# Smartphone-Connected Convertibles The Volkswagen iBeetle is the First Apple-approved Automobile By Michael Hines | Published 2013-04-22 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/volkswagen-ibeetle References: [carbuzz](http://www.carbuzz.com/news/2013/4/21/VW-iBeetle-Arrives-in-Shanghai-7713959/) & [en.volkswagen](http://en.volkswagen.com/en.html) There's a good chance that many people won't believe that the [Volkswagen](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/volkswagen-id-life) iBeetle is a real car. That's probably because many designers have created concept cars designed to merge with Apple's smartphone. The iBeetle however, is no concept car. It is in fact very real, having made its debut at the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show. The Volkswagen iBeetle's biggest draw is of course, its [iPhone](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apple-carplay-ultra) connectivity. Once docked, a slew of apps let you do everything from listen to [Spotify](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/google-infotainment-system)/iTunes to tracking your time and fuel economy on certain driving routes. The interior of the iBeetle is swathed in black Vienna leather, and the exterior is highlighted by iBeetle badging and 18-inch Disc alloy wheels. No word on pricing or availability, but rest assured that the Volkswagen iBeetle will be hitting dealerships sooner rather than later. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.5/10 - Popularity: 43% | Activity: 25% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Smartphone-connected Cars:** The trend of integrating smartphones into cars presents opportunities for developing innovative apps and features that enhance the driving experience. - **Internet of Things in Automotive Industry:** The Volkswagen iBeetle exemplifies the integration of IoT technology in automobiles, opening up new possibilities for connectivity and data-driven services within the automotive industry. - **In-car Entertainment and Productivity:** The ability to seamlessly connect smartphones to cars enables developments in in-car entertainment and productivity, offering consumers a wide range of features and functionalities while on the go. ### Who This Affects Most - **Automotive:** Automotive companies can leverage smartphone integration to create disruptive innovations that redefine the driving experience, such as personalized apps and services tailored to individual users. - **App Development:** The rise of smartphone-connected cars creates opportunities for app developers to create innovative and user-friendly applications specifically designed for in-car use, providing entertainment, safety features, and more. - **Technology:** The convergence of smartphones and automobiles requires advancements in technology to support seamless connectivity, leading to disruptive innovations in areas such as connectivity solutions, automotive software, and IoT devices. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Patent-Inspired Tech Car Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apple-car-concept.md) - [Tech Brand Sedan Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apple-ava-concept.md) - [AI Vehicle App Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/myvw-mobile-app.md) - [App-Connected Campervans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-campervan.md) - [Deeply Integrated Automotive UIs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apple-carplay-ultra.md) - [Integrated Automotive Streaming Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apple-music-integration.md) - [360-Degree Maneuverable Car Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rotating-twoseater-pod.md) - [In-Car Gaming Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airconsole-1.md) - [Wireless Smartphone Car Adapters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wireless-android-auto-device.md)