Ford Just Showed GM That CarPlay and Android Automotive Can Live Under the Same Roof

The carmaker tried to defend its decision several times, explaining that Android Automotive is the only way to offer more advanced capabilities in its cars. This doesn't justify the ban on Android Auto and CarPlay, so the consensus was that GM adopted Android Automotive to prepare a subscription-based model.

Several carmakers confirmed their commitment to Android Auto and CarPlay, trying to win customers after GM's controversial strategy kicked in with the 2024 Blazer EV.

Ford was one of them, and this week, it showed GM and the entire world that Android Automotive, CarPlay, and Android Auto can live together under the same roof.

It's not the first car manufacturer to provide customers with the choice, but thanks to this strategy, Ford could win the hearts of American buyers who jump ship from General Motors seeking a complete infotainment experience.

Announced this week as the "Ford and Lincoln Digital Experience," the transition to Android Automotive doesn't leave Android Auto and CarPlay behind. Android Automotive is the operating system powering the infotainment experience, but drivers can still connect their smartphones to launch Android Auto or CarPlay.

Android Automotive lands in Ford's cars with the same feature package, including access to Google Maps and Google Assistant. With Google Maps, drivers get navigation and eco-friendly routes, while Google Assistant offers voice commands to control apps and vehicle functions, including climate controls.

However, Ford also offers Alexa integration, so drivers have a secondary digital assistant to search for information, make phone calls, or control connected home devices.

Android Automotive also comes with the Google Play Store, as Ford adopted the full suite with GAS (Google Automotive Services) included. Android Automotive is also available without GAS for carmakers planning to offer alternative services, including third-party app stores (BMW is one of the carmakers adopting Android Automotive without GAS).

Users can download apps from the Play Store, but the biggest benefit concerns updates. Thanks to AAOS, Ford will continue to deliver updates as it does today, while app updates will ship through the Google Play Store, like on your smartphone.

Ford will also offer access to games, with the company promising an exclusive version of Asphalt Nitro 2, though it's unclear what sets it apart from the standard release.

Android Automotive will be adapted to each vehicle's specifications, using touch input for interaction. The icing on the cake will be the 48-inch immersive panoramic display that will be available on the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus.

Giving customers the choice

Leaving aside the new-gen capabilities powered by Android Automotive, Ford's decision to offer multiple infotainment options aligns with a strategy that Polestar's CEO highlighted earlier this month.

Thomas Ingenlath explained that letting customers decide what to use behind the wheel is the better approach, as carmakers should try to avoid to "dogmatically educate customers." Enforcing a single infotainment option is a way to do this, so pairing Android Automotive with CarPlay and Android Auto lets carmakers put customers at the forefront of the infotainment experience.

GM's controversial strategy to block CarPlay and Android Auto came into effect with the debut of the 2024 Blazer EV. The same approach will be used on every EV released by General Motors, and considering the carmaker has a target of moving to zero-emission vehicles by 2035, Android Auto's and CarPlay's days are already numbered. The two systems will remain available in existing models, but future releases will only adopt Android Automotive.

Ford hasn't said a single thing about subscriptions, though certain Android Automotive capabilities are tied to services that would require a premium plan. For example, the 5G wireless technology that allows you to stay online while driving is available with a Ford or a Lincoln Premium Connectivity plan.

Apple says nearly eight in ten new-car buyers in the United States consider CarPlay a must-have system for a modern vehicle. Approximately 80% of new-car buyers are ready to move to another model or brand if the vehicle they want to order doesn't sport CarPlay support. Ford's strategy of offering more infotainment options under the same roof could be a way to catch the attention of disappointed GM customers, part of the 80% of new-car buyers who see CarPlay mandatory in a 2024 vehicle.

Google recently revealed the four big names projected to adopt Android Automotive this year, including Ford, Nissan, Lincoln, and Buick. Now that Ford and Lincoln have already announced their plans, Buick and Nissan are next in the queue. Buick will almost certainly offer Android Automotive exclusively (given GM's strategy), so it'll be interesting to see if Nissan plans to go the Ford way and keep all infotainment options available in its cars despite the big bet on an embedded Android system.