Same here
It's pretty much become a non-negotiable here at this point for me, and bonus points if said CarPlay is wireless (which is thankfully becoming all the more standard now)
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Rivian Explains Why CarPlay Debate Will Become 'Completely Obsolete'
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It's pretty much become a non-negotiable here at this point for me, and bonus points if said CarPlay is wireless (which is thankfully becoming all the more standard now)
I am reading the opposite, people seem to like the Rivian and Tesla option...but they want choice even more.
This is just Rivian's same reply about "end-to-end integration", now with "AI" tacked on.
AI is going to solve all your problems. We have no idea how, or when, or what Apple's roadmap is, but just trust us as we throw around buzz words.
I'd really like a Rivian exec to be pressed about what "end-to-end integration" means to them. I think it means something different in the C-suite than it does to actual customers. As a customer, I'm deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem, much like many other potential Rivian owners. There is very little "end-to-end integration" between a Rivian and the vast majority of the rest of my digital life. End-to-end integration to me, shouldn't begin and end inside my Rivian. It should encompass as much of my digital life as possible - especially those things that are important in a car. As it stands, Messages, Calendar (and calendar locations), Music (way less buggy than Rivian's app), Maps (way more options to use), and Phone functions (contacts integration) all work better in CarPlay.
"The challenge with screen mirroring solutions is that they take over every single pixel in the car,"
What is he talking about? It only takes over the rectangle you let it. It's relegated to the box you put it in.
AI is going to solve all your problems. We have no idea how, or when, or what Apple's roadmap is, but just trust us as we throw around buzz words.
I'd really like a Rivian exec to be pressed about what "end-to-end integration" means to them. I think it means something different in the C-suite than it does to actual customers. As a customer, I'm deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem, much like many other potential Rivian owners. There is very little "end-to-end integration" between a Rivian and the vast majority of the rest of my digital life. End-to-end integration to me, shouldn't begin and end inside my Rivian. It should encompass as much of my digital life as possible - especially those things that are important in a car. As it stands, Messages, Calendar (and calendar locations), Music (way less buggy than Rivian's app), Maps (way more options to use), and Phone functions (contacts integration) all work better in CarPlay.
"The challenge with screen mirroring solutions is that they take over every single pixel in the car,"
What is he talking about? It only takes over the rectangle you let it. It's relegated to the box you put it in.
tbayrgs
macrumors 604
Not a chance this will be anytime soon. We’ve been hearing FSD is around the corner for 10+ years now and we are barely any closer.
There won’t be universal, widely available (that means available anywhere a car can drive across a majority of vehicle manufacturers) and reliably functional FSD for another 15-20 years minimum. Probably much longer.
What a joke
I know which auto manufacturer won't get any of my money
Seriously, CarPlay has become so integral with how I listen to things in the car, as most of what I listen to is right from my phone and the fact that you don't need separate navigation anymore (though some manufacturers will still try to sell you it) makes it work all the more beautifully
And once CarPlay Ultra finally starts to roll out to more manufacturers (like Apple mentioned it would at some point finally for Kia, Hyundai, and Genesis) that's pretty much truly the closest thing we'll be getting to an Apple car ever since the project for that was at some point killed
I know which auto manufacturer won't get any of my money
Seriously, CarPlay has become so integral with how I listen to things in the car, as most of what I listen to is right from my phone and the fact that you don't need separate navigation anymore (though some manufacturers will still try to sell you it) makes it work all the more beautifully
And once CarPlay Ultra finally starts to roll out to more manufacturers (like Apple mentioned it would at some point finally for Kia, Hyundai, and Genesis) that's pretty much truly the closest thing we'll be getting to an Apple car ever since the project for that was at some point killed
"screen mirroring solutions [...] take over every single pixel in the car"
Only if you let them. They can be sandboxed.
Only if you let them. They can be sandboxed.
jjudson
macrumors 6502a
Having CarPlay as a control app for the vehicle is idiotic. There are so many iterations of car functions and components that it would be tough for Apple to keep up with them all. They can't even put out a stable iOS 26 after a year, and that's only controlling one device.
Let the car manufacturers come up with their own control software, but those manufacturers should still allow CarPlay for what it's good at as a side option -- navigation, entertainment, calls, messages, etc...
Let the car manufacturers come up with their own control software, but those manufacturers should still allow CarPlay for what it's good at as a side option -- navigation, entertainment, calls, messages, etc...
Ken Linger
macrumors regular
The key here is the implemention of "core features." Will their Apple Music "core features" allow me to use Apple Music without a subscription but with the "music match" service? (most people don't even know what this is and many of the "core features only" won't even accept your login because they say you're not subscribed)
Will their maps be updated FOR FREE multiple times per year? Last embedded nav system I used took 5 years for the first map update (which, the update itself was using data that was already 1-2 years old). Oh, they also charged $179 for it, provided it on a USB stick that was keyed to ONLY install on my VIN so, even if I had two of the same car, I'd have to buy two of those identical map updates.
