Apple just announced "Carplay" formerly known as ios in the car. Looks like all car manufacturers will be able to use this feature to some extent. The RX will not have the touch screen but we will be able to view 3rd party apps on the display screen. Spotify & Beats Music are included. Now I can view my playlists just like we can now with apple playlists. You must connect iPhone with lightning connector. Maps will also be displayed on the Lexus screen.

 

This won't work with existing cars, and the chance of Lexus releasing new firmware for existing cars is doubtful.

I think the question becomes will the 2015 or 2016 models have this?

 

As I understand the articles, the car must have a lightning connector for the iPhone to plug into. The 2014 RX does not have admit to having such a connector, so CarPlay is of no interest until some mythical, future year's model.

 

The Lightning Connector is the standard iPhone/iPad to USB interface cable. The RX has the USB port to plug it into. However, the current RX does not have the software to use CarPlay, so that will have to come some time later, most likely on the next gen RX.

 

Has anyone tried plugging in their iPhone 5s into the USB port? Would be interesting to see what happens...

 

Yes, plugging it into the USB port on the current models will charge the phone and allow you to access your music (which can also, of course, be done via Bluetooth).

 

I think any automaker would offer an OS choice for folks with different phones, Apple, MS, Android or whatever. Just like a computer can boot different OS choices the vehicle should be able to use an OS most compatible with the phone the customer is using. The evolution of all this is going to be interesting.

 

Plugging it in will add charging but even without the BT feature of the 5S and newer RX does the music and phone great!

There is lots of stuff coming, it is why I buy another every year or so!

 

The functions right now are already great. I don't know what else I'd do with it if it was "connected" through carplay.

 

http://www.techradar.com/us/news/car...he-car-1230381

Not sure what I really need to add to my 2014 RX 350 but the idea that technology from the iPhone is frequently updated with new features and apps and this would keep the car current over the several years of ownership.

 

The 2015 Sonata will have Carplay. http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/1854531. We already know the 15 RX will not. Let's hope the 2016 will.

 

Carplay is an Apple only technology. Pioneer, Alpine and others have already announced plans for aftermarket products supporting the technology.

http://appleinsider.com/articles/14/...tarting-at-700

However, I am in agreement with Tom558 in that a bigger announcement would be something which supported not only Apple but Android and Windows phone devices as well. Do not want or need to rely on the Apple only ecosystem.

 

^^ Agreed! I would NEVER buy a vehicle with Apple Carplay.

 

I have a brand new 2014 LS460 and a brand new Apple iPhone 5S on AT&T Full data plan. I just plugged it into the car's USB (car running) using the lightning connector and it recognized the phone (was already connected via Bluetooth) but did not attempt to download and add the Apple CarPlay application. Maybe I should try to get that app when it is connected to the car. Not sure what else to try to implement that feature. Even Hyundai and Kia cars have this feature. Toyota/Lexus really needs to keep up with technology.

 

I think that is a bit harsh a criticism considering Apple did not announce this technology until earlier this year. Your Lexus LS's development was locked in a long time ago for production purposes and you cannot just snap your fingers and make changes such as this to implement in the middle of a production run. Suppliers of the necessary parts need time to design, test and ramp up production.

Do not believe you will see Hyundai nor Kia with anything using CarPlay until the 2015 model year.