Today in The Connected Economy: Apple Wants Drivers Paying For Gas With CarPlay

Today in the connected economy, Apple is set to debut a new version of its CarPlay technology that lets drivers buy gas right from their vehicle’s dashboards.

Apple was also in the news after modifying its third third-party payments standards in South Korea following a new telecommunications law in that country, while McDonald’s has launched the “Camp McDonald’s” mobile experience, part of a trend of restaurants trying to expand on their in-app experiences.

Apple Wants Drivers Buying Gas with CarPlay

When Apple unveils the new version of its CarPlay this fall, drivers will be able to purchase gas directly from their vehicle’s dashboard.

A report by Reuters says the new feature was showcased at Apple’s recent developer conference and will allow CarPlay users to tap an app to navigate to a pump and purchase gas straight from a screen inside their car.

HF Sinclair, which sells gas at 1,600 stations across the U.S., told Reuters it plans to use CarPlay technology.

“We are excited by the idea that consumers could navigate to a Sinclair station and purchase fuel from their vehicle navigation screen,” said Jack Barger, the Dallas company’s senior vice president of marketing.

McDonald’s Opens ‘Virtual Camp’ as Restaurants Jockey for Diner Loyalty

McDonald’s is joining the host of restaurants hoping to take the in-app experience beyond the typical earn-and-burn loyalty point offerings.

The quick service restaurant chain has debuted the “Camp McDonald’s” mobile experience, a so-called “virtual camp” that consumers access through the brand’s app.

The 27-day promotion includes live performance streams from well-known artists, discounts on meals and special-edition merchandise.

Apple Enables Third-Party Payments in South Korea in Response to New Law

Apple is permitting allowing third-party payments in South Korea in response to a new telecommunications law in that country.

While Apple will still receive a commission, it will be reduced from 30% to 26%. In its communications with developers, Apple said all sales will have to be reported monthly and commissions paid accordingly.

South Korea adopted the Telecommunications Business Act last year. It says companies such as Apple and Google can’t force developers to use their in-app payment systems. The two tech giants opposed the legislation, arguing it would undermine their privacy protections.

Mobile Tech Matches Mechanics to Drivers in Need

As they’ve come to do with many other products and services, consumers now expect to be able to arrange automotive repair and maintenance using digital channels.

And when they’re seeking a certain service right away, consumers can often use assistance finding the right shop. For example, a motorist who needs an alignment on a Honda needs a mechanic that works on both Hondas and does alignments.

“What we’ve found over time, especially with COVID, is that more and more people are using the web to book services,” Rob Infantino, founder and CEO of automotive service marketplace Openbay, told PYMNTS.

“Everything’s online now — you select, you book and you either show up or it gets delivered to your home. It’s the same thing with services as well; people are using the web to book services.”