Ford CEO Provides Update on CarPlay Ultra

[MacRumors]

On the latest episode of The Verge's Decoder podcast, released today, Ford CEO Jim Farley told guest host Joanna Stern that the automaker does not entirely like Apple's current implementation of its CarPlay Ultra software system for vehicles.

"We don't like the execution in round one of Ultra, but we're very committed to Apple," said Farley. "I've talked to [Apple CEO] Tim [Cook] many times about this."

Farley implied that Ford is currently passing on CarPlay Ultra because it would result in Apple having "control of the entire experience inside a vehicle."

It is worth noting that CarPlay Ultra is an optional experience, with the system only taking over the instrument cluster and other dashboard screens when an iPhone 12 or later running iOS 18.5 or later is wirelessly connected to the vehicle.

In addition, Farley said it is important that Ford's entertainment system of choice integrates with its Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

"We just believe ADAS integration with your entertainment system is so critical when you're flying down the highway with your eyes off the road, you know, in three or four years at 80 miles an hour on the I-5," he said.

When it announced the launch of CarPlay Ultra in May, Apple said the system can show information from a vehicle's advanced driver assistance systems, but it sounds like certain functions provided by Ford's systems would not be supported.

CarPlay Ultra features deep integration with a vehicle's instrument cluster and systems, built-in Radio and Climate apps, customizable widgets, and more. The interface is tailored to each vehicle model and automaker's identity, and drivers can choose from various preset design options. The connected iPhone provides app-related data, while the vehicle provides driving data like current speed, and other info like tire pressure.

When it first previewed the next generation of CarPlay (now known as CarPlay Ultra) in 2022, Apple said Ford was committed to offering the software system. However, Farley's comments suggest Ford currently has no plans to offer CarPlay Ultra, unless Apple is willing to make changes that loosen its control over the system.

CarPlay Ultra is currently limited to newer Aston Martin vehicles in the U.S. and Canada. Apple said many other automakers around the world are working to offer it over the next year and beyond, including Hyundai and its Kia and Genesis brands.

Article Link: Ford CEO Provides Update on CarPlay Ultra

 

[DougieS]

"We just believe ADAS integration with your entertainment system is so critical when you're flying down the highway with your eyes off the road, you know, in three or four years at 80 miles an hour on the I-5," he said.

Three or four years?! I’d want to know instantly

Edit: or does it mean if self driving in 3-4yrs? A bit of a confusing statement

 

[Jeremy3292]

Legacy OEM's are so far behind Tesla and Rivian in software they really should heavily consider heavy Apple integration. I saw a Lexus ad on tv yesterday them showing you can find your car in a parking garage when you forget where you parked with their app...that was the entire sales pitch lol. Legacy OEM's are dead in the water without superb software going forward.

 

[F23]

Tim you should've bought Tesla when Elon offered in 2016.

 

[Phogro]

I don't see the point of Carplay Ultra. Are people asking for this? For me Carplay is enough music, podcasts, maps and phone is really all I need. The car can control the rest.

 

[tennisproha]

If you’re not Tesla or Rivian, you have no business not adopting CarPlay Ultra. It’s decades ahead of the latest infotainment systems from brands like BMW and Volvo.

I think Farley’s comments are encouraging. Apple really needs to work with manufacturers to find the right balance in integration while standing firm on privacy.

 

[WarmWinterHat]

Legacy OEM's are so far behind Tesla and Rivian in software they really should heavily consider heavy Apple integration. I saw a Lexus ad on tv yesterday them showing you can find your car in a parking garage when you forget where you parked with their app...that was the entire sales pitch lol. Legacy OEM's are dead in the water without superb software going forward.

Unless it's platform independent, I want no part of it. With iOS 26 being an example of the direction of iPhone, who knows how long I will want to stay with Apple.

..Plus my wife is a Pixel user. She likes having a phone interface too and my VW has support for both.

 

[cocky jeremy]

I don't get the problem with Apple wanting to "control the entire experience". It's optional. People don't have to use it.

 

[attohs]

I don't get the problem with Apple wanting to "control the entire experience". It's optional. People don't have to use it.

Ford doesn't have to use it. It is their hardware. If Apple wants to "control the entire experience" then they need to make the hardware.

"People who are really serious about software should make their own hardware." A quote by Alan Kay that Steve Jobs liked to reference.

 

[mybodywatchdev]

Give me analog. I stare at screens all day. Current CarPlay on a 9" screen is plenty.

