Volvo Launches an Update to Add Apple CarPlay to Existing Vehicles
August 17 2022,
Owners of recent Volvo vehicles equipped with the new Google Built-in infotainment system are now able to enjoy the added connectivity of Apple CarPlay in their vehicle, for free.
Since Volvo wants its customers to be satisfied with their vehicles, it has committed to keeping existing vehicles up to date by launching over-the-air updates that add or improve features that are found in brand new vehicles.
This is why all 2023 Volvo vehicles and a number of older models will receive the latest update, which brings Apple CarPlay.
Requested by many drivers, Apple CarPlay allows drivers and passengers to connect an iPhone via a USB cable and then use its own interface on the vehicle’s infotainment screen.
This gives easy and convenient access to a number of apps, including Apple Maps, in order to allow drivers to navigate, place phone calls, and listen to music or even audiobooks.
Since drivers are more familiar with their phones than with the vehicle’s native infotainment system, using the Apple interface makes for quicker and more confident operation, which benefits safety by allowing the driver to keep their eyes on the road longer.
Unlike traditional system updates, over-the-air updates don’t require the vehicle to visit the service department for the features to be added since they are downloaded via the vehicle’s data connection, just like smartphone updates are.
This makes it much more convenient since the update can be performed in a few minutes while the vehicle is parked at the owner’s home or place of work, without interfering with their lives.
This capability is one of the strong points of the Google Built-in system that has been rolled out to every Volvo vehicle over the last two years.
In addition to updating the infotainment system, these types of updates can also be used to make changes to almost any system in the vehicle, which allows Volvo to keep older vehicles fresh and as capable as new models in more ways than simply by adding apps to the infotainment system.
