Apple CarPlay Technology Announced for Two Buick Models

Buick has been one of the most innovative car companies in recent years when it comes to adopting and integrating mobile technology into vehicles. The luxury car manufacturer is continuing to offer drivers new features that make driving and staying connected while on the road more convenient. This is why the manufacturer decided to make a large announcement in New York City at the C3 Connected Car Conference. Buick announced that two 2016 model year cars are going to be compatible with Apple CarPlay technology. Those models are the Buick Regal and LaCrosse.

Apple CarPlay is a framework and a technology standard that makes it possible for an Apple mobile device like the iPhone to interact directly with a special computer mounted in the dashboard of the car. The device is attached to the vehicle using a universal serial bus, or USB, cable. The onboard computer is running software that allows it to mirror or access the apps that are already installed on the iPhone. The USB connection is important because it provides for fast data transfers and reduces the chance of interference that might occur when using a wireless signal.

Drivers of a Buick LaCrosse or Regal will be able to access the Apple CarPlay technology through a touchscreen on the dashboard. That screen is the display for the Buick IntelliLink system. IntelliLink is a custom operating system specially designed for a few luxury Buick vehicles. IntelliLink is a standalone technology that already comes with some built-in features. These include IntelliLink apps and voice recognition capabilities. Unfortunately, some of these apps did not do what drivers with an iPhone wanted. Apple CarPlay bridges that gap between technologies.

Once the iPhone is plugged into the IntelliLink system, the screen on the dashboard is going to change. It will start displaying the apps that are installed on the iPhone. Any information that would normally be displayed on the mobile device will be on the dashboard display. Drivers can interact with the apps through the touchscreen. An added bonus is that any knobs or dials that would normally control the screen will still work with CarPlay. The voice command system controlled from the steering wheel of Buick vehicles will also trigger CarPlay apps.

The technology from Buick does more than just project the screen of an iPhone onto the dashboard display. It actually integrates the apps into the driving experience. Not all apps will work with the system. They have to be compatible with the framework. Drivers will currently have access to basic functions such as messaging, map, phone and streaming music apps. Compatible third-party apps will work as well when more come onto the market. The introduction of Apple CarPlay compatibility will enhance the connectivity, convenience and experience of drivers in the 2016 Buick Regal and LaCrosse.