Apple CEO Tim Cook said the company’s new iOS in the Car “is a key focus for us.” He told analysts, “I see it as very important. It’s a part of the ecosystem just like the app store is a key part of the ecosystem and iTunes….Having something in the automobile is very, very important. It’s something that people want and I think Apple can do this…better than anyone else…”
The comments came as Apple reviewed its recent quarter on a conference call with analysts. It announced that iPhone sales were better than Apple expected. “iPhone sales are ahead of projections and iPhone 5 remains the most popular model,” Cook said. US iPhone unit sales increased 51 percent compared to a year ago. But iPad sales fell compared to the prior year.
Cook also confirmed that the company will announce new products this fall, noting Apple is “working hard on some amazing new products that we will introduce in the fall and across 2014.”
Apple’s iOS in the Car was announced in June and should be available from 14 car makers in 2014. It shows up as an interface on a car radio screen when used with an Apple device. It allows the car radio screen to mirror the screen of the iOS device.
Under the system, directions and messages and other services can also be read aloud to you as you drive “eyes free.”. You can also get your music and maps, “eyes free.”
Car makers including Honda, Chevrolet, Volvo, Mercedes, Nissan, Ferrari, Kia, Jaguar, and others will offer the new iOS in the Car, said Apple in June.
Regarding Apple’s recent quarter ending in June, the company said it sold 31.2 million iPhones for the period, a record for this time of year. It sold 26 million iPhones for the same quarter a year ago. It also sold 14.6 million iPads compared to 17 million a year ago.
Apple’s profits however fell to $6.9 billion compared to $8.8 billion a year ago. Sales were up slightly at $35.3 billion compared to 35 billion a year ago.
Source: Apple
Photo via TechCrunch
