Will Ford Support Apple CarPlay Ultra

[Jimrpa]

The only actually hardware requirement known is a iPhone 12 or higher.

Everything else is speculation, assuming it’s a full in vehicle replacement like Android automative, as opposed to running on your phone like CarPlay does now.

And do that I say….why does it require an iPhone 12 plus if it’s a full system replacement like Android automotive (which doesn’t require and Android phone).

It’s not like Android automotive. It’s more like Android auto with extra bells and whistles. In fact, they describe different types of “punch throughs” for the native UI to make presentations and explain different UI elements that the manufacturer can choose.

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[Sikkun]

It’s not like Android automotive. It’s more like Android auto with extra bells and whistles. In fact, they describe different types of “punch throughs” for the native UI to make presentations and explain different UI elements that the manufacturer can choose.

Exactly.

Now will we get it? No clue.

But everything we have seen so far the phone is the main driver, not the car. Which puts us most closer in the we COULD get it.

But Ford also still has traditional dealer mindset so slap that update in the model refresh (2026? Maybe) and call it a day wouldn’t surprise me either.

 

[Jimrpa]

Exactly.

Now will we get it? No clue.

But everything we have seen so far the phone is the main driver, not the car. Which puts us most closer in the we COULD get it.

But Ford also still has traditional dealer mindset so slap that update in the model refresh (2026? Maybe) and call it a day wouldn’t surprise me either.

I think that Ford would still need some major software updates to expose the IP to CarPlay Ultra. I’m not sure if the hardware design would even allow that.
Personally, if I were Ford, I’d hold off until a future model year. Of course, remember that Ford has implemented a new user experience, based on Android Automotive, which they launched with the new Lincoln Nautilus so, either they’re going all-in on the new Android Automotive thing, or they’ll have to figure out how to support both Android Automotive AND CarPlay Ultra, which could get messy.

 

[garyd9]

Android automotive can support CarPlay already. There’s no technical reason why it couldn’t be made to support CarPlay Ultra. In fact, google might do just that to try and deflect some of the monopoly claims.

 

[GreaseMonkey]

As long as they come up with a fully integrated user experience that is well thought of, I’d be okay with that. I have a preference for all things Apple because it looks and functions better. Google has a lot of work to do. But either would be better than a ford native solution.

 

[Jimrpa]

Android automotive can support CarPlay already. There’s no technical reason why it couldn’t be made to support CarPlay Ultra. In fact, google might do just that to try and deflect some of the monopoly claims.

That would seem reasonable. I don’t know enough of the technical details of Android Automotive. I’ve only played with it in a nautilus for about 5 minutes.

 

[NorthStar]

We won't get BC 1.5 or CarPlay Ultra because the current Mach E simply doesn't have the hardware to support either one.

The 2025+ MME has the hardware to support BC 1.5

How can you know this? What we're talking about is mostly software. And even if we can't get a CarPlay Ultra full diesel, maybe we can get a lite version.

I would pay a monthly subscription to have something like this on my 24.

 

[dan_meh]

I would love to know how this actually works… er… under the hood. From this Motor Trend, they seem to be passing the data through. Like an OBD interface but pretty. https://www.motortrend.com/news/apple-carplay-ultra-phone-mirroring-first-look-review

Think of it as a mask, taking data from your car and reimagining it in Apple’s design language and taking inputs from you and translating them to your car. All the while, you never have to leave the CarPlay user interface you already know.

 

[profdraper]

Apparently, Apple has released CarPlay Ultra. Any indication whether Ford will support it?

wrong. https://9to5mac.com/2025/05/15/carplay-ultra-automakers/

 

[Jimrpa]

wrong. https://9to5mac.com/2025/05/15/carplay-ultra-automakers/

What was wrong? I asked a question. ?

 

[FitGreek]

Apparently, Apple has released CarPlay Ultra. Any indication whether Ford will support it?

I hope so bc my 23 mache has been flip-flopping back-and-forth between Bluetooth and CarPlay only between calls not music.

 

[FitGreek]

Where are you getting data about what the hardware requirements for CarPlay Ultra are?

WTH….??‍

 

[FitGreek]

They aren't even on Apple's list of car companies that have shown interest.

?

 

[medic2442]

Wonder if this Early Access Update I got the other day is gearing up for such a thing. I’m all in on Apple. Only own one Android phone because it’s for work.

 

[ponEpwr]

I hope I’m wrong but I don’t see Ford updating anything that’s not a subscription based service on our vehicles. I could see it being a standard feature on new model year vehicles though. But for Ford to make the update on already sold vehicles, no matter how easy it might be, nah.

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