Apple CarPlay ULTRA for Scout: A Game Changer for Infotainment?

[tuvok]

It would be amazing if Scout vehicles fully embraced Apple CarPlay Ultra and, eventually, Google's upcoming "ultra" version of Android Auto.

if you're unfamiliar with Apple CarPlay Ultra, Click here to read an article from MotorTrend. There is also a video in the article.

Let's be honest, car manufacturers generally s*ck at infotainment software that's as polished and user-friendly as what Apple and Google offer. It's a tough battle when you're going up against big companies whose sole focus is software and hardware development. Especially with the rapid integration of advanced AI into smartphones, there's no way car makers can realistically match Apple and Google in terms of cutting-edge intelligent feature integration in their vehicles.

Here's why I think this deep integration is so crucial:

Seamless Smartphone Integration

All of us carry iOS or Android smartphones. We're familiar with their interfaces, how they work, and what they can do. More importantly, our phones already know so much about us: our schedules, daily habits, appointments, preferred routes, and more. With CarPlay Ultra (and the equivalent Android Auto "ultra"), this familiarity and personalized information could seamlessly extend to our driving experience (without having to be transferred or shared with the car's software).

Imagine getting into your Scout, and your car's display immediately reflects your phone's familiar UI, apps, navigation, and even your calendar, all optimized for the driving environment. No more learning a completely new, often clunky, car-specific operating system. It's about eliminating that "dual digital personality" we currently experience in our cars. The cool thing is that the new CarPlay Ultra can even works with physical buttons in the dash!

Benefits for Scout and Us

While full integration might seem like giving up control, it actually presents some significant advantages for both Scout and the customers:

• Customization and Brand Identity: Apple and Google are already working with automakers to allow for customization of the interface, meaning Scout could still incorporate its unique design elements, like its distinctive horizontal speed gauge, while leveraging the robust underlying software.
• Engineering Focus: Instead of spending countless hours and resources reinventing the infotainment wheel from scratch (which usually never truly succeeds), Scout's engineers could focus their energy on other critical aspects of the vehicle – performance, safety, battery technology, and more features. This could lead to an even better overall vehicle.
• Potential Cost Savings: Since much of the computing power for the infotainment system would be handled by our powerful smartphones, it might reduce the need for expensive, high-end computer hardware within the car itself. Hopefully, any savings from this could then be passed on to us, the customers!

Ultimately, I'd love to see Apple CarPlay Ultra fully supported in Scout vehicles, allowing for a truly integrated and intuitive experience.

What are your thoughts on deeper smartphone integration like this?

 

[J Alynn]

Did you copy this from the other thread? There’s been a lot of discussion on this topic already and based on comments I’m not sure most people feel it is but you might want to search the ultra word and you can jump into n on that conversation

 

[tuvok]

Did you copy this from the other thread? There’s been a lot of discussion on this topic already and based on comments I’m not sure most people feel it is but you might want to search the ultra word and you can jump into n on that conversation

Thanks. I'll check out the other threads. The whole Ultra thing is just a few days old though!

 

[R1TVT]

It would be amazing if Scout vehicles fully embraced Apple CarPlay Ultra and, eventually, Google's upcoming "ultra" version of Android Auto.

if you're unfamiliar with Apple CarPlay Ultra, Click here to read an article from MotorTrend. There is also a video in the article.

Let's be honest, car manufacturers generally s*ck at infotainment software that's as polished and user-friendly as what Apple and Google offer. It's a tough battle when you're going up against big companies whose sole focus is software and hardware development. Especially with the rapid integration of advanced AI into smartphones, there's no way car makers can realistically match Apple and Google in terms of cutting-edge intelligent feature integration in their vehicles.

Here's why I think this deep integration is so crucial:

Seamless Smartphone Integration

All of us carry iOS or Android smartphones. We're familiar with their interfaces, how they work, and what they can do. More importantly, our phones already know so much about us: our schedules, daily habits, appointments, preferred routes, and more. With CarPlay Ultra (and the equivalent Android Auto "ultra"), this familiarity and personalized information could seamlessly extend to our driving experience (without having to be transferred or shared with the car's software).

Imagine getting into your Scout, and your car's display immediately reflects your phone's familiar UI, apps, navigation, and even your calendar, all optimized for the driving environment. No more learning a completely new, often clunky, car-specific operating system. It's about eliminating that "dual digital personality" we currently experience in our cars. The cool thing is that the new CarPlay Ultra can even works with physical buttons in the dash!

Benefits for Scout and Us

While full integration might seem like giving up control, it actually presents some significant advantages for both Scout and the customers:

• Customization and Brand Identity: Apple and Google are already working with automakers to allow for customization of the interface, meaning Scout could still incorporate its unique design elements, like its distinctive horizontal speed gauge, while leveraging the robust underlying software.
• Engineering Focus: Instead of spending countless hours and resources reinventing the infotainment wheel from scratch (which usually never truly