Special version of Maps may appear on dashboard displays

With iOS 7, Apple wants to deepen in-car integration options for iOS devices, sources claim. Currently such integration is limited mostly to things like iPod input or Siri Eyes Free, which makes it possible to issue Siri commands with a quick-access button. Sources tell 9to5Mac, however, that Apple is working with car companies on new center consoles that could dock an iPhone and output an optimized, car-oriented version of Maps to a dashboard display.

Once docked, Maps and other iOS functions on an iPhone would be controlled via Siri. The 9to5 sources say, though, that Maps integration could take some time, since it will take more car-based testing, upgrades to Maps and Siri infrastructures, and of course deals with automakers, although Apple may only need to expand on the deals it already has. The feature could potentially be limited to recent iOS devices, since combining 3D turn-by-turn navigation and Siri might proving taxing on older hardware.

iOS 7 will make its public debut at WWDC in June, but will likely ship at least a month or more later alongside a new iPhone. If Maps support follows the path of Eyes Free, it could take months more after an iPhone launch for the first compatible cars to go on sale.

by MacNN Staff