Volkswagen.

Apple’s intention with this project supports the idea of there being a major moneymaking opportunity for the tech giant to expand its involvement with cars. If automakers aren’t all-in with IronHeart, perhaps, Apple Car, which has been in the works for quite some time now, is the best way to give Apple all of the control it desires.

[The information provided in this article has NOT been confirmed by Apple and may be speculation. Provided details may not be factual. Take all rumors, tech or otherwise, with a grain of salt.]