Apple’s navigation tech will replace built-in systems in Ford’s upcoming midsize electric vehicle platform, bypassing CarPlay.
Ford will embed Apple Maps into its Universal Electric Vehicle Platform beginning in 2027, starting with a $30,000 midsize EV. The integration, enabled by Apple’s MapKit for Automotive, goes beyond CarPlay by providing native navigation with live traffic, EV routing, and road-level data for hands-free driving features like BlueCruise.
Apple abandoned its decade-long car project in February 2024, reallocating resources to AI after reportedly spending billions. The deal with Ford marks a shift toward licensing its technology to automakers rather than building vehicles.
The collaboration allows Ford to customize the interface while leveraging Apple’s mapping infrastructure, including turn-by-turn directions and battery preconditioning for charging stops.