[Retric]

People used to buy aftermarket stereos fairly frequently and I don’t see any reason why the infotainment system can’t have that kind up upgradeability. Worst case strap an iPad over the old system.

PS: I can see the argument for a highly limited system when they can distract the driver, but if I am effectively a passenger that's a non-issue.

[eric_h]

I'm infuriated by the systems that are totally locked down when the car is in motion, even when the car _knows_ that there is a person in the passenger seat (it yells until I put on my seatbelt).

If I'm the passenger, I should be able to tinker with the infotainment system as I like, without restriction (especially when my dad is the driver and I want to enable bluetooth audio to play music from my phone - my dad drives a newish Outback, great car from a driving perspective, crappy from the infotainment system perspective).

[arprocter]

I'm not a fan of screens simply because operating a button or a knob uses less of my attention

[Retric]

I agree with you right now, but is that still an issue for self-driving cars? Ideally I want to get in, say drive to work, and then take a nap. If I still need to pay attention then it's not really a self-driving car just an upgraded form of cruise control.

[Too]

iPads are not very friendly to your face in the event of a crash. Apple devices are also famous for not wistanding heat or cold. Real automotive equipment is rigorously tested for these scenarios and many more.