Apple expands iOS to cars

Certain 2014 model year new cars will offer Apple's new iOS in the Car, a software package that will let drivers access certain iPhone functions directly from a high-resolution screen mounted in the vehicle's dashboard.

iOS in the Car will let drivers have access to their phone's iTunes library, Apple Maps, iMessages and, of course, the phone's dialing capabilities. Harnessing iOS' Siri voice command program, drivers will be able to give verbal instructions to iOS in the Car. 

Initially, iOS in the Car will be offered on certain products from Ferrari, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan and Volvo.  

It's expected that iOS in the Car will only work with the iOS 7 system that was announced yesterday and will be first offered on iPhone 4 and newer models when it is offered to the public later this year.

Apple hasn't released many specifics about iOS in the Car, but more details should become available once automakers begin installing the systems in their products. It's not clear just which cars will be the first to use iOS in the Car next year. Separately, Chevrolet was the first to offer Siri integration in two of its models earlier this year.

The images Apple released show iOS in the Car in a Chevrolet Sonic.