Ford’s CEO Jim Farley was interviewed on Decoder’s latest podcast episode, and guest host Joanna Stern asked about plans for CarPlay Ultra support. Here’s the update Farley gave about where Ford currently stands with CarPlay Ultra.
CarPlay Ultra support seems likely at some point, but not any time soon
In the lead-up to CarPlay Ultra launching earlier this year, Apple’s latest list of automakers who had pledged support included Ford.
Historically, Ford has been a strong partner with Apple in supporting CarPlay. But now it’s been months since CarPlay Ultra officially launched. So when can Ford owners expect support?
It sounds like nothing’s coming any time soon.
On the latest episode of Decoder, Joanna Stern asks Ford’s CEO Jim Farley if Ford is “considering” CarPlay Ultra. His response isn’t as enthusiastic as Ford drivers might hope.
We are. We don’t like the execution in round 1 of Ultra, but we’re very committed to Apple. I’ve talked to Tim many times about this.
Farley then explains his belief that Ford doesn’t have the right to disrupt a person’s digital life when they get in the car. They want to “make it as easy as possible” for drivers to seamlessly continue using their preferred technology.
All of this sounds relatively positive. But reading between the lines, it appears that despite the previous pledged support, CarPlay Ultra is not actively in the works for future Ford vehicles.
Opposition to potential Apple control of critical vehicle functions
After Farley touts the ability of Ford to enhance the digital experience by adding its own tech to what Apple and Google offer, Stern asks a great follow-up:
Stern: But it seems like with the Ford digital experience, which you have rolled out to some cars, it’s based on Android Automotive, that you’re going to have to choose. Are you going to do this Android Automotive experience with the things you’re talking about building on top of? Or are you going to pick a CarPlay Ultra experience, which is really going all in on Apple? Farley: I see what you mean. Yeah, it’s a really good question. I don’t know where Apple’s going to go. I think Apple has to make a big decision. It’s not a Ford decision, actually. And then based on their decision, we will decide. Stern: You mean Apple has to make a decision, are you going to allow this to also run in combination with other software, other infotainment software? Farley: Yes, not only that, but are you going to allow OEMs with the control of the vehicles? Like 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 the access? We’re doing that now for our pro customers.
It’s an interesting discussion. But Farley seems to imply that CarPlay Ultra requires giving Apple control over essentially every aspect of how the vehicle operates.
For example, he mentions how pro customers can have vehicle access limited on the weekends, or use speed limitations. He then says: “Is Apple going to want to do that? If Apple wants to do that, I think we’re going to have a tough time with that.”
He continues: “I’ve talked to the Apple team, and our team is in contact with them. I think Apple has to decide, do they want control of the entire experience inside a vehicle? If they do…then I think Ford will have to make a big decision. And I kind of know where we would go. We just believe ADAS [advanced driver assistance systems] integration with your entertainment system is so critical”
Ford’s CarPlay Ultra support: wrap-up
Overall, while it sounds like Ford and Apple are in regular discussions, there’s a disconnect around how CarPlay Ultra might be integrated with Ford’s existing ADAS tools—or at least, that’s the public reason being given for delayed support.
Despite Farley striking a generally positive tone throughout the interview, if you’re a Ford owner waiting for CarPlay Ultra, this interview unfortunately doesn’t provide much reason for optimism.
What do you make of the Ford CEO’s comments on CarPlay Ultra? Let us know in the comments.
Best iPhone accessories