Apple CarPlay Ultra loses support: Mercedes, Audi, Volvo and other brands drop integration

Mercedes, Audi, Volvo and Renault are abandoning CarPlay Ultra, unwilling to hand over control of the car to Apple. What's happening with the project, and who's left in the game?

Here's What We Know

A new round of opposition between Apple and car companies: the largest European brands - Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volvo, Polestar and Renault - have publicly announced that they do not intend to implement CarPlay Ultra in their cars. The reason is simple - a reluctance to give Apple control over key vehicle control systems, including HVAC, navigation and the digital dashboard.

So CarPlay Ultra is not just a "new version" but an attempt by Apple to actually integrate itself into the brains of the car. Unsurprisingly, carmakers that already have their own media systems and digitalisation strategy are not thrilled at the prospect of becoming an "iPhone shell".

To date, only Aston Martin has dared to go down this path. Hyundai, Kia and Genesis are in the process of integration, as well as Porsche, whose loyalty to Apple is explained by its affiliation with Volkswagen - one of the most open to experimentation.

Interestingly, Ford and Nissan, which were previously among the announced brands, are silent about their plans, as if waiting to see who will survive in this race of interfaces.

Context

CarPlay Ultra is Apple's "enhanced" interface, unveiled in 2022. It allows you to display information on all of your car's screens and interact with climate control, tachometer and even seat heating. All of this, of course, under the Apple brand.

That's why manufacturers with name and ambition have decided to say no to such integration. Apple is obviously aiming to turn the car into yet another iOS screen, and automakers aren't ready to give up just yet.

Source: The Verge