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Apple CarPlay among multiple Cadillac improvements

Cadillac announced today that it would add Apple CarPlay to its CUE infotainment system, along with a processor upgrade and interface enhancements.

Wayne Cunningham Managing Editor / Roadshow
Wayne Cunningham reviews cars and writes about automotive technology for CNET's Roadshow. Prior to the automotive beat, he covered spyware, Web building technologies, and computer hardware. He began covering technology and the Web in 1994 as an editor of The Net magazine.
Wayne Cunningham

Apple CarPlay in Cadillac
Cadillac integrates Apple CarPlay into its CUE infotainment system. Cadillac

Following on GM brand mate Chevy's demonstration of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in its vehicles, Cadillac announced today that it will integrate both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto into its 2016 model year vehicles.

Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto emulate a limited number of phone functions on a car's infotainment system, letting the driver use navigation, audio functions and messaging through voice command and dashboard switchgear. The processes run on the phones, taking advantage of data connections. In both technologies current incarnations, they must be plugged into a car's USB port.

However, a spokesperson for Apple said that the company is working on making CarPlay wireless.

Cadillac's announcement covers all of its 2016 models with an 8-inch CUE touchscreen infotainment system, except for the SRX, which gets a complete model update in early 2016, likely as a 2017 model year vehicle. CUE (which stands for "Cadillac User Experience") is a touhcscreen system controlling navigation, hands-free phone and stereo systems.

Along with the iPhone and Android phone integration technologies, Cadillac noted that it would upgrade CUE's processor, making for faster response from the existing in-vehicle systems. The native navigation system will see an interface enhancement, letting drivers access shortcut controls with a single touch on the screen.

Cadillac's 2016 model year vehicles should become available later this year.