When Apple revealed its intentions for CarPlay Ultra, 14 automotive companies initially agreed to incorporate the software. Nonetheless, numerous manufacturers are now reevaluating this choice as they aim to set their products apart and compete with the Chinese market. The Financial Times reports that some carmakers have distanced themselves from their original pledges, while others are still assessing the extent of integration they desire with Apple.
Aston Martin was the first to showcase CarPlay Ultra, but several other brands are choosing to create their own infotainment systems to possibly increase revenue from in-car services and vehicle data. In spite of this, CarPlay continues to be favored by drivers in the US, with Apple asserting that 98% of new vehicles come equipped with CarPlay, and the platform is utilized over 600 million times each day. This popularity could create difficulties for manufacturers withdrawing from CarPlay Ultra.
At present, Aston Martin, Hyundai, Genesis, and Porsche intend to endorse CarPlay Ultra. Companies such as Jaguar Land Rover, Ford, Nissan, Infiniti, Acura, Honda, and Lincoln are rethinking their strategies. Meanwhile, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Polestar, Renault, and Volvo Cars have opted not to support CarPlay Ultra.
Apple has established explicit regulations regarding data sharing, ensuring that CarPlay Ultra does not require extra sharing of vehicle data, which remains securely stored within the automaker’s own databases. Vehicle data is not transmitted to the iPhone. The implementation of CarPlay Ultra in vehicles is yet to be determined, and updates will be provided as further information emerges.