Will their implementation of text messaging do more than just play NEW messages if they are received while I'm in the car? I don't want bluetooth text messaging. I want access to all my messages, new and old.
The best thing about CarPlay and its Android equivalent is choice. Want community traffic alerts? Use Waze. Hate Waze? Use Apple Maps. Or Google Maps. Or that independently designed ultra-cool map app that was hypothetically just released this morning.
When I drive my wife's car, do all my settings, favorites, and display order follow me or do I have to set it all up again (and spend 30 minutes trying to log into sites using a my cryptic 26 character random password)?
Will their maps be updated FOR FREE multiple times per year? Last embedded nav system I used took 5 years for the first map update (which, the update itself was using data that was already 1-2 years old). Oh, they also charged $179 for it, provided it on a USB stick that was keyed to ONLY install on my VIN so, even if I had two of the same car, I'd have to buy two of those identical map updates.
Will their implementation of text messaging do more than just play NEW messages if they are received while I'm in the car? I don't want bluetooth text messaging. I want access to all my messages, new and old.
The best thing about CarPlay and its Android equivalent is choice. Want community traffic alerts? Use Waze. Hate Waze? Use Apple Maps. Or Google Maps. Or that independently designed ultra-cool map app that was hypothetically just released this morning.
When I drive my wife's car, do all my settings, favorites, and display order follow me or do I have to set it all up again (and spend 30 minutes trying to log into sites using a my cryptic 26 character random password)?
MacsRgr8
macrumors G3
Isn't that the angle ALL companies are aiming for?
Especially as more an more hardware you purchase... be it a car, a washing machine, phone, fridge, TV, etc. use online mobile tech, they can offer "extra cool services" on a pay-per-month basis. "And you're going to love it!"
Subscriptions are the holy grail for predictable revenue.
I actually just leased a new Lucid Gravity, despite its known software immaturity. I did consider a Rivian. But with no CarPlay and technically poorer hardware specs, I removed their and Cadilac's offering from the running. Seems like giving buyers a choice would be the best strategy. If their in house offering is so great, people will abandon CarPlay even if is available.
On the latest episode of The Verge's Decoder podcast, Rivian's software chief Wassym Bensaid explained why the EV maker still refuses to offer Apple CarPlay.
In short, Bensaid said Rivian does not want CarPlay to fully take over the software experience.
"The challenge with screen mirroring solutions is that they take over every single pixel in the car," he said.
Instead, Rivian prefers to offer its own interface with "end-to-end integration."
Bensaid added that "deep AI integration into the car" will eventually make the debate over offering CarPlay in vehicles "completely obsolete." He believes that Rivian owners will be able to access the core functionality of many apps through an AI agent, rather than needing to rely on CarPlay or Android Auto.
"I really believe that the way you interact with apps which are mono-threaded, single buttons, single icons, a lot of that will be now completely reshaped into a world where it will become an agentic integration that presents itself into a wholesome user experience to the user," Bensaid explained. However, he admitted that an AI agent becoming an "alternative solution" to CarPlay apps will take time to materialize.
Already, Rivian owners are increasingly less interested in CarPlay, according to Bensaid. He said that Rivian's internal statistics showed that more than 70% of customers wanted CarPlay when their vehicles first launched around five years ago, but he said a recent survey showed that figure is apparently less than 25% now.
"With the level of features that we have shipped to customers, with the level of end-to-end integration, with the level of convenience that we are bringing, CarPlay is, or Android Auto to that extent, is no longer the topic of discussion," he said.
Article Link: Rivian Explains Why CarPlay Debate Will Become 'Completely Obsolete'
Zachari
macrumors 6502
And that's why I'll never purchase a Rivian. I've always hated their dopey looking headlights anyway. No loss.
Automakers tried and failed, this is why CarPlay and Android Auto is prevalent.
If they want to prove otherwise, provide a secondary option in parallel to those, and provide incentive for drivers to use them.
For me I honestly use my VW / Audi systems over CarPlay for many aspects as I like the interface and software well enough, as well as maps that work 100% offline and get Satellite traffic data . Regardless, I still have CarPlay if I really need it.
If they want to prove otherwise, provide a secondary option in parallel to those, and provide incentive for drivers to use them.
For me I honestly use my VW / Audi systems over CarPlay for many aspects as I like the interface and software well enough, as well as maps that work 100% offline and get Satellite traffic data . Regardless, I still have CarPlay if I really need it.
It's not a relevant debate says the manufacturer who refuses to offer customers what they want. Customers who really want it go somewhere else while the manufacturer gets to claim interest for it has decreased. Magically, so have your sales! Win win win.
The problem is, what if you want to do the following
- Build a travel route without Rivian pushing their chargers instead of presenting you with the optimal route. And if they decide to even be worse, like Tesla, you may never see non-Rivian chargers in routs at some point.
- Avoid paying monthly subscriptions for "advanced" connectivity, when you have that in your dang phone already
- Want real apps Rivian doesn't provide. Plug Share, for example. Or Apple Maps, Google Maps, Waze, Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Audible, your podcast apps, your messaging apps, your calendar integration, etc.
- Not being stuck with old maps and software if Rivian goes under or cuts off support. What happens on the day Rivian decides or must shut down servers?
- Rivian incentives are different than your need for greater choice
Marzzz
macrumors 6502
Fun fact: I have Siri use an English accent so I can more easily differentiate which system I am dealing with.
Where are the statistics on home many sales you lost out on because you don’t offer Apple CarPlay? Who cares what your existing owners ultimately want? You already got their money. How much money are you losing by not offering the feature would seem to be a huge missing part of the data!
Student of Life
macrumors 65816
Test drive a tesla on model 4 hardware, we are basically there. Makes driving an ease and reduces stress.
BS, until you offer everything carplay or android auto can your system will always be inferior. I hate having to play my music through bluetooth and my phone. Rivian doesn't support my music streaming app (In this case YouTube Music), and until they do or bring carplay/android auto support, I can't buy a Rivian.. they are just loosing customers for a stupid reason.
ikir
macrumors 68020
NO, just give me CarPlay and shut up. Car's controls can coexist in a big screen or switching back and forth. But I want CarPlay. Stop.
On the latest episode of The Verge's Decoder podcast, Rivian's software chief Wassym Bensaid explained why the EV maker still refuses to offer Apple CarPlay.
In short, Bensaid said Rivian does not want CarPlay to fully take over the software experience.
"The challenge with screen mirroring solutions is that they take over every single pixel in the car," he said.
Instead, Rivian prefers to offer its own interface with "end-to-end integration."
Bensaid added that "deep AI integration into the car" will eventually make the debate over offering CarPlay in vehicles "completely obsolete." He believes that Rivian owners will be able to access the core functionality of many apps through an AI agent, rather than needing to rely on CarPlay or Android Auto.
"I really believe that the way you interact with apps which are mono-threaded, single buttons, single icons, a lot of that will be now completely reshaped into a world where it will become an agentic integration that presents itself into a wholesome user experience to the user," Bensaid explained. However, he admitted that an AI agent becoming an "alternative solution" to CarPlay apps will take time to materialize.
Already, Rivian owners are increasingly less interested in CarPlay, according to Bensaid. He said that Rivian's internal statistics showed that more than 70% of customers wanted CarPlay when their vehicles first launched around five years ago, but he said a recent survey showed that figure is apparently less than 25% now.
"With the level of features that we have shipped to customers, with the level of end-to-end integration, with the level of convenience that we are bringing, CarPlay is, or Android Auto to that extent, is no longer the topic of discussion," he said.
Article Link: Rivian Explains Why CarPlay Debate Will Become 'Completely Obsolete'
It can be the best UI in the world… I simply cannot put it in my pocket and carry it along. I use a lot of rentals, company cars, my girlfriend uses my big car if she needs it.
Plus it’s the same thing as with just about every smart tv: You‘re stuck with what they offer you. On the other hand: If you use an AppleTV (or a chromecast), you can use virtually everything.
Plus it gets updated for years… which is not the case in most cars. And if it really becomes outdated, you Need a new phone, not a car… Even if thats the least of my problems because I have my cars for four years tops.
It's a big screen...let it run in a window leaving your system UI elements accessible. If my Jeep can do it, Rivian surely can. Rivian- build a better system then let the consumer decide. Anything else is disingenuous.
Let’s be tone deaf. Consumers don’t want AI to do this. The only people loving AI are those forcing it down our throats.
I owned a Tesla for 7 years without CarPlay, now 9 months into a BMW i4 with CarPlay.
The native Tesla infotainment is very good, better than any other car I've tried. However, having CarPlay is 1000x better than not having it. Not because of navigation (Tesla's navigation was excellent). It's all the other apps. Messages, Overcast, Apple Music, MLB, Teams.
Even if the car had all of these (it does not) I absolutely do *not* want to log into all these apps and services in the car. I had to do most of them over Bluetooth in the Tesla, which sucked.
And I'm really put off by comment that screen mirroring requires takeover of all pixels. That's just a blatant lie.