Ford swaps Google for Apple Maps in next-gen EVs

Ford is making a significant shift in its in-car software strategy by adopting Apple Maps as the default navigation system for its upcoming line of electric vehicles, moving away from the Google-based system it has used since 2023. The change, announced jointly by both companies on Wednesday, leverages Apple’s new MapKit for Automotive SDK and will debut in Ford’s $30,000 midsize electric pickup, scheduled for release in 2027. Beyond navigation, Ford’s Latitude AI division will incorporate Apple’s road-level mapping data to enhance the next generation of its BlueCruise hands-free driving system.

This decision marks a notable departure from Ford’s earlier partnership with Google. In 2021, Ford committed to integrating Android Automotive across millions of vehicles, positioning itself as a flagship adopter of Google’s automotive software. However, for its most critical new product line, Ford is now turning to Apple. CEO Jim Farley described the electric pickup as a vehicle that “redefines what advanced technology can be,” adding that Ford is “honoured to be among the first to embed” Apple Maps directly into a car.

The embedded system will provide turn-by-turn directions with natural language search, real-time traffic and incident updates, and EV-specific route planning that accounts for charging station locations, estimated range, and battery preconditioning. The latter feature automatically adjusts battery temperature before arriving at a fast charger, significantly reducing charging times. Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of services, noted that the SDK allows automakers to create a navigation experience that aligns with the design of their vehicle software, rather than simply mirroring the Apple Maps app.

According to a report from the New York Times, Ford’s Latitude AI team will use Apple’s road-level data to develop a more seamless on-ramp-to-off-ramp experience for BlueCruise. This means Apple’s mapping information will help the hands-free system better understand highway interchanges, merges, and exits. While Google’s Android Automotive platform has steadily gained traction across the industry, Ford’s choice to favor Apple for its flagship EV platform indicates that the battle for in-car software dominance remains far from over.

The electric pickup, built on Ford’s Universal Electric Vehicle (UEV) platform, will be assembled at the Louisville Assembly Plant in Kentucky, using LFP batteries and megacasting to achieve the $30,000 price target. Apple CarPlay will continue to be available on Ford vehicles alongside the native Apple Maps integration. Ford has not yet clarified whether existing models running Android Automotive will eventually adopt Apple Maps or if the change applies exclusively to UEV-based vehicles moving forward.