Apple Maps Will Be Integrated Directly into the Vehicle
Ford will begin installing Apple Maps in electric vehicles built on its new Universal Electric Vehicle Platform. The integration is scheduled to arrive in production vehicles in 2027.
The navigation system will operate directly on the vehicle’s displays through Apple’s new MapKit for Automotive SDK. Drivers will not need to connect an iPhone through CarPlay to use maps, plan a route or receive information about road conditions.
According to Apple and Ford, the system will provide turn-by-turn navigation with natural-language instructions, real-time traffic and incident information, location search and detailed place information.
Routes Will Take Battery Charge into Account
Intelligent electric vehicle routing will be one of the main functions of the integrated system. Apple Maps will be able to consider the specific requirements of electric driving and help users select routes that account for charging needs.
The system will help drivers locate charging infrastructure along their route and prepare the battery before the vehicle reaches a fast-charging station. Preconditioning the battery can improve charging performance after arrival.
This type of integration is particularly important for long-distance travel, where drivers must consider not only the distance to their destination but also vehicle range, charging station locations and expected stopping times.
CarPlay Will Remain Available
The addition of built-in Apple Maps does not mean Ford is abandoning CarPlay. Vehicle owners will still be able to connect an iPhone and use the familiar smartphone interface.
The main difference is that Apple navigation will become part of the vehicle’s own software. It will be able to receive information directly from the car and operate without requiring a permanently connected phone.
Apple also said that location information and activity on the vehicle’s map will not be collected in a way that can be linked to an individual user.
The First Model Will Be a $30,000 Electric Pickup
The first vehicle based on Ford’s new platform is expected to be a midsize four-door electric pickup. Its market launch is scheduled for 2027, with a target starting price of around $30,000.
Ford plans to manufacture the model at its Louisville Assembly Plant in Kentucky. The pickup will become the first vehicle in a new family of more affordable electric models.
Ford also intends to use detailed road-level information from Apple Maps in the development of its next-generation BlueCruise driver-assistance system. The data is expected to improve hands-free driving performance on supported highways.
