Apple

Last month Google unveiled a significant design update for its Android Auto smartphone mirroring system, so it's no surprise Apple used today's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) keynote to whip the covers off revisions to its CarPlay setup. While the upcoming version of Android Auto has a significant design change, the latest iteration of CarPlay features a less dramatic overhaul.

Volkswagen has added Siri capability to its Car-Net smartphone application, allowing owners to use their voice for functions like locking, unlocking and honking the horn. Owners need to be running iOS12 on their device, and can then just say things like "Hey Siri, lock my car" to make the Car-Net integration work. Along with the iPhone, you're able to control your car using an Apple Watch, for a proper Get Smart vibe in your Volkswagen.

An Apple self-driving prototype has been rear-ended on a Silicon Valley expressway, revealing the technology company is still working on autonomous vehicles. According to a report by Automotive News, filings in a criminal case have confirmed Apple has at least 5000 employees working on its self-driving project. This latest prang seems to give credence to the idea the iPhone could be sold alongside a car, confirming the company moving forward with real-world tests.

Welcome to the CarAdvice.com News Desk, a regular video wrap of the latest happenings in the automotive world and Australia's new-car market. Keeping you in the loop, Tegan Lawson presents a weekly video from the CarAdvice Garage,with everything you need to know about the week in news and reviews. What happened in the week ending February 24, 2017? Catch our video above, and links to the full stories below.

American technology giant Apple has at last confirmed its plans to become a player in the coming autonomous vehicle market, in a letter to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration - although the extent of its plans remains unclear. Dated November 22, 2016, the document mentions areas where Apple is developing technologies and systems that could contribute to autonomous vehicles.