Wireless Apple CarPlay coming to all Volkswagen Australia models
Volkswagen Australia will offer wireless Apple CarPlay across its wider local range “within the next 18 months” in conjunction with the global rollout of the new ‘MIB3’ infotainment architecture, from the Polo hatch to the Amarok ute and Transporter van.
As reported prior, the new third-generation modular infotainment system features ‘App Connect Wireless’, as offered locally by BMW to date, together with eSIM online connectivity, though the latter functionality will not initially be available in Australia.
The new MIB3 system debuts in the new face-lifted 2020 Passat 140TSI Business, which is now on sale locally for $45,990 for the sedan and $47,990 for the wagon before on-roads.
While MIB3 will be the standard format for both the ‘regular’ 8.0-inch Discover Media and high-end 9.2-inch Discover Pro infotainment grades, it was originally thought that wireless CarPlay might only feature on the latter unit.
Control with a word. Or a touch. Or a twist.
However, according to Volkswagen Australia PR spokesman Kurt McGuiness, complete wireless phone mirroring is a foregone conclusion.
“It’s too soon to tell how the offer structures will be built, but when we introduced Apple CarPlay back in 2015 we brought it in across the board and basically made it our standard system,” he says.
“As our vehicles move into a new generation of technology, it’s not going to be the case where you have wired Apple CarPlay for some models and wireless for others. The (infotainment) system generations will just update with various model updates and it’ll become the standard format.”
Let your iPhone show you the way.
The power and simplicity of Apple Maps is available in your car. CarPlay can predict where you’re going using addresses from your email, text messages, contacts, and calendars. And now with a more detailed map, turn‑by‑turn spoken directions, and immersive 3D experiences, it’s easier than ever to get where you need to go. One‑tap access to your go‑to and must‑see destinations also helps you find more to see and do when you get there — whether you’re searching for points of interest, driving to a favorite restaurant, or looking for nearby gas stations.
Phone: The road is calling.
Make calls, return missed calls, and listen to voicemail. Siri can help you do all of these things. All you have to do is ask.
Reading and writing Messages is now listening and dictating.
Siri can read, reply, and send text messages for you, so you never have to look at your iPhone while driving. Just say “Siri, tell Blair I’ll be there in 20 minutes,” and it’s done. CarPlay can also play audio messages through the car’s speakers.
Klook.com
