Fresh screenshots of iOS in the Car have leaked onto the internet, showing a product that has changed considerably since its debut six months ago.
Apple first revealed iOS in the Car on at WWDC 2013 on June 10. The idea is to extend the functionality of the iPhone to a car’s dashboard display, making full hands-free operation of things like Maps an integral feature.
We’ve seen little of iOS in the Car since its initial reveal, but fresh screenshots provided by designer Steven Troughton-Smith have cast new light on how Apple’s in-car service is progressing - particularly with regard to mapping.
The screens show off a markedly revamped interface with more options available on screen and clearly locked to defined border areas along the left and top edges. There’s now a virtual home key at the bottom left and some kind of orientation indicator at the top left.
The screenshots also show off the ability to switch between 2D and 3D map view from your car’s display, and the location bookmark facility in action.
We also get a glimpse at a form of app tray, though only Maps is present within it.
Overall, Apple appears to have made iOS in the Car far more functional and suitable for glanceable usage, which is precisely what you want from a driving aid. It loses some of iOS 7’s icy cool in the name of usability, which we’re all for.
Troughton-Smith appears to have located the screenshots in the iOS 7.1 beta 4 release, which app developers received yesterday. We should see the feature officially launched later this year, when car manufacturers like Honda are set to integrate iOS in the Car into their vehicles.
Next, read our iOS 7 tips and tricks.