Ford will not let Apple CarPlay, Android Auto in its vehicles

Ford CEO Jim Farley doesn’t think such a decision is “customer-centric.”

In today’s age of mobile technology, almost every new vehicle you can buy in showrooms comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. It’s the gold standard today, and Ford intends to keep it that way, at least for its vehicles, for years to come.

In an interview with Wall Street Journal, Ford CEO Jim Farley confirmed that it will continue to offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity in its cars. This is in response to a question regarding GM’s announcement to drop both in the future.

Gallery: 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R

Farley’s answer also provides more information. He acknowledged that there are two camps in the car software battle: Tesla and GM, and then everyone else. Ford is with everyone else.

However, the Blue Oval boss stressed that the first software shipped with the vehicle for customers is not for the interior digital experience, but is actually for safety-critical functions such as the partial autonomy, security and productivity.

Farley also added that the interior experience is important, but there will be a lot more going on inside a car than phones. He believes that the relationship between the customer and the “content” should not be interrupted, in contrast to what Tesla and GM want to happen, to have full control over the interior experience.

Farley also noted that 70 percent of Ford customers use Apple, so removing this connectivity feature is not “customer-centric.” He added that Ford’s focus is to deliver the best Apple and Android experience possible, with great opportunities for customization. The company wants to prioritize productivity, safety and security.

In March, GM announced that it would drop Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality from its upcoming electric vehicles in favor of its Ultifi in-house software system. The move is said to allow future advanced driver assistance systems and complex vehicle displays to be better implemented using in-house software versus a phone connection.

The features will continue to be offered on current electric vehicles and combustion vehicles, and the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV will retain the features. The switch to GM’s new onboard software suite will begin with the launch of the Chevrolet Blazer EV later this year, followed by the Equinox EV, Sierra EV and Cadillac Celestiq.