ABI Research expects a dramatic increase in the number of automotive apps downloaded in cars during the next five years. It forecasts a jump from around 12 million at the end of last year to 4.3 billion at the end of 2018, with revenue of $1.67 billion (£1.08 billion) being generated worldwide.
In-car connectivity has been around for several years, although the research company describes growth so far as ‘relatively modest’.
Gareth Owen, principal analyst at ABI Research, said “Car OEMs [original equipment manufacturers] now increasingly see infotainment as a key differentiator in their cars. We predict a sharp growth in the adoption of connected car infotainment systems over the next few years, with apps being the main driver, as for the iPhone.”
According to ABI Research, we should also expect a sharp rise in Bluetooth connectivity in cars.
[ABI Research Automotive Infotainment Research Service]