Apple may have hyped its all-new CarPlay Ultra, but not everyone in the auto industry is sold on the idea. In a recent interview, Ford’s CEO isn’t impressed with Apple CarPlay Ultra, questioning whether the tech giant should have so much control over key vehicle functions.
Jim Farley, Ford’s chief executive, shared his thoughts on Decoder, pointing out that while Ford remains “committed to Apple,” the first version of CarPlay Ultra didn’t meet expectations.
What Makes CarPlay Ultra Different?
Apple’s CarPlay Ultra promises deeper integration than ever before. Instead of simply mirroring apps onto a central screen, it expands across multiple displays and lets drivers control climate settings, drive modes, and more—right from Apple’s interface.
The system debuted earlier this year in select Aston Martin models, with Porsche lined up as the next automaker. Yet since then, no other brands have announced adoption. That hesitation speaks volumes.
Why Ford’s CEO Isn’t Impressed With Apple CarPlay Ultra
Farley was candid in his critique. “We don’t like the execution in round one of Ultra, but we’re very committed to Apple,” he told Decoder. The Ford chief emphasized that the automaker wants more clarity on how CarPlay Ultra interacts with essential vehicle features.
He raised key questions:
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Should Apple’s software be able to start the car?
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Should it control speed limits?
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Should it manage access to vehicle functions?
For Ford, the concern is clear—handing too much control to Apple could undermine the automaker’s ability to deliver its own tech and customer experience.
The Bigger Picture: Automakers Pushing Back
Ford isn’t alone in its cautious stance. Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius previously voiced similar doubts about Apple’s ambitions to dominate in-car software. Many automakers are investing heavily in their own connected platforms and don’t want to risk Apple overshadowing them.
Car companies are increasingly positioning themselves as tech players, not just manufacturers. If Apple CarPlay Ultra takes over every screen and feature, automakers could lose their edge in software innovation.
Ford’s Balancing Act With Apple
Despite the criticism, Farley stressed that Ford still values its partnership with Apple. Ford’s fleet customers already use in-house software to manage things like driver access and vehicle tracking, and the company wants to ensure these tools remain integrated alongside Apple’s offerings.
Ford’s approach appears to be one of balance—working with Apple while making sure its own technology ecosystem remains central.
What This Means For The Future Of CarPlay Ultra
Apple faces a tricky road ahead. For CarPlay Ultra to expand beyond Aston Martin and Porsche, it will need to win over skeptical automakers like Ford. That means offering flexibility, better integration, and ensuring automakers don’t feel locked out of their own vehicles.
For drivers, the tension could shape the future of in-car experiences. Will cars become iPhone extensions on wheels, or will automakers keep tighter control of their digital platforms?
For now, one thing is clear: Ford’s CEO isn’t impressed with Apple CarPlay Ultra, and his skepticism signals that Apple has more work to do before earning wider adoption.
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