Some Automakers Change Their Minds, Want No Part of Apple CarPlay Ultra

After about a year's delay, the new generation of Apple CarPlay, dubbed CarPlay Ultra and more deeply integrated into the vehicle “to offer the best of the iPhone and the best of the car,” began its rollout in mid-May with Aston Martin. Existing models equipped with the brand’s latest infotainment system will also be able to get it via a software update in the coming weeks.

Other car companies will follow suit. Hyundai, Kia and Genesis are already confirmed, although timing is not specified yet. However, many are now turning their backs on the technology.

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When CarPlay Ultra was initially introduced back in 2022, Apple said that Acura, Audi, Ford, Honda, Infiniti, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Polestar, Porsche, Renault and Volvo had all shown interest. A new report from Financial Times claims that Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, Polestar and Renault have changed their minds and no longer want anything to do with it.

The reason? One can imagine that these automakers feel that Apple's new system goes too far. In fact, a Renault executive quoted by the publication is said to have told the electronics giant, “Don't try to invade our own systems.”

Jaguar and Land Rover are reportedly still evaluating the possible adoption of CarPlay Ultra in their vehicles, while Ford, Nissan and Infiniti have declined to disclose their plans.

Let's be clear: the standard version of CarPlay will continue to be offered. However, the companies that are resistant to Ultra clearly want to retain greater control over their interfaces and the various services and functionalities that come with them. Some of these can be paid for by subscription, which represents an important source of revenue for automakers.