Harman introduces infotainment system with wireless CarPlay connection

Harman introduces what it claims is the first integrated CarPlay infotainment system for cars that connects wirelessly to iPhones. The connection is made with the system of the American audio company via both Bluetooth and WiFi.

There are already several systems in cars that support Apple CarPlay, but with these, users have to connect their iPhone via USB, claims Harman. With this company’s integrated system, the connection is set up via bluetooth while the data transfer is via Wi-Fi.

Harman is in the process of integrating the respective infotainment system into cars from an undisclosed “luxury German car brand.” According to MacRumors, only BMW currently offers CarPlay as an option, so it is probably this brand. However, Harman also works together with Volkswagen Group and Daimler, among others.

The option for wireless CarPlay support has been available since iOS 9. It is not known why systems with this support did not appear earlier. Alpine did announce a wireless system last month, the iLX-107. This is not an integrated system but a built-in variant that will be offered for $900 starting this month.