The Next-Gen of Apple CarPlay is arriving, but OEMs show mixed feelings about it.
At the beginning of this year, Apple officially canceled its plans for its own EV. But there were already signals in 2022 that Apple would double down on the in-car experience (read here). The new version will be integrated into the car’s native infotainment system, giving Apple access to fuel gauge, tire pressure, and more. At the same time, CarPlay will exhibit brand-distinctive features.
For OEMs, this means that Apple has significant access to core features of their vehicles and their own software endeavors are less attractive. Two premium OEMs have already joined forces with Apple: Porsche and Aston Martin. This is a hard hit, especially for VW whose in-house software company, CARIAD, is struggling to meet the expectations regarding VW.os and autonomous driving. One of our sources for this article, “Caranddriver.com”, assumed in 2023 that the two premium brands would have spillover effects on connected OEMs (VW, Mercedes). However, the CEO of Mercedes-Benz AG recently claimed that the car maker will not rely on the new Apple CarPlay. Additionally, as we reported earlier, the GM already ditched the new CarPlay for its EVs (read here).
Even though Apple insists that the iPhone will not store and track vehicle data, its entry into the native infotainment system is a big win for Apple. The concrete steps taken by other major OEMs (e.g. BMW, Stellantis, Ford) will show whether the automotive industry will keep its walls up against Big Tech or surrender.
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