Ford is turning to Apple to power the driver-assistance systems in its upcoming line of electric vehicles, marking an unusual level of trust between a major automaker and a technology giant. The $56 billion company confirmed this week that Apple’s software will help control how its EVs operate in self-driving mode, a first for the industry.
A Deeper Collaboration Than CarPlay
Unlike Apple CarPlay, which simply mirrors an iPhone’s interface on a car’s dashboard, this new arrangement goes much further. Apple’s software will be built directly into the vehicle itself, meaning drivers won’t need to plug in or pair a phone to access features like Apple Maps. Ford CEO Jim Farley called the partnership one of the company’s most significant announcements, noting that Apple Maps would come embedded at no added cost. Apple engineers are reportedly working directly alongside Ford’s team, a departure from Apple’s past practice of developing automotive software independently.
Other Automakers Take a Different Path
The move stands out because many carmakers have historically kept tech companies like Apple and Google at arm’s length, wary of ceding control over customer relationships and data. Tesla and Rivian, for instance, built proprietary in-car software rather than adopting CarPlay or Android Auto. General Motors is heading a similar direction, planning to drop CarPlay entirely in favor of its own system.
Ford’s first vehicle to use the new Apple-powered technology will reportedly be an electric pickup truck, led by a team that includes a former Tesla executive, with a target price near $30,000. Apple has indicated it plans to offer the software to other automakers as well, suggesting Ford’s deal could be the first of many across the industry.