iOS 7.1 expected to unlock ‘iOS in the Car’ feature

One of the big iOS 7 features Apple showed off during its WWDC event in June was callediOS in the Car. The feature allows for deeper integration between iOS devices and vehicles, enabling users to view iOS apps on factory in-dash displays.

Until now, the feature has not been available, but it looks like the upcoming iOS 7.1 update will change that. Earlier today, Apple seeded the second beta of the firmware to developers, and it includes a new Settings on/off toggle for a Car Display…

9to5Mac was first to report the newly-added feature:

“Right on time, the latest beta of iOS 7.1 has added a toggle to enable or disable “Car Display” in the Restrictions Settings panel. We also understand from multiple sources that Apple has greatly increased the amount of iOS in the Car references in both iOS 7.1 beta 1 and in the new beta 2.

While it is always possible that iOS in the Car gets delayed further into 2014, it currently seems like Apple is targeting a launch for iOS in the Car alongside iOS 7.1 next year.”

And here, again, is Apple’s description of iOS in the Car:

“iOS in the Car seamlessly integrates your iOS device — and the iOS experience — with your in-dash system. If your vehicle is equipped with iOS in the Car, you can connect your iPhone 5 and interact with it using the car’s built-in display and controls or Siri Eyes Free. Now you can easily and safely make phone calls, access your music, send and receive messages, get directions, and more. It’s all designed to let iPhone focus on what you need, so you can focus on the road.” 

In June, hidden code was discovered within an earlier iOS 7 beta that suggested that iOS in the Car could connect with vehicles via Apple’s wireless AirPlay technology, as well as a standard USB connection, to mirror apps, Maps, and other data.

A number of car manufacturers—including Acura, Mercedes-Benz, Infiniti, Ferrari, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Volvo, Opel and Jaguar—have already pledged support for the feature. And this month, Honda took the first step with its HondaLink service.

On a conference call with investors, Tim Cook noted that iOS in the Car is a key part of Apple’s ecosystem.

Honda says iOS mirroring will be available in 2014 Civic

It looks like Honda is going to be one of the first auto-makers to ship a vehicle compatible with Apple’s new iOS in the Car feature. A representative for the company confirmed with a customer via Twitter that the tech will be available in its 2014 Civic.

For those unfamiliar with iOS in the Car, it’s essentially Apple’s next level of in-car device integration. Where ‘Eyes Free’ only let users access Siri, this will allow users to access apps like Phone, Maps, Music and more via their car’s built-in touchscreen…

Here’s the Twitter exchange via 9to5Mac:

So what does this mean? Well judging from the rep’s comments, users will be able to control their iOS devices using the 7-inch multitouch display that Honda is building into the dash of its 2014 model Civic, which is expected to go on sale in early December.

Additionally, the rep told one customer that Honda would begin rolling out Siri Eyes Free updates for existing vehicles next month as well. So current Honda car owners (presumably only later models) can expect to see that functionality in the near future.

Though it may not seem like it now, iOS in the Car is a big deal for Apple. During a quarterly earnings conference call earlier this year, Tim Cook told investors it’s a “key focus” for the company and as important to its ecosystem as iTunes or the App Store.

Several manufacturers have pledged to support the new tech, including Acura, Mercedes-Benz, Infiniti, Ferrari, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Kia, Volvo, Opel and Jaguar.