Apple exploring iPhone-stored car and home preference profiles to configure seats, climate

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Apple is exploring more in-car abilities for its mobile devices, according to a new patent filing published by the USPTO today (via AppleInsider). The patent application describes a system where a user could store their configuration profiles for seat, steering wheel and mirror position on their devices, as well as things like climate control options for instant customization when getting into a car. The system could also be used for home, with a user getting lighting, television and other things turned to just the right setting when they walk through the door. Apple is planning to try to reinvent the market with iOS in the car, a new feature coming to iOS 7 that’s essentially AirPlay Mirroring for your dashboard.

The system described in the patent would not only automate the process through device-to-car communication, but it sounds like it would have a portability element, too; your iPhone could relay your settings to a car from any participating manufacturer, and would be able to calculate differences in geometry to adapt your preferred cockpit configuration to different vehicles. That’s ideal for travellers, car-sharers and others who find themselves in a lot of different vehicles from each day to the next.