Ford Not Interested In CarPlay Ultra, Here's Why!

JAKARTA - Ford Motor Company may adopt CarPlay Ultra in the future after improvements. Currently, Ford CEO Jim Farley feels Google has a better platform.

Ford has previously committed to continuing to use the basic version of Apple CarPlay, but will not adopt the new version, CarPlay Ultra. In an interview on the Decoder podcast with Joanna Stern, CEO Jim Farley said he had spoken to Tim Cook many times about the future of an integrated system. However, he argues Ford might create its own custom software.

"We don't like Ultra's early executions, but we are very committed to Apple," he said. "However, I think Apple should make a big decision... do they want to control the entire experience in the vehicle?"

"If Apple wants to do that, I think we're going to have a hard time," he continued. "Because the digital experience is going to be very complicated, and we have to decide between Google and Apple."

Farley's main issue is about Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), technology that uses cameras and sensors to improve vehicle safety. Ford also has clients who require them to disable the company's cars at the weekend or prevent access to the van at night.

This is where Ford will draw a line with Apple. Farley doesn't think his company can make a better experience than CarPlay's regular version.

"We don't think we can design an experience that will replace your phone," Farley said, "although there are things Ford is working on to add above Google and CarPlay's digital experiences that will make it even better."

Farley feels Google has created a better platform for cars. This is because Google has Google Automotive Services and, separately, Android Auto. So, Ford can theoretically add features to Android Auto without having to adopt the entire Google car platform.

"We just want to make it easy for customers," said Farley. "But if those companies want to control the vehicle, I think it's too far away."

Farley seems to estimate Ford should create its own system, which implies that they haven't done it yet. However, it specifically really appreciates other systems than CarPlay or Android Auto, especially systems from China.

He called Huawei and Xiaomi "extraordinary" for making the system completely smooth. Farley regretted that US companies did not approach the automotive industry in the same way.

While Farley has not completely ruled out the possibility of integrating CarPlay Ultra in the future, most of its arguments are in line with other manufacturers who have rejected Apple's technology. Executives from Renault specifically said they had told Apple, "don't try to storm our own system."