Ferrari->ke252 has begun shipping its FF->ke3753 and California T->ke3183 with Apple CarPlay, the innovative iOS-based infotainment system that links users’ iPhones with their Ferrari’s dash-mounted touch screen. We’ve known that Apple->ke2851 had chosen Ferrari to be one of its first vehicle applications for a while, but it wasn’t until now that users could get their hands on the latest Apple technology.

Ferrari says the first CarPlay-equipped FF has shipped to an Italian client, with more scheduled for Germany, Great Britain, France, Switzerland, Japan, and the United States.

Apple isn’t sticking to just Ferrari, however. The tech giant has partnered with a generous handful of automakers including Honda, Hyundai, Volvo, and Mercedes-Benz. Other automakers such as General Motors, Ford, Fiat-Chrysler, Jaguar Land Rover, and Audi are listed as partners currently developing future vehicles with CarPlay capabilities.

Apple now joins ranks with Microsoft->ke2846 in having a presence in the automotive scene. While Microsoft’s Sync has been included in Ford Motor Company products for more than five years, Apple’s CarPlay is the first to integrate the user’s cell phone to such a heavy extent.

Click past the jump to see Apple CarPlay in action

Why it Matters

The integration of third party software into vehicle infotainment systems is a grand idea – especially when the software is coming from a company specializing in software. Automaker-based infotainment systems often pale in comparison with software derived from companies known for user-friendly interfaces and intuitive designs. This trend will hopefully progress into normalcy, perhaps even allowing customers to order – or even change – infotainment software to suit their needs and desires. No more one size fits all.

CarPlay in Action