Ford is turning to Apple to help steer its autonomous vehicle strategy. The automaker announced this week that it will use Apple’s software to power driver-assistance systems in an upcoming line of electric vehicles, giving the tech giant a direct role in how the cars operate while driving themselves. It’s a departure from the typical CarPlay arrangement, where Apple’s software simply mirrors onto a car’s display through a connected iPhone.
A First-of-Its-Kind Collaboration
Unlike previous efforts, Apple and Ford engineers are now working together directly to refine self-driving capabilities ahead of the vehicles’ expected arrival next year. The Apple software will reportedly be built directly into the car itself, meaning drivers won’t need to plug in an iPhone to access features like mapping. Ford CEO Jim Farley called it a major milestone for the company, noting that pairing with Apple should help cut development costs while still delivering advanced driver-assistance technology. The company’s first vehicle to carry the new system is expected to be an electric pickup truck, overseen by a team led by former Tesla executive Alan Clarke, with a target price around $30,000.
An Industry Wary of Big Tech
Apple executive Eddy Cue confirmed that Ford is the first major automaker to adopt this deeper level of integration, though Apple plans to eventually offer the software to other car companies as well. Many automakers have historically kept technology giants like Apple and Google at arm’s length, wary of ceding control over customer relationships and data. Tesla and Rivian have skipped CarPlay and Android Auto altogether in favor of proprietary systems, and General Motors recently said it would phase out CarPlay in future models in favor of its own software.