APPLE CARPLAY ULTRA FACES INDUSTRY BACKLASH AS AUTOMAKERS PULL SUPPORT: WHAT MUST CHANGE

Apple's ambitious new in-car interface, CarPlay Ultra, appears to be in trouble before it even launches.

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With another major automotive manufacturer stepping away from the platform, industry momentum is shifting toward OEM-controlled infotainment systems, raising questions about Apple's strategy and the future viability of its dashboard experience.

CarPlay Ultra, unveiled at WWDC 2022, was designed to be the most immersive version of Apple's in-car experience yet. It promised a system that would take over multiple screens, integrate with core vehicle functions like climate control, and offer deeper real-time vehicle data display. But instead of widespread adoption, Apple is facing growing resistance from automakers wary of ceding control over key digital experiences to a third-party tech giant.

ANOTHER MAJOR EXIT FROM THE CARPLAY ECOSYSTEM

While Apple did not specify launch partners during its CarPlay Ultra announcement, several early commitments came from brands like Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Audi, and others under the Volkswagen Group. However, reports now confirm that at least one of those automakers has scaled back or completely walked away from plans to support the system in upcoming models.

This marks the second high-profile retreat in recent months. General Motors previously announced that it would phase out CarPlay and Android Auto in favor of its own native software experience, co-developed with Google's Android Automotive OS. That trend is gaining traction across the industry, especially among legacy brands trying to future-proof their connected car strategies—and their data.