 

[tomtad]

I'm with Ford here. I spend a lot of time looking at Apple screens, Apple icons, San Francisco fonts etc. It's nice to look at something different that's more tuned to the car brand

 

[Biro]

Legacy OEM's are so far behind Tesla and Rivian in software they really should heavily consider heavy Apple integration. I saw a Lexus ad on tv yesterday them showing you can find your car in a parking garage when you forget where you parked with their app...that was the entire sales pitch lol. Legacy OEM's are dead in the water without superb software going forward.

This is a valid point. On the other hand, I shudder to think what the experience would be like if Apple had total vehicle control - programmed by an Apple geek who may not even drive. The screen shots I’ve seen so far don’t make me feel any better.

 

[neilw]

I don't care about the instrument cluster being controlled by CarPlay Ultra, but I *do* want the additional integration it gives on the infotainment display. Is it possible to have one without the other? No one ever talks about this as far as I can tell.

 

[ryanmp]

Ford doesn't have to use it. It is their hardware. If Apple wants to "control the entire experience" then they need to make the hardware.

"People who are really serious about software should make their own hardware." A quote by Alan Kay that Steve Jobs liked to reference.

There should be a second part to that quote focused on those that make hardware with **** software (many car manufacturers). So many feel like you are using a system from two decades ago, which is probably why so many only choose cars which come standard (and free) with CarPlay/Android Auto

 

[Tyler O'Bannon]

Yes, Apple would have control of the in car experience, that is what we want

 

[cocky jeremy]

Ford doesn't have to use it. It is their hardware. If Apple wants to "control the entire experience" then they need to make the hardware.

"People who are really serious about software should make their own hardware." A quote by Alan Kay that Steve Jobs liked to reference.

If they're stupid enough to avoid adding something people want, have at it. People will just go buy other cars. Personally, you couldn't get me to buy a junky ass American car anyway, so whatever. If it isn't German or Japanese, I'm not driving it.

 

[Dmoney77]

Depending on its success on other manufacturer vehicles, Apple might scrap CarPlay Ultra unless some necessary changes are made. However, if a lot of customers like/love CarPlay Ultra, expect some of these manufacturers to change their decision down the road.

 

[cocky jeremy]

I've with Ford here. I spend a lot of time looking at Apple screens, Apple icons, San Francisco fonts etc. It's nice to look at something different that's more tuned to the car brand

Then don't use it? It's not like Apple makes it mandatory for the car. Adding it will only sell them more cars, not less.

 

[Tyler O'Bannon]

Ford doesn't have to use it. It is their hardware. If Apple wants to "control the entire experience" then they need to make the hardware.

"People who are really serious about software should make their own hardware." A quote by Alan Kay that Steve Jobs liked to reference.

This is dumb. Making a computer/device is one thing. CarPlay by nature is to extend apples software into vehicles that they don’t make. Vehicles aren’t computers. They aren’t “hardware”.

Designing and manufacturing a vehicle is far outside of what Apple does. But Apple can contribute to the one aspect of a vehicle that IS within what they do, aka CarPlay.

It’s not just “ford makes it ford doesn’t have to use it”. It’s consumer demand. Plenty want fords vehicle with apples software, which again is the entire reason CarPlay exists.

Some things in life are partnerships. You’re not going to become a vehicle manufacturer just to create software.

 

[ceddy]

As long as it's not mandatory and I can use the car's system.

 

[elvisimprsntr]

Since the instrument cluster and ADAS are safely related, and subject to NHTSA recalls, it’s more likely Apple’s terms of service put all the liability on Ford. Not sure I would race to embrace CarPlay Ultra either.

 

[fatTribble]

I’m tired of waiting on Ford. This is the last straw.

I’m buying the Aston! 🤭

 

[Dr Nobody Important]

Ford will have to support CarPlay Ultra as their customers will demand support. I just want a car that does not have all kinds of crap and for it to just allow my phone to control the interface instead of poorly designed controls.

 

[munpip214]

Apple need to do what they can to make sure that CarPlay regular stay in cars. I’m afraid in 10 years most car manufacturers will switch back to their own system exclusively to monetize

 

[tech_enthusiast_]

As a professional who works in branding and design language, I knew that this would be an issue from the beginning. Companies like Ford value their brand and any places where they can make a brand impression. CarPlay Ultra has small moments where Ford branding can come through, but for the most part it leans heavily into Apple's design language. Ford wants their design language (which is more than just the logo...it's their fonts, icons, colors, illustration style, etc.) to be the forefront of the customer experience.

It's the same reason why most large brands develop their own apps with their own design language rather than building them with out-of-the-box Apple SF Symbols components and SF fonts. They're not going to give up the opportunity to use digital touchpoints as places for customers to build recognition for their branding/design language.