Is Apple Developing In-Car Systems?

Apple's next moves may be into the on-board automobile computer segment, German magazine Focus reported on Sunday. The system combines communications, maintenance, and navagation functionality into a single unit and will initially be offered in select Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

The first of these Apple-equipped vehicles will likely come in 2009, and Mercedes will have a six-month period of exclusivity. Although firm details on exactly what the system includes were not divulged, the article says the mapping functionality will likely be powered by Google Maps.