At the center of the conflict between Big Tech and Big Auto is CarPlay Ultra, the newest version of the popular CarPlay system that can mirror a user’s iPhone interface on a screen within a vehicle. Announced earlier this year, CarPlay Ultra is going a step further by displaying car functions like fuel level and speed. It also lets drivers control the air conditioning, radio, and driving modes, all from the same screen. Aston Martin is the only automaker that has fully integrated CarPlay Ultra into its vehicles.
While Ford is committed to Apple, CEO Farley said: “We don’t like the execution of Ultra in round one.
Farley later said Apple needs to make a decision on how much it wants to encroach into a vehicle’s systems. Giving an outside company power over a car’s mechanics could be a slippery slope, he added.
“How far do you want the Apple brand to go? Do you want the Apple brand to start the car? Do you want the Apple brand to limit the speed? Do you want the Apple brand to limit access?” asked Farley.
Whatever Ford ultimately decides on CarPlay Ultra, it is clear to Farley that a car’s digital experience is quickly becoming one of its most important specs.
“The difference between car companies where you have a software-defined vehicle is not going to be what your sheet metal looks like. It won’t be how powerful your EV motor is. That’s all math. All the cars look nice. It’s going to be this digital experience that says why someone buys this or that,” he said.
