Highlights

• Mercedes-Benz will not fully integrate Apple’s next-gen CarPlay.
• CEO Ola Källenius confirms limited use of CarPlay alongside Android Auto.
• Mercedes is developing advanced navigation features with Google.
• The brand aims to maintain control over its proprietary infotainment system.

While many automakers have signed on to support Apple’s ambitious new vision for an immersive, all-encompassing CarPlay experience, Mercedes-Benz has definitively ruled itself out.

The German luxury brand has no plans to hand over complete infotainment control to Apple’s next-gen in-car smartphone mirroring system.

In a recent interview with The Verge’s Nilay Patel on the Decoder podcast, Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius provided a straightforward “no” when asked if the automaker intends to enable the upcoming version of CarPlay that can take over all interior screens and displays.

“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 clarified. “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.”

Collaborating With Google Instead

Rather than fully adopting Apple’s vision, Mercedes says it is working closely with Google to develop advanced navigation and mapping experiences.

Källenius revealed the companies are partnering on a new navigation feature built atop Google Maps.

This aligns Mercedes more closely with Google’s ambient computing efforts versus Apple’s push for extensive integrated smartphone experiences in vehicles.

Källenius said in the podcast, “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. 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.”

Balancing Third-Party Integration

Mercedes’ stance doesn’t necessarily rule out any future Apple CarPlay integration altogether.

However, it draws a clear line at allowing the system to completely replace Mercedes’ proprietary infotainment software and interface across all displays and screens.

The automaker seems to prefer giving customers the choice to use Apple’s mirroring technology for select functions while retaining overall control of its in-car experience.

This contrasts with brands like Volvo and Polestar that have fully embraced the next-gen CarPlay model.

While Mercedes won’t be among the first to ship cars with immersive widescreen CarPlay capabilities, other major automakers have committed to supporting it when it rolls out more broadly in the coming years.

How that evolving integration shapes up could have major implications for the longstanding automotive infotainment paradigms.

FAQs

Will Mercedes-Benz use the new version of Apple CarPlay?

Mercedes-Benz will continue supporting Apple CarPlay but will not allow the system to take over all car displays, focusing on limited integration.

What are Mercedes-Benz’s plans for in-car navigation systems?

Instead of fully adopting Apple’s system, Mercedes-Benz is collaborating with Google to enhance its navigation and mapping capabilities.

How does Mercedes-Benz’s approach to CarPlay differ from other automakers?

Unlike Volvo and Polestar, which are moving towards full integration, Mercedes-Benz prefers a balanced approach, allowing selective use of CarPlay.

Can Mercedes-Benz customers still use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?

Yes, customers can use both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in Mercedes-Benz vehicles, with the flexibility to switch between systems as needed.

Also Read: Apple Gears Up for Major CarPlay Announcements in 2023: Here’s What to Expect

Also Read: Apple’s Massive CarPlay Update Is Finally Coming To Car Infotainment Systems in 2024