Audi working with Apple and Google for car systems

Audi has recognised the dominance of the two major mobile operating systems — Apple's IOS and Google's Android — by planning to have both in the multi-media interface of its future cars, writes Brian Byrne.

The premium brand of the Volkswagen Group is working with both companies to integrate the systems which they are both developing for automobile applications. Apple's is known as Carplay, while Google's is Android Auto.

Part of the work involves making the customer's data secure, and to this end Audi is separating the vehicle related functions from the infotainment elements.

Services such as navigation via Google Maps and the streaming service Google Play Music are already being made available to Audi through the cooperation, and the Audi development lab in Silicon Valley and Apple are conducting negotiations described by the carmaker as 'intensive'.