Ford Rejects Current Version of CarPlay Ultra: Demands Custom Integration Options

October 14, 2025

Ford ne veut pas de CarPlay Ultra sous sa forme actuelle

Ford Declines to Incorporate CarPlay Ultra in its Vehicles

Three years after announcing a partnership with Apple’s CarPlay Ultra during its unveiling, Ford has decided not to adopt this new version of Apple’s infotainment system in its vehicles. This decision was revealed by Ford’s CEO, Jim Farley, during an episode of Nilay Patel’s Decoder podcast, which was guest-hosted by Joanna Stern. Farley expressed his reservations about the initial implementation of CarPlay Ultra, stating, “We are not fond of the implementation of this first version of [CarPlay] Ultra, but we remain very committed to Apple, as I have told Tim [Cook] several times.” Farley emphasized the desire for Ford to develop certain features that could work alongside CarPlay Ultra, such as the driving assistance system, while maintaining control over them.

Ford’s Concerns and Future Directions

During the podcast, Farley further discussed the ongoing conversations between Ford and Apple. “I have spoken with the Apple team, and our team is in contact with them. I think Apple needs to decide if they want to control the entire experience inside a vehicle. If that’s the case… then I think Ford will have to make a significant decision. And I more or less know where we will head.” Farley pointed out that Android Auto has made significant advancements in recent years, which has allowed Ford the flexibility to develop manufacturer-specific features. He highlighted a critical decision point, stating, “I think Apple needs to make a significant decision. It’s not really a decision for Ford, actually. Depending on their decision, we will make ours.” If Apple seeks to control everything, Farley believes, “we will face a problem because it will significantly complicate the digital experience, and we will have to choose between Google and Apple.

This strategic move by Ford indicates a cautious approach to integrating deeply embedded third-party technology that could potentially limit their control over the vehicle’s digital environment. Ford’s emphasis on maintaining flexibility in their digital offerings suggests a future where car manufacturers might increasingly weigh the benefits of partnership against the imperative of brand and feature autonomy.

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