Increased Emphasis on CarPlay by Apple Due to its Role as the Ultimate Remaining Space in Automobiles

In the latest edition of Bloomberg’s Power On newsletter, Mark Gurman reports on Apple’s CarPlay platform, which connects iOS devices to cars. Following Apple’s announcement of discontinuing the development of self-driving cars, CarPlay remains the tech giant’s focus in the automotive industry. However, the challenge lies in the competition from Android Auto, with its advancement in Android Automotive operating system installed directly in cars.

Android Automotive, launched in 2017, has seen significant success with various car manufacturers such as Polestar, Porsche, BMW, Volkswagen, Ford, Honda, and General Motors already integrating the system, capturing a market share of approximately 35%. Apple has responded by unveiling a new version of CarPlay starting in 2022, but customization is required to adapt to different car models. As a result, only Aston Martin’s DB12 and Porsche (model unspecified) currently support the new CarPlay.

The decision to halt self-driving car projects presents Apple with an opportunity to refocus on CarPlay. Monetization strategies may involve negotiating fees with car manufacturers for CarPlay support, introducing CarPlay+ with premium features for users at a cost, or creating customizable CarPlay versions for car brands to implement accordingly.

TLDR: Apple shifts focus to CarPlay after discontinuing self-driving car projects. Competition from Android Auto’s Android Automotive poses challenges in the automotive tech industry. Monetization strategies include partnering with car manufacturers for CarPlay support and offering premium features through CarPlay+.