Apple Maps will come built into Ford’s upcoming Universal Electric Vehicle Platform in 2027, giving drivers direct access to navigation, traffic updates, EV routing, and hands-free driving support without needing an iPhone.
Apple and Ford announced the partnership as part of a broader plan to bring Apple Maps directly into vehicle displays through Apple’s new MapKit for Automotive SDK. Ford will use the software across its upcoming electric vehicle platform, while drivers will still have the option to use CarPlay.
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The built-in Apple Maps experience will include turn-by-turn directions, natural language guidance, live traffic information, incident alerts, detailed place cards, and route suggestions. Drivers will also get EV-focused features such as intelligent routing and battery preconditioning, which prepares the battery before arriving at a charging station.
Apple Maps will also support Ford’s hands-free driving system
Ford plans to use road-level data from Apple Maps to support the next generation of its BlueCruise hands-free highway driving system. The company expects this data to improve the driving experience between highway entrances and exits, while also helping its Latitude AI team develop more advanced hands-free features.
The direct integration means Ford drivers will be able to use Apple Maps even without an iPhone connected to the vehicle. CarPlay will remain available for users who prefer Apple’s full in-car interface.
Ford appears to be one of the first automakers adopting Apple’s new automotive mapping tools, and Apple has already suggested that more partnerships will follow as other manufacturers begin using the MapKit for Automotive SDK.
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