Apple has launched the CarPlay system, linking iPhone apps into the car dashboard.

The technology brings Apple's iOS system into the car, with a specially developed interface designed for large touch screens.

The system, launched at the Geneva Motor Show, will begin to be fitted to selected models from Ferrari, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo this year, with a wider range of automotive partners including BMW, Ford and PSA having committed to the system.

“CarPlay has been designed from the ground up to provide drivers with an incredible experience using their iPhone in the car,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s vice president of iPhone and iOS Product Marketing.

“iPhone users always want their content at their fingertips and CarPlay lets drivers use their iPhone in the car with minimised distraction. We have an amazing lineup of auto partners rolling out CarPlay, and we’re thrilled it will make its debut this week in Geneva.”

"Apple's clean and intuitive user interface is a perfect match with Volvo's Scandinavian Design approach and our focus on fluid functionality," says Håkan Samuelsson, President and CEO of Volvo Cars, who will be including the system in the new XC90 to launch later this year.

CarPlay is compatible with lightning-connected iPhones (5, 5c, 5s), and requires the phone to be plugged in to operate. It will make use of the firm's Siri voice recognition app.