Are there any unique benefits to carplay?
I couldn't find the appropriate community section for this question so I'm just posting it under iPhone since it's kind of related.
I'm hearing a lot about apple's new carplay. It sounds interesting, but I'm having trouble understanding the major benefits of it compared to just using your iPhone in your car. Right now I mount my iPhone and hook it up to my car stereo via USB. All my apps' (music, gps, Siri) audio comes out the car stereo and I'm able to talk to Siri through the car Bluetooth mic. (I could go completely wireless with all the audio via Bluetooth but I prefer the better sound quality of USB plus it charges.). The iPhone screen is easily viewable since it's docked near my vent and when necessary I can easily tap it. Plus all my apps are available (useful driving apps like cheap gas locators), not just the ones supported by carplay.
I see it's beneficial in that the icons on the car display would be bigger. But it's not that big a deal seeing stuff on my mounted iPhone. Plus if it's truly meant to be "eyes free" then that shouldn't matter so much anyway.
I don't think apple would spend so much time and energy on this if it wasn't for a huge benefit. What am I missing?
iPhone 4S, iOS 7.1