What You Need to Know Before Hiring a CarPlay iOS App Developer

Posted by Davzo Inc

Posted in Business

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If you pay close heed to app market, you already know that smartphones and applications are becoming car-friendly. Talking on the phone or texting are no longer major distractions as our four-wheel companions get all of the required attention.

CarPlay, an application programming interface (API) designed by Apple, allows iPhone apps to be integrated into cars’ digital system. Crafted to make people’s driving experience safer and easier, CarPlay makes it possible to use certain functions of iPhone hands-free. As soon as you plug your phone into the car, icons, already well-familiar to you, appear on the dashboard - just at your fingertips. The built-in display lets you access applications while driving and, at the same time, remain focused on the road.

Apparently, CarPlay opens new horizons for app development and if you want to join this emerging market with a new app, you should wait no longer. Let us walk you through the highlights you should not miss before hiring a CarPlay iOS app developer. Research and preparation are two of the essential things to ensure your app’s success. You should keep up on CarPlay updates to develop a product that meets consumer needs and is workable, and to have a clear understanding of the app developer’s portfolio and working style. This will help you be confident that the team you are cooperating with is the right fit for your expectations.

Know CarPlay features

Explore the features of CarPlay to build an app that is beneficial and valuable. Consider the following four options set up for CarPlay: Apple Maps, Phone, Messages, Siri and iTunes. Currently, CarPlay enables drivers to make phone calls from a contact list, listen to voice mails, send commands to Siri, get spoken directions and traffic info, as well as see GPS navigation on the car’s display. Being relatively new to market, CarPlay (launched in 2014) is updated regularly, and you ought to keep track of the latest news to make the most use of its features.

Compatibility: CarPlay is compatible with the following iPhone models: iPhone 5, 5c, 5s, 6, 6 Plus, and 6s.

Third-party apps: Some third-party audio apps are enabled for CarPlay. These include: Beats Music, iHeartRadio, Spotify, and Stitcher. And the good news is - Apple promises to compile this list with new names.

Partner car brands: Initially having started with three brands - Volvo, Mercedes, and Ferrari, the list of cars supported by CarPlay is increasing. Currently, the available models include Chevrolet, Audi, Ford, Cadillac, Peugeot, and many more. Consult Apple’s official webpage to get the most recent and thorough data.

Come up with a unique idea

Staying updated is crucial to help you identify the unmet needs of drivers and select from a wide range of use cases for your app. Forget about cookie-cutter approaches. Get under the skin of drivers - what would they need in their cars that is missing? You have myriad options - listening to audiobooks, learning about fuel consumption, getting updates on a nearby parking and gas station, or find a place to have lunch. Explore the market and the use cases closely to come up with an idea that is compelling and worthwhile.

Get permission

As soon as you have your app’s idea ready, the developer must request and get permission from Apple to develop an app for CarPlay. Without getting permission, do not step into the development process.

Anticipate big opportunities

Whenever new technology hits the market, it is not widely accessible at the beginning and has much room for improvement. Forbes states that among over 23 million connected cars on the road right now, only 500,000 (less than 2%) are accessible by developers to create new apps. However, we do not want to reject the fact that when a marketplace is just emerging, businesses have better chance to climb the stairway to success. Connected car industry is expected to grow to 250 million by 2020, so if you are looking beyond developing apps for a smartphone or smartwatch, you are on the right track.

Consider the potential of setting higher rates

No secret, most apps cost little or are free of charge. When you address the needs of drivers, you should keep in mind that they spend a fair amount of money on insurance, maintenance and service. This means safety is at premium for drivers. And if the benefits of your app call out loudly and clearly, you can expect to charge higher rates.

Face the limitations: a car is not a smartphone

Apps can be integrated into the driving experience to make it safer and more enjoyable. From opening garage door to adjusting the mode to night time driving – there is a lot to explore and find unique use cases for cars. On the other hand, keep in mind that cars are already sophisticated vehicles and have their own ecosystem. In short, they are not smartphones. As a businessman, you do not want to risk your money and time to come up with something that is of little use and will end up unnoticed. Take the responsibility to do thorough research and consult field professionals to make sure you are on the right track.

Get a clear idea of the development process

App development is not a one-off project, but rather a whole cycle that includes wrieframing, design, code crafting, testing, launch, promotion, etc. Ask the developer which services they provide and which ones are under your responsibility. This way you will create a foolproof plan to help your project succeed.

Know your partner

Before you hire an iOS app developer, do not forget to check the developer’s portfolio and use some of the apps created by your potential partner. Test if the app fulfills all of the promises made in the description. Check the reviews and seek for client references to get a better idea of how trustworthy the company is. In terms of managing your time and project effectively, it is essential to clarify who the project manager will be. Remember, you will have to revise your schedule if you need to handle the project yourself. Overall, the best solution will be to create a detailed checklist including every significant detail and to contact your developer with a clear picture of what you want to get as a final product.

Texting and speaking on the phone while driving are two of the main reasons for car distraction, and CarPlay is crafted to deliver safety and comfort to every driver. If you consider cars to be the next platform for apps to triumph, it’s high time to start your research and get prepared for hiring the right CarPlay iOS app developer and walk from ideation to launch. Though it is a tough call to be an innovator, your app has the chances to make our cars smarter and our roads - safer.

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