Honda joins list of carmakers embedding Apple CarPlay, Android Auto

Honda this week became the latest automaker to announce it will offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as native features in its 2016 Accord lineup.

Honda said it will offer the smartphone mirroring applications in its Accords, which are coming to market in August.

In May, General Motors announced it will offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in most of its 2016 vehicles, allowing customers to mirror their smartphones and apps to their infotainment systems.

GM's move followed an earlier one by Hyundai, which said it would offer Android Auto in its Sonata sedan this year. The smartphone mirroring application is available as a software upgrade in  2015 vehicles.

Honda introduced a refreshed 2016 Accord loaded with advanced technology in Silicon Valley, the first time the company launched a new vehicle in the U.S. tech hub.

The 2016 Accord will be the first Honda model and among the first high-volume cars in the marketplace to feature both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the carmaker stated in an announcement.

"These and other major upgrades to technology and features make it the most high-tech Accord ever," Honda said.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are designed to support seamless smartphone integration and offer a multitude of new functions and features.

With the Honda Accord's new 7-in. touchscreen, users can swipe, tap and pinch icons and images just as they would on a smartphone or tablet to control the vehicle's audio system, display settings and other features.

Along with music, CarPlay and Android Auto allows users to apply their navigation systems, make calls, send and receive messages from the touchscreen or by voice via Siri (with CarPlay). Apple CarPlay is compatible with iOS 7.1 or later and iPhone 5 or later.

Android Auto is compatible with Android 5.0 and higher and includes Google Maps, Google Now, messaging, music and other mobile apps.

The 2016 Accord sedan and coupe will also sport a new Display Audio touchscreen interface and Honda Sensing, a new suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies in the midsize car class.

The 2016 Accord also adds HD Radio, front and rear parking sensors, and other new features and technology that Honda said it will reveal in coming weeks.

"Customers want their vehicles to be more intelligently integrated with their smartphone-powered lives, and we are committed to delivering that experience starting with Accord, said John Mendel, executive vice president of the Automobile Division for American Honda Motor Co.