The rivalry between Google Maps and Apple Maps is slowly but surely becoming fiercer, particularly thanks to the latter's efforts to offer more new-generation features.
The detailed city experience is living proof. Apple started the detailed city experience rollout several years ago, but the process is still underway, as the company has an ambitious goal of providing the entire world with fresh maps with incredible details.
The detailed city experience includes buildings, trees, crosswalks, sidewalks, and many other details that turn exploration and navigation into a straightforward and convenient process.
In addition to the new maps, which help Apple reduce its reliance on other companies, the iPhone maker is also betting big on a feature that would support its expansion in the automotive space. A partnership with Ford allowed Apple to turn Apple Maps into a must-have driving companion for EV drivers.
The Apple Maps feature in these Ford models benefits from deep vehicle integration, reading essential data like the battery range. The feature lineup is similar to what Google Maps offers on Android Automotive, monitoring the battery range and suggesting charging stops when necessary.
Apple Maps can look for compatible charging stations based on the plug type, verify the availability, and add stops to the route when an extra charge is required to arrive at the destination.
The feature isn't available on CarPlay because Apple Maps can't read vehicle data. As a result, it's only powered by the special vehicle integration when Apple works with carmakers to allow the app to access the necessary data.
The Google Maps push
Photo: Ford
Google already offers similar capabilities when Google Maps runs on Android Automotive, but it looks like the search giant will soon copy Apple's functionality and partner with carmakers specifically to make the integration happen.
Asked by someone on Twitter if Ford would work with Google on "getting EV route planning integrated like it is with Apple Maps on the Mach-E and Lightning," CEO Jim Farley had a simple reason. "Absolutely," he said, suggesting the update could eventually land for Ford drivers.
No specifics are available at the moment, and it's unclear if Ford is already working with Google to make it happen, but route planning in Google Maps is probably one of the features that both the carmaker and the search giant are interested in.
Ford's commitment to offering more options
Photo: Ford
Farley has been very active on social media lately, trying to confirm Ford's commitment to offering more options in its cars.
General Motors recently reignited the CarPlay controversy when a company executive claimed that switching from phone mirroring systems to Android Automotive was also a choice of safety. CarPlay and Android Auto could sometimes become dangerous, as the stability and reliability issues could force drivers to pick up the mobile device when the vehicle is in motion.
The message wasn't received well by potential GM customers worldwide, with many claiming they're ready to switch to other brands if the American carmaker drops CarPlay for good.
Ford's CEO reacted quickly on social media, reaffirming the company's support for Android Auto and CarPlay. Farley's message was specifically supposed to shame General Motors, as the CEO praised Android Auto and CarPlay for the safety capabilities offered to drivers.
Android Auto and CarPlay allow users to interact with their apps without looking at the screen or relying on touch input. Thanks to features like voice commands, the driver's distraction is significantly reduced, as the person behind the wheel can focus on the road without losing access to apps and phone calls.
Photo: Ford
Time will tell if Ford brings Google Maps EV routing to its models, but the company has always tried to be a pioneer of new technologies developed by Google. In 2021, the carmaker promised to bring Android Automotive to "millions of cars," especially as Google's operating system also recorded increased adoption in the United States.
Ford is also believed to be one of the carmakers pondering the adoption of the new-generation CarPlay. Apple promised a new CarPlay experience to launch this year on MY 2024 models, with the company claiming additional information, including the first vehicles to sport the new system, would go live by the end of this year. While it looks like Apple will miss the target, Ford is likely one of the companies that will bring CarPlay to its models.
The new-generation CarPlay will only be available in 2024 and later models, as it doesn't run on hardware in the current vehicles. However, it's unclear if Apple still wants to bring the new CarPlay to the market according to the original plan, as the lack of an announcement could be a sign that a potential delay is on the table, both for the tech giant and its partners in the automotive space.
Bogdan keeps an eye on how technology is taking over the car world. His long-term goals are buying an 18-wheeler because he needs more space for his kid’s toys, and convincing Google and Apple that Android Auto and CarPlay deserve at least as much attention as their phones. Full profile
Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?
Google News