Mercedes CEO says ‘no’ to Apple, but ‘yes’ to Google, while Ola Källenius makes a bold statement on CarPlay

Apple made a systematic plan over a period of four years to replace Android Auto in cars with its CarPlay software and not to forget its ambitious idea of ​​building an Apple Car. So, the idea was simple—sell CarPlay to traditional car makers, while also showcasing the platform on your Apple Car. Now, when Apple has abandoned the Apple Car idea, the only option is to target the dashboard (or screen) of modern cars with CarPlay. With large smart screens gaining prominence inside luxury cars, car brands can only partner with trusted software makers like Google, Apple and others, even Samsung!

Mercedes CEO wants holistic software architecture

recently Interview with The Verge, Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius clearly said “no” to Apple. The reason? Mercedes is looking for a “composite software architecture” – something Google can provide better. CEO Ola Källenius has given a clear statement that he will not allow the screens of Mercedes cars to be taken over by Apple. In other words, Mercedes doesn’t want to risk being stuck inside the walled-off Apple ecosystem, where Apple only has the right to decide what the screens inside the cars show and do.

“I fundamentally believe that the overall customer experience is best done by us, and we will serve you,” Mercedes’ Ola Kalleniushe told The Verge during an interview.

Källenius insisted that Mercedes’ own engineers would actively work on the screens inside the cars they sell. It’s about providing an in-car experience that Mercedes would never want to give up to any other company. He even revealed that Mercedes is working with Apple’s big rival- Google on bringing a new navigation system which is powered by Google Maps. Google doesn’t mind allowing Mercedes engineers to decide what the actual in-car experience will be like; Thus, the Mercedes team will be “heavily involved in the process”.

According to the report, Callenius is okay with including “phone-mirroring services” in cars and Mercedes will not completely exclude the feature like General Motors. For those unaware, General Motors has taken steps to stop Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in its EVs as the company believes it can provide a better and more “comprehensive software experience” than just mirroring smartphones. Could.

Apple’s next-generation CarPlay—what can it do?

Back in 2022, Apple introduced this next generation carplay Claiming to “fundamentally change the way people interact with their vehicles”, Apple plans to deeply integrate CarPlay with the car’s hardware. So, how deep will this integration go? Apple said with the CarPlay software, it will allow users to do things like control the radio or change the climate directly through CarPlay, and using vehicle data, CarPlay can display speed, fuel level, temperature and more on the instrument cluster. Will present something. Even “personalize” their driving experience.