TL;DR
Ford CFO Sherry House told attendees at the Barclays Global Auto and Mobility Tech Conference the automaker will continue to give customers the option to use Apple CarPlay alongside Ford’s own systems. Ford also plans to add Apple's Gemini in 2026 and says native Ford apps have driven higher engagement versus the prior SYNC4 release.
What happened
At the 2025 Barclays Global Auto and Mobility Tech Conference, Ford CFO Sherry House said the company remains committed to offering Apple CarPlay as an in-car option, framing it as part of a strategy to give drivers choice between external platforms and Ford’s own systems. House said Ford will introduce Apple’s Gemini technology in 2026 when it becomes available and emphasized ongoing investment in native apps, noting recent in-car apps and features have increased engagement roughly 20 points compared with the previous SYNC4 version. She described Ford’s approach as combining third-party offerings with native software to better connect with customers. The remarks come amid broader industry shifts: GM recently removed CarPlay support, Ford’s CEO has criticized the initial CarPlay Ultra execution, and media reports have suggested Tesla may be preparing its own CarPlay support.
Why it matters
- Preserves consumer choice: Ford intends to let buyers use CarPlay rather than forcing only native systems.
- Software strategy: Combining third-party platforms with native apps signals a hybrid approach to in-car UX and services.
- Market contrast: Ford’s stance differs from rivals that have discarded CarPlay, affecting platform competition.
- CarPlay Ultra uncertainty: Ford’s ultimate position on the newer CarPlay Ultra experience remains unresolved.
Key facts
- Ford CFO Sherry House reaffirmed support for Apple CarPlay at the Barclays Global Auto and Mobility Tech Conference.
- House said Ford will add Apple’s Gemini in 2026 "as soon as that’s available."
- Ford reports native apps and features recently launched have increased engagement by about 20 points versus prior SYNC4.
- Ford intends to combine external platforms like CarPlay with its own native applications across its product portfolio.
- GM has decided to drop Apple CarPlay, a move referenced as context for renewed comments from other automakers.
- Ford CEO Jim Farley has criticized the execution of the first CarPlay Ultra version but has discussed the topic several times with Apple CEO Tim Cook.
- Bloomberg reported in November that Tesla is actively developing CarPlay support and could roll it out in coming months (media report referenced in the source).
What to watch next
- Whether Ford will support Apple’s CarPlay Ultra in current or future vehicles — not confirmed in the source.
- Rollout and integration timeline for Gemini in Ford vehicles in 2026 as stated by the company.
- If and when Tesla formally announces Shipments or updates that include CarPlay support — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Apple CarPlay: A system that projects select iPhone apps and functions onto a vehicle’s infotainment display to provide phone, navigation and media controls.
- CarPlay Ultra: An enhanced version of CarPlay that expands integration with a vehicle’s native controls and instrument cluster; specifics vary by automaker implementation.
- Gemini: Apple’s branded advanced AI/model technology referenced for integration into products and services; arrival and features depend on Apple’s release schedule.
- SYNC4: Ford’s previous-generation infotainment platform; automakers often update such systems to add features, apps and connectivity improvements.
Reader FAQ
Is Ford dropping Apple CarPlay?
No. Ford’s CFO said the company will continue to offer customers the option to use CarPlay.
Will Ford support CarPlay Ultra?
Not confirmed in the source.
When will Ford add Apple’s Gemini?
Ford said it expects to bring Gemini in 2026 as soon as it becomes available.
Is Tesla adding CarPlay?
Bloomberg reported Tesla is developing CarPlay support, but a formal rollout was not confirmed in the source.
Here are six exciting Apple product launches to look forward to in 2026 Michael Burkhardt Dec 27 2025 CARPLAY IPHONE Ford reaffirms its ongoing commitment to CarPlay Chance Miller | Dec…
Sources
- Ford reaffirms its ongoing commitment to CarPlay
- Ford doubles down on Apple CarPlay and Android Auto …
- Next Gen Apple CarPlay Will Take Over All Screens: Lawsuit
- Ford CEO pokes fun at GM for CarPlay excuses, reiterates …
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