Porsche has become a pioneer of new connectivity and infotainment capabilities in new-generation cars, spearheading the adoption of innovative solutions like Apple Maps EV routing and deep CarPlay integration into the vehicle.
As if its performance appetite wasn't enough to turn its cars into genuine head-turning machines, Porsche is now obsessed with an approach that works brilliantly both ways. The company wants to give customers the choice, letting them decide what they want to use from an infotainment perspective when getting behind the wheel.
General Motors took the world by surprise in 2023 when it decided to ban Android Auto and CarPlay in its future EVs. The American carmaker adopted Android Automotive, and despite having the technical means to offer the embedded operating system side by side with phone mirroring software, it decided to block Android Auto and CarPlay.
The decision generated a flood of criticism from past, current, and potential customers. Rival carmakers rapidly denied plans to follow in GM's footsteps, confirming Android Auto and CarPlay will live on in its cars. Not long ago, Polestar's CEO explained that car manufacturers shouldn't try to "dogmatically educate customers." He emphasized the need to give customers the choice.
It's what Porsche also does. And the debut of the 2024 Macan EV is living proof.
First, the essentials.
Photo: Porsche
The 2024 Macan EV runs Android Automotive, Google's full operating system that bundles services like Google Maps and Google Assistant. With Google Maps, Macan drivers can receive automatic suggestions for charging stops when the range drops below a certain threshold.
Google Assistant offers more advanced voice control, including integrated vehicle functions like the heated seats and the climate controls.
Android Automotive is seamlessly integrated into the Porsche Communication (PCM) system, and the German carmaker fully uses the capabilities bundled with the OS to retain its brand identity. The digital assistant can be triggered with the "Hey, Porsche" voice command – the default on Android Automotive is "Hey, Google."
Porsche tried to upgrade the infotainment experience in the 2024 Macan EV with a brilliant display lineup. The vehicle comes with up to three screens, depending on the configuration.
Photo: Porsche
The two most important are the freestanding 12.6-inch instrument cluster, which features a curved design and can also show Apple Maps directions when connected to CarPlay. Porsche already integrates Apple Maps EV routing, a feature only available on three models – the Porsche Taycan, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and the F-150 Lightning.
The central display sports a 10.9-inch panel and is the main interface to the Android Automotive world, allowing the driver to interact with apps like Google Maps, Waze, and Spotify. Android Automotive also comes with the Google Play Store, allowing drivers to download and install more apps.
Google announced earlier this month that Google Chrome, the world's number one mobile and desktop browser, is on its way to Android Automotive. Chrome is currently in beta in Volvo and Polestar vehicles with Android Automotive, coming to more models, including Ford's models running the same OS, later this year. Porsche Macan will also receive the application by the end of 2024, allowing drivers to browse the web from the 10.9-inch display.
Photo: Porsche
The third display in the Macan EV is a secondary 10.9-inch unit placed in front of the passenger. The front passenger can watch videos from streaming platforms or change infotainment system settings thanks to Android Automotive integration.
The CarPlay experience
Porsche made it clear it has no plans to abandon CarPlay, and Apple's phone mirroring system is deeply baked into the new Macan.
CarPlay will continue to be offered with the standard feature lineup, but thanks to the My Porsche app integration, the German carmaker will also offer more advanced capabilities from the CarPlay UI, like access to vehicle functions, such as air conditioning. It means the driver doesn't need to leave the CarPlay UI to change the cabin temperature.
Porsche previously demonstrated these capabilities in the Cayenne, and the same experience will also be available in the new Macan. If CarPlay users rely on Apple Maps for navigation, the step-by-step directions can also be displayed on the instrument cluster in front of the driver's eyes. The feature is currently exclusive to Apple Maps (via CarPlay), but similar capabilities are available for Google Maps thanks to Android Automotive.
Photo: Porsche
Porsche is also one of the first carmakers to adopt the new-generation CarPlay experience.
Announced by Apple at WWDC in 2022, CarPlay 2.0 will debut this year in select Porsche and Aston Martin models. It'll offer a feature similar to Android Automotive's, including deeper integration into the vehicle to access more functions. The new CarPlay will also support multiple displays on the dashboard, including the instrument cluster.
Porsche has already confirmed it'll bring CarPlay 2.0 to its cars, but it didn't share more specifics. I expect additional information, including the models supporting the new CarPlay experience, to surface later this year.
Porsche confirmed the Android Automotive adoption last year, explaining that it wants to provide customers with access to their favorite ecosystems. The statement ruled out an exclusive bet on Google software, leaving the door open to the new-generation CarPlay.
Porsche hasn't confirmed whether it plans to offer CarPlay 2.0 as an alternative to Android Automotive, essentially giving customers the choice of the operating system powering the experience behind the wheel.
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
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