Mercedes-Benz’s CEO stated in an episode of Decoder that the German automaker has no intentions to implement Apple’s immersive, next-generation CarPlay system.
Newsng gathered that when Apple unveiled its next-generation CarPlay system two years ago, it also released a list of automakers that would be installing it in their vehicles. Mercedes-Benz was one of the names on the roster.
The carmaker has since disclosed that the next-generation CarPlay, which is expected to launch this year, will not be integrated.
Ola Källenius, the CEO of Mercedes-Benz, stated in an interview with The Verge that his company prefers to utilise its operating system.
Even though Mercedes-Benz is collaborating with Google of all businesses to develop its in-car software in the future, some automakers are reluctant to give Apple that much power.
However, Mercedes doesn’t seem to be in a rush to follow its competitors in the luxury vehicle market by allowing Apple to control the in-car experience for its patrons.
Rather, Källenius stated that the business is closely collaborating with Google, Apple’s primary rival, to develop a new navigation tool that would expand upon Google Maps.
The primary distinction is in the significant involvement of Mercedes’ in-house engineering team in the process.
“We’re not fundamentalists to say, for some reason, we’re not going to allow a customer to use Apple CarPlay if that’s what they choose to do,” Källenius said.
“So, we have Apple CarPlay. We have Android Auto. If, for some of the functions, you feel more comfortable with that and will switch back and forth, be my guest. You can get that, too.”
We earlier reported that the iPad operating system is set to comply with the regulations of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) within six months, as per a letter issued by the European Commission to the tech giant on Monday.
