Apple recently announced their new Apple CarPlay feature, and teamed up with a range of car manufacturers, who will release new vehicles with CarPlay built in.
Now Mercedes Benz has decided that they will also offer a CarPlay solution to owners of existing vehicles, and this will be offered by the end of the year.
Mercedes will offer some sort of aftermarket installation to existing Mercedes vehicles to bring Apple CarPlay to these cars.
Details on Aftermarket CarPlay Solutions
The company has yet to confirm how exactly this will be done, and how much these aftermarket CarPlay solutions for existing Mercedes vehicles will cost. However, it is expected that the installation process will be designed to integrate seamlessly with the existing infotainment systems in Mercedes vehicles. This could involve software updates, hardware modifications, or a combination of both.
They plan to offer aftermarket CarPlay solutions to their customers before the end of the year, although they have yet to give a specific timescale on when this will be available. This move is seen as a significant step towards enhancing the driving experience for current Mercedes owners, allowing them to benefit from the latest in-car technology without needing to purchase a new vehicle.
Potential Impact on the Automotive Industry
We suspect that some of the other manufacturers who are also supporting CarPlay may offer a similar solution for their existing customers as well, although there have been no announcements as yet. If other manufacturers follow Mercedes’ lead, it could set a new standard in the automotive industry for supporting legacy vehicles with modern technology. This would not only improve customer satisfaction but also extend the lifecycle of existing vehicles, making them more appealing in the used car market.
For example, companies like BMW, Audi, and Ford, who are known for their technological advancements, might consider similar aftermarket solutions. This could lead to a competitive market for aftermarket CarPlay installations, driving down costs and making it more accessible for a broader range of car owners.
Moreover, the introduction of CarPlay in older vehicles could also pave the way for other tech integrations, such as Android Auto, enhancing the overall connectivity and functionality of cars. This trend towards retrofitting older models with new technology could also stimulate the aftermarket automotive industry, creating new business opportunities and jobs.
Source 9 to 5 Mac
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