Apple CarPlay arrives on Pioneer NEX in-car systems

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A firmware update is now available for the four Pioneer NEX in-car systems sold in the UK that will let iPhone users access navigation, music and text messaging services through the in-car display.

The update makes Pioneer the first manufacturer to bring Apple CarPlay to aftermarket systems in the UK. The systems that are eligible for the update are the AVIC-F60DAB; AVIC-F960BT; AVICF960DAB; AVIC-F860BT; AVH-X8600BT and SPH-DA120.

MORE: Apple CarPlay "brings your car and iPhone together"

CarPlay lets owners of the iPhone 5 or later - including the iPhone 6 - to respond to incoming calls, dictate text messages and browse their iTunes library through the in-car display. An externally mounted microphone allows for Siri-based voice control, meaning users can keep their eyes on the road. Owners of any of the mentioned Pioneer in-car systems can download the firmware update from Pioneer's website.

Google has also previously announced its own in-car technology for Android smartphones, called Android Auto. Details about how it will work have been announced, but so far no official hardware or software is available to the public.

MORE: Apple announces nine new CarPlay partners

Max Langridge

Max is a staff writer for What Hi-Fi?'s sister site, TechRadar, in Australia. But being the wonderful English guy he is, he helps out with content across a number of Future sites, including What Hi-Fi?. It wouldn't be his first exposure to the world of all things hi-fi and home cinema, as his first role in technology journalism was with What Hi-Fi? in the UK. Clearly he pined to return after making the move to Australia and the team have welcomed him back with arms wide open.