Thursday, 24 April 2025
27.6 C
Singapore
31 C
Thailand
19 C
Indonesia
29.1 C
Philippines

Mercedes-Benz rejects full Apple CarPlay integration

The Mercedes-Benz CEO confirms the luxury automaker will not fully integrate Apple’s next-gen CarPlay, maintaining control over vehicle technology.

Mercedes-Benz has no intention of allowing Apple’s advanced CarPlay system to control all its vehicle screens, as stated by the CEO of the German automotive giant during an episode of Decoder.

Ola Källenius, the CEO, firmly expressed that Mercedes-Benz is aiming for a “holistic software architecture” to enhance the technological experience in their cars, tailored to meet growing customer demands. This statement came in response to an inquiry about whether the company would allow Apple CarPlay to manage every display within its vehicles. “The short answer is no,” Källenius remarked during his discussion with The Verge’s Nilay Patel.

Apple’s ambitious proposal for its next-generation CarPlay, announced in 2022, was designed to expand the phone-mirroring feature from the central touchscreen to additional screens, including the gauge cluster. This expansion signalled Apple’s desire to influence essential vehicle functionalities, such as the HVAC system and the speedometer. Despite these plans, the revamped CarPlay has yet to be installed in any production models. Last year, Apple announced that Porsche and Aston Martin would be among the initial adopters of this immersive display technology.

However, Källenius noted that Mercedes is taking a different route, collaborating closely with Google, Apple’s chief competitor. This partnership focuses on developing an enhanced navigation system based on Google Maps, with significant input from Mercedes’ own engineers.

Balancing customer choice with brand integrity

While some manufacturers, like General Motors, have recently banned Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in their new electric vehicles to offer a more integrated software environment, Mercedes-Benz remains open to providing these phone-mirroring options. Källenius emphasised the importance of offering choices to customers, stating, “We’re not fundamentalists to say, for some reason, we’re not going to allow a customer to use Apple CarPlay if that’s what they choose to do.”

Mercedes continues to support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, giving customers the flexibility to switch between their vehicle’s native functions and those offered by their smartphones. “If, for some of the functions, you feel more comfortable with that and will switch back and forth, be my guest. You can get that, too,” he added.

In conclusion, Källenius reaffirmed Mercedes-Benz’s stance on not ceding complete control of its cockpit displays to external systems like Apple’s next-gen CarPlay. “To give up the whole cockpit head unit—in our case, a passenger screen—and everything to somebody else, the answer is no.”

Hot this week

Famed AI researcher starts bold new company aiming to replace human jobs

AI expert launches Mechanize, a startup aiming to replace all human jobs with AI, sparking backlash and deep concern across the tech world.

Mark Zuckerberg says TikTok slowed Meta’s growth and changed its direction

Zuckerberg says TikTok slowed Meta’s growth and forced a shift in strategy, as revealed in the FTC antitrust trial on June 5.

GitLab announces general availability of GitLab Duo with Amazon Q

GitLab announces the general availability of GitLab Duo with Amazon Q, combining DevSecOps and AI to accelerate secure software development.

Proofpoint launches unified cybersecurity platform to cut costs and tackle multichannel threats

Proofpoint launches Prime Threat Protection, a unified cybersecurity platform tackling human risk and multichannel threats while reducing costs.

PlayStation Plus prices rise worldwide, including Singapore

PlayStation Plus subscription prices have increased worldwide, including Singapore, with changes affecting new and existing users.

POCO launches entry-level C71 smartphone in Singapore with premium features

POCO launches the budget-friendly C71 smartphone in Singapore, offering premium design, enhanced cameras, and smooth performance at S$109.

NVIDIA uses AI to address climate, wildlife and disaster risks

NVIDIA’s AI tools support climate action, wildlife monitoring, and disaster risk mitigation, with uses spanning sea, land, sky and space.

Netflix raises subscription prices in Singapore again

Netflix again raises subscription prices in Singapore, with new rates for all plans and extra member slots.

GameMax unveils Blade Concept ATX case with bold design and powerful features

GameMax launches the Blade Concept ATX case, which features a striking blade design, RGB lighting, and support for high-end liquid-cooled PC builds.

Related Articles

Popular Categories