The reach of CarPlay, Apple's in-car app system, will extend even further than before, thanks to a new arrangement with Pioneer.
Soon, when Pioneer users plug their iPhones into their vehicles, CarPlay will automatically launch and offer access to its full suite of apps.
“By providing an aftermarket option, Pioneer’s 2014 in-dash multimedia systems give many iPhone owners the ability to add CarPlay to their current vehicles,” Ted Cardenas, vice-president of marketing for Pioneer's car-electronics division, said in a statement.
The CarPlay option will be made available this summer through a firmware update to Pioneer's line of five 2014 NEX in-dash multimedia receivers.
During the initial rollout of CarPlay earlier this year, some thought that consumers would need to purchase one of the vehicles listed as part of Apple's CarPlay partner program. Pioneer's announcement means CarPlay will come to an even wider range of drivers much sooner than previously thought via this aftermarket option.
Pioneer has also launched a dedicated website for those interested in getting the CarPlay system via its 2014 NEX in-dash multimedia receivers.
According to a report last week in Japan's Nikkei, Alpine also plans to offer an aftermarket in-car system that supports CarPlay, ranging in price from $500 to $700, some time this fall.
IAMGE: PIONEER