Hyundai, Kia to offer wireless support for Google, Apple vehicle SW

South Korea's Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Corp. announced on Thursday that they will support wireless connectivity for the vehicle projection services, Google Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, through an infotainment software update.

Previously, customers had to connect Android Auto or CarPlay to the vehicle's infotainment system using a USB cable, but this update allows the services to be used wirelessly.

The update applies to Hyundai vehicles equipped with the next-generation infotainment system ccNC, including models such as the Hyundai Grandeur, Kona, Kona EV, Sonata Facelift, new Santa Fe, IONIQ 5, Kia EV9 and Sorento Facelift.

After the update, when the vehicle is started, it will automatically connect to the smartphone. However, to activate this feature, both the smartphone's Wi-Fi and Bluetooth must be turned on, and customers who previously used a USB cable to connect will need to delete their existing device information and reconnect.

Hyundai Motor Group plans to expand wireless connectivity features to include Genesis vehicles equipped with the premium sixth generation and ccIC infotainment systems in the future.

Write to Il-Gue Kim at black0419@hankyung.com