Apple to launch iOS in the Car next week?

According to a report out of the U.K., Apple is expected to launch its in-car OS, iOS in the Car, as soon as next week. The first three car brands that will support the service are Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo. The launch comes amid rumors that Apple could be interested in buying electric car manufacturer Tesla. Previous speculation had iOS in the Car being made available as part of the release of iOS 7.1.

Putting a version of iOS in a car manufactured by a third party represents the first time Apple has allowed its OS to be used in a product not branded Apple. The buzz is that the Cupertino based tech titan decided on the three car makers involved, because of their reputation as premium models. This is supposed to mirror the high-end image of Apple's iDevices.

The car dashboard has become a hot property for tech giants, looking to become the brains of the next generation of automobile. Last month at CES, Audi chairman Rupert Stadler said that the car would become the "the largest social mobile devices we own."

According to the report, Apple will announce the deal with the three car companies for iOS in the Car at next week's Geneva Motor Show. Other manufacturers are expected to sign deals with Apple throughout 2014.

Last month, we showed you a video of what the mapping application is going to look like on the platform.

source: FinancialTimes via Engadget