Apple

Apple’s on-again, off-again plans to develop autonomous car technology appear to be slowly ramping back up again – as plans to partner with Korean giant Hyundai-Kia appear to have stalled. An investigative report by Automotive News USA has unearthed autonomous testing data filed by tech giant Apple to Californian authorities.

Apple iPhone users will soon be able to lock, unlock and start their car using the smartphone’s near-field sensor technology and a new app called Digital Key. The tech giant announced overnight that its latest devices with the near-field sensor technology will be able to lock and unlock certain BMW cars by ‘tapping’ or positioning their phone near the front door handles. Once inside the car, the same technology will start the car at the press of a button.

Skoda has officially launched its latest infotainment software with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, debuting in the all-new Kamiq crossover and related Scala hatchback. Dubbed 'Wireless Smart Link', the feature "makes for even more convenient use of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto" by allowing compatible smartphones to use the mirroring features through a bluetooth connection, rather than a USB cable.

Among all the shiny things included in Apple's latest iPhone software update is an exciting development for CarPlay users – finally, you can use Google Maps through your car's touchscreen. Huzzah! UPDATE: Waze is coming, but it's not available right now. Apologies for the error. The news was announced at Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) in June this year, but it's now officially available to users as part of the iOS12.0 update released alongside the new iPhone XS, XS Max and XR.

BMW Australia is considering a subscription fee for Apple CarPlay, potentially following in the footsteps of its American counterpart. Speaking to CarAdvice at the 2018 Bathurst 12 Hour, Lenore Fletcher, local communications boss for BMW, said the company was in discussions about making customers – who currently pay upfront to have CarPlay fitted – make yearly payments to use the service.