Photo: Ford
Ford has recently announced a partnership with Google that would allow for a massive upgrade in its cars, with all models released starting with 2023 to come pre-loaded with Android Automotive.
This is massive news, especially for the future of Android Automotive, as this platform is still in its early days right now, and the only ones using it are Polestar and Volvo. While several other automakers have already confirmed they plan to bring Android Automotive to their cars, including PSA, a partnership between Ford and Google paves the way for huge adoption in the long term.
But while Ford seems to be ready to go all-in on Android, others are concerned the American carmaker could leave one important share of customers behind: those with an iPhone.
With Android Automotive pre-loaded in the car, some believe giving up on iPhone connectivity and features like CarPlay is just a matter of time. But this won’t happen, according to Mike Levine, Ford North America Product Communications Manager.
In a tweet this week, Levine explains CarPlay will continue to be offered in Ford cars, even if Android Automotive would be the preferred system.
“CarPlay will still be available as part of Ford’s ongoing commitment to provide choice,” he explained.
This is excellent news for those with an iPhone, but on the other hand, it’ll definitely be interesting to see how the carmaker manages to refine the experience on this front, especially as it says part of its software teams would be focused on other projects. In other words, some are concerned that even if CarPlay continues to be offered, this feature might be more or less neglected as the focus becomes Android Automotive.
“By leveraging Android Automotive, Ford also will be able to divert significant software engineering talent from operating system development to the creation of unique Ford and Lincoln customer innovations,” Ford said.
Beginning with 2023, absolutely all Ford cars are projected to come with Android Automotive pre-loaded.
But while Ford seems to be ready to go all-in on Android, others are concerned the American carmaker could leave one important share of customers behind: those with an iPhone.
With Android Automotive pre-loaded in the car, some believe giving up on iPhone connectivity and features like CarPlay is just a matter of time. But this won’t happen, according to Mike Levine, Ford North America Product Communications Manager.
In a tweet this week, Levine explains CarPlay will continue to be offered in Ford cars, even if Android Automotive would be the preferred system.
“CarPlay will still be available as part of Ford’s ongoing commitment to provide choice,” he explained.
This is excellent news for those with an iPhone, but on the other hand, it’ll definitely be interesting to see how the carmaker manages to refine the experience on this front, especially as it says part of its software teams would be focused on other projects. In other words, some are concerned that even if CarPlay continues to be offered, this feature might be more or less neglected as the focus becomes Android Automotive.
“By leveraging Android Automotive, Ford also will be able to divert significant software engineering talent from operating system development to the creation of unique Ford and Lincoln customer innovations,” Ford said.
Beginning with 2023, absolutely all Ford cars are projected to come with Android Automotive pre-loaded.
CarPlay will still be available as part of Ford’s ongoing commitment to provide choice.
— Mike Levine (@mrlevine) February 1, 2021
Google News