Apple CarPlay Is Taking Over — But What It Is Again?

If your iPhone was built into your car's dash, you wouldn't have to get caught texting and driving again. Last March, Apple announced CarPlay, which renovates the clunky digital infotainment system interface with the familiarity of the iOS mobile operating system. And at today's Apple event, the tech company announced that every major car brand has committed to delivering CarPlay.

We got to touch, see, and experience Apple CarPlay for ourselves while testing Pioneer's CarPlay-compatible aftermarket infotainment systems. Pioneer users with select models — AVIC-8000NEX, AVIC7000NEX, AVIC-6000NEX, AVIC5000NEX, and AVH-4000NEX — will be able to download the CarPlay software onto a USB drive, then simply install it onto the dash using the in-car USB port. The systems can be installed into just about any car, but it's not an installation project for a novice.

The systems can be bought at Best Buy, and Pioneer suggests hiring Best Buy's Geek Squad to implement the new infotainment center into the car. Get Apple CarPlay without getting a whole new car via Pioneer now. You'll need a Lightning-cable-connected device, a data plan to use Messages or Maps, and iOS 7.1 or later. Scroll to get an up-close-and-personal look at Apple CarPlay! Source: Apple

Watch Siri enable Apple CarPlay's Maps.

Source: Nicole Nguyen

Watch Siri enable Apple CarPlay's iTunes.

Source: Nicole Nguyen

Once the device is plugged in, you'll see this.

Once the device is plugged in, you'll see this.

Source: Nicole Nguyen

This USB cable is installed into the center console (middle compartment).

This USB cable is installed into the center console (middle compartment).

Source: Nicole Nguyen

A microphone installed above the rearview mirror helps pick up clear sound.

A microphone installed above the rearview mirror helps pick up clear sound.

Source: Nicole Nguyen

The steering wheel can also enable voice control.

The steering wheel can also enable voice control.

Source: Nicole Nguyen

The menu dashboard includes phone, music, maps, messages, and now playing.

The menu dashboard includes phone, music, maps, messages, and now playing.

Source: Nicole Nguyen

Find music by album, genre, etc., just as you would in iTunes. Podcasts are not supported right now.

Find music by album, genre, etc., just as you would in iTunes. Podcasts are not supported right now.

Source: Nicole Nguyen

Play iTunes Radio through CarPlay.

Play iTunes Radio through CarPlay.

Source: Nicole Nguyen

Find a type of location, such as "cafe," using Apple Maps.

Find a type of location, such as "cafe," using Apple Maps.

Apple Maps also offers turn-by-turn directions.

Apple Maps also offers turn-by-turn directions.

Source: Nicole Nguyen

Current location view in Apple Maps.

Current location view in Apple Maps.

Source: Nicole Nguyen

Apple Maps can list a certain type of destination, like "coffee shop" or "gas station."

Apple Maps can list a certain type of destination, like "coffee shop" or "gas station."

Source: Nicole Nguyen

Access contacts through CarPlay.

Access contacts through CarPlay.

Source: Nicole Nguyen

Send text messages, and have their responses be read back to you by Siri.

Send text messages, and have their responses be read back to you by Siri.

Source: Nicole Nguyen