Apple is working on new features for accessing functions such as the climate control system, speedometer, radio, seats and more in cars. The technology called "IronHeart" will enhance the "CarPlay" interface used in millions of vehicles.

The "IronHeart" project will require the cooperation of car manufacturers. Thus, Apple is reinforcing the idea that the automotive business can generate a lot of profit for the company, even if it does not manufacture cars.

Apple could turn CarPlay into an interface that covers almost any car, with so-called infotainment features. The data could be available to the tech or by third parties to create new types of apps or add functionality to existing functions.

"IronHeart" represents Apple's biggest push into cars since CarPlay came out in 2014. Despite this, there are fears that car makers will refuse to hand over control of key features to the Tim Cook-led company.

Some manufacturers, including Tesla Inc. have disregarded the automotive efforts of Apple and Google. Elon Musk's company has chosen to build its own next-generation infotainment ecosystems.

Ford Motor is also looking to become more ambitious. It recently hired Doug Field, the former Tesla chief engineer and head of Apple's own car project, to work on its automotive technology.

Still, automakers risk irritating iPhone fans by focusing on their own incompatible systems. And that may lead more people to adopt Apple's technology. These may also choose to implement the features in different ways, depending on the car.

Apple's effort would be similar to its approach to home health and technology. The company offers an app on the iPhone that can access and aggregate data from external health devices using its HealthKit protocol. The Home app, in turn, uses Apple's HomeKit system to control smart appliances, including thermostats, security cameras, and locks.