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Former collaborators reportedly turned their backs on Apple's CarPlay Ultra

Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Renault will not receive Apple's advanced CarPlay update, according to a recent report.

Partner Disengagement from Apple's Expanded CarPlay Model Allegedly Occurring
Partner Disengagement from Apple's Expanded CarPlay Model Allegedly Occurring

Former collaborators reportedly turned their backs on Apple's CarPlay Ultra

Let's Talk About the Great Escape: Major OEMs Ditching Apple's CarPlay Ultra

Apple's highly anticipated CarPlay Ultra, a revolutionary infotainment system promising to take over a car's own software, grabbed headlines when it was first previewed at WWDC 2022. Over a dozen automakers were initially on board for the big ride, including Acura, Audi, Ford, and more. But, things don't always go as planned, as revealed in a recent Financial Times report.

The report claims that several heavyweights from the initial list have decided to hop off the CarPlay Ultra bandwagon. The list of deserters now includes Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Polestar, and Volvo Cars, all partially or wholly owned by Geely. Jaguar Land Rover is still in the mix, evaluating the Ultra system, while Ford, Nissan, and Infiniti have no updates to share. Porsche remains steadfast in its commitment to Ultra.

So, what's causing this mass exodus? Sources close to the matter suggest a conflict between Apple's intrusive system and the automakers' desire to maintain control over their vehicle software experiences. An anonymous Renault executive, echoing the sentiment of others, warned Apple against "trying to invade" their "own systems." Data sharing concerns are also rumored to play a part, although CarPlay Ultra installed in an Aston Martin model doesn't appear to collect any more data than traditional CarPlay.

Apple, in response, acknowledges that more automakers are joining the Ultra family. Yet, they also admit that integrating the system with a car takes time. As we wait for the dust to settle, keep an eye on the remaining supporters - Aston Martin, Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, and Porsche – as they forge ahead with CarPlay Ultra in their future models.

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  1. Google's YouTube, a popular platform for tech enthusiasts, could be a great place to discuss the ongoing saga of Apple's CarPlay Ultra, as it offers a vast community for such discussions.
  2. Amidst the ongoing dispute, it's interesting to note that tech giants like Google and Apple are both investing heavily in artificial intelligence (AI), which is shaping the future of gadgets and technology.
  3. With major OEMs distancing themselves from Apple's CarPlay Ultra, it's unclear how the tech industry's focus on integration between devices and cars will proceed.
  4. Meanwhile, Apple's competitors in the tech world, such as Google and manufacturers of gadgets like Samsung, are quietly watching the developments surrounding CarPlay Ultra, potentially ready to capitalize on any vacancies left in the market.

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