When Apple finally revealed it’s iOS car integration system CarPlay earlier this year the only hope of getting iOS on your dash in 2014 was to buy a new Ferrari or Benz, but thanks Pioneer’s announcement that it’s adding CarPlay to its 2014 aftermarket in-dash car multimedia systems, you hoopty could be rolling with CarPlay later this summer.
Pioneer revealed it will bring CarPlay to its five NEX receivers early this summer thanks to a hearty firmware update. CarPlay will utilize Pioneer’s LCD displays to offer Siri voice control, Apple Maps and iMessage integration as well as the ability to listen to music from your iPhone.
“Pioneer’s years of expertise integrating smartphone connectivity into the automotive environment has provided us the opportunity to be among the first to offer CarPlay to drivers,” said Ted Cardenas, vice president of marketing for the Car Electronics Division of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. “By providing an aftermarket option, Pioneer’s 2014 in-dash multimedia systems give many iPhone owners the ability to add CarPlay to their current vehicles.”
Getting a CarPlay-ready receiver won’t be cheap though as the most affordable NEX unit is priced at $700 while the top of the line AVIC-8000NEX will drill your wallet for $1400.
Still, it’s cheaper than a new Benz lease.
Source: Pioneer
