Pioneer's in-car entertainment systems to get Apple CarPlay firmware update

Pioneer will be releasing a firmware update for its existing aftermarket in-dash systems to support Apple CarPlay. The CarPlay UI and support will be brought to those vehicles using Pioneer’s 2014 NEX in-dash multimedia receivers.   The company in its press release states, “Utilising large, in-dash Pioneer LCD displays, CarPlay featuring Siri voice control, gives iPhone users the features while allowing them to stay focused on the road. With CarPlay, consumers with iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c and iPhone 5 can use Siri to make and receive calls, compose and respond to text messages, use Apple Maps for navigation and listen to their music, podcasts and iTunes Radio”.   Although the press release states the impending updates, it does not shed any light on the vehicles or the in-dash system that will get these firmware updates. It is likely that these updates will be for the latest editions of the multimedia receivers mentioned above.   The 2014 NEX series of in-dash multimedia receivers include AVIC-8000NEX, AVIC-7000NEX, AVIC-6000NEX, AVIC-5000NEX and AVIC-4000NEX.The cost of these receivers is between $700 and $1400.   **Apple CarPlay** supports phone calls, music, maps, messages, and a few third-party apps. It also has iTunes Radio which allows users to buy albums and also create music station based on their favourite songs and artists. It also comes integrated with Apple Maps to give you routes, navigation info etc.   It has easy controls within the native interface of the ICE and a voice-control button that will activate Siri for voice-based interaction. Currently only new models from Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo have CarPlay. Manufacturers such as Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar Land Rover will also use CarPlay in some 2014 models.