2015 Volkswagon eGolf electric car
Volkswagen has announced that almost every 2016 VW model “in virtually every trim” will get support for CarPlay, with the first models arriving in showrooms this week.
“Democratization” only goes so far – the company will offer four different head units of varying sophistication, depending on price level …
As the people’s car brand, we knew that it was important to democratize these technologies across the Volkswagen line-up, with features like App-Connect ensuring that more consumers can integrate their smart devices in a wide range of trims on virtually every model the company sells […]
App-Connect provides seamless smartphone integration through three interfaces: Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink.
Entry-level models will get a 5-inch, 400×240 resistive touch display, while pricier models get 800×480 capacitive touch displays at sizes ranging from 6.3 to 8 inches. All the capacitive touch models support simultaneous sync with two different smartphones.
VW will also be adding support for the Apple Watch later in the year.
VW says that two models won’t get the new CarPlay-compatible head units: the short-production-run Eos, and the luxury Toureg, a joint venture with Porsche. The Golf R is first in line to get the new system.
Apple Watch wearers can keep an eye on their vehicle from afar, remotely locking and unlocking doors and viewing the status of doors, windows and sunroof (open or closed). Consumers will also be able to find a parked vehicle quickly, with a map of the current vehicle location, walking or driving directions to the vehicle, and the ability to honk the horn and flash the lights remotely.
Honda recently reaffirmed its own commitment to CarPlay, stating that the 2016 Accord will be the first model to support it. The first CarPlay-equipped Corvette went on sale last month.
