Apple is teaming up with major car makers to make iPhone applications easier for drivers to use while they're on the road.

The system announced today enables iPhones to plug into cars so drivers will be able to call up maps, make calls and request music with voice commands or a touch on a vehicle's dashboard screen.

Apple is calling the technology, CarPlay. That's change from its original name, iOS in the Car, given last June when Apple announced its plans to make its mobile operating system more compatible with cars.

Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo are previewing CarPlay this week at a car show in Geneva. Other carmakers plan to adopt CarPlay, too.

CarPlay requires Apple's latest software, iOS 7, and an iPhone 5, 5C or 5S.

Sign up to our free newsletters

Get the best updates straight to your inbox:
Please select at least one mailing list.

You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By subscribing, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing.