Ford CEO Confirms Permanence of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Ford CEO Jim Farley affirms the automaker’s commitment to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Recognizing that these systems have effectively dominated infotainment and shifted users away from automaker’s proprietary systems.

General Motors may be phasing out CarPlay in its EVs by 2024, but Ford plans to maintain long-term compatibility with CarPlay. Acknowledging that “we lost that battle 10 years ago” and that “you’re not going to make a ton of money on content inside the vehicle.”

A strong user base is crucial for automakers as it provides valuable data that can be used for advertising, optimization, and selling in-system applications and features. However, with CarPlay, it’s Apple that collects data about user habits while on the road, leaving automakers with limited access to that information.

Farley’s argument for sticking with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is a strong one. With most drivers already bringing their smartphones into their cars, they want the infotainment system to be an extension of their phones, not another device to deal with.

While it costs money for automakers to license these systems, the cost is spread over a large production run. It’s unlikely that automakers will move towards a CarPlay-only system. As they still need their own interface for the high-tech features of modern cars.

The Statement to the Wall Street Journal

Ford has announced that it will continue to support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. According to a recent interview with Ford CEO Jim Farley by The Wall Street Journal. While some automakers such as Tesla and Rivian have opted for proprietary in-house infotainment systems, Ford believes that users prefer to have an infotainment system that is an extension of their smartphones.

This move aligns Ford with other mainstream electric cars that have integrated CarPlay and Android Auto. Although General Motors has recently announced that it will be phasing out CarPlay in its EVs starting in 2024.

Ford CEO Jim Farley has confirmed that the automaker will continue to integrate Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in its vehicles. Instead of developing its own proprietary infotainment system. Farley explained that it is best to stick with tried-and-tested systems and that automakers are not likely to make a lot of money from in-car content.

He also noted that around 70% of Ford customers in the US use Apple products, making it logical to maintain CarPlay compatibility. This decision contrasts with other automakers like Tesla and Rivian. Which have insisted on using their own in-house infotainment software.

Ford’s commitment to Apple CarPlay could benefit the carmaker. As Apple recently announced its next-generation CarPlay software during the WWDC 2022 event. The new system promises to revolutionize the in-car experience. By integrating basic car functions such as climate controls and radio tuning into the interface.

The new CarPlay will also utilize all the displays that automakers incorporate into their vehicles. Bringing Ford closer to competing with industry leaders like Tesla on the infotainment front.

Conclusion

Ford’s decision to maintain support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is a smart move. Rather than developing a proprietary infotainment system. Since most drivers carry their smartphones in their cars. So they prefer an infotainment system that is an extension of their phone.

Moreover, the automaker’s strong user base provides valuable data that can be used for advertising and optimization. Even if Apple collects data about user habits while on the road. Finally, with the next-gen CarPlay system promising to revolutionize the in-car experience. Ford’s cars will be better equipped to compete with industry leaders like Tesla.