Apple has received pushback from many leading automobile manufacturers over the usage of CarPlay Ultra software. According to the Financial Times, the automobile makers do not want to give full access to the instrument cluster or all-digital dashboard functions to Apple. Initially, car manufacturers were keen on upgrading to CarPlay Ultra, but Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volvo Cars, Polestar, and Renault have rejected it. Apple, on the other hand, announced at its annual developer conference, believes the new CarPlay Ultra system delivers a seamless, consistent interface across all driver displays. Aston Martin was the first nameplate to be equipped with CarPlay Ultra.
Apple’s CarPlay Ultra: Innovation or Invasion?
Unveiled at the 2022 Worldwide Developers Conference, Apple CarPlay Ultra was introduced as the ‘next-generation’ in-car feature, revolutionising vehicle dashboard integration. CarPlay Ultra integrates and controls the car’s displays, including the instrument cluster, which has customizable displays for speed, fuel, temperature, and more. Drivers can view information from their iPhone, like maps and music, alongside car data such as driver assistance alerts and tyre pressure, all within the driver’s console. You can use touchscreen controls, physical buttons, or Siri to manage standard features like radio and adjust and air-conditioning temperature and other advanced car settings, directly through CarPlay Ultra. It also gets iPhone-powered widgets that give drivers quick access to useful information on the go on the Apple interface, instead of the manufacturer’s design
Volvo Cars and Audi said to the Financial Times that they had no plans to use CarPlay Ultra. Volvo Cars chief executive Hakan Samuelsson said carmakers should not try to compete on software with technology companies. “There are others who can do that better, and then we should offer that in our cars,” he said. Audi, on the other hand, said it is focused on offering drivers “a customised and seamless digital experience”.
According to the report, Porsche, Hyundai, Kia and Genesis remain committed to adopting Apple CarPlay Ultra, while Jaguar Land Rover said it would continue to evaluate the system.
Despite the pushback, Apple seems unfazed, according to the Financial Times. The company believes that once consumers experience CarPlay Ultra in action, demand will surge, pressuring automakers to adopt it. How that unfolds remains to be seen in the years ahead.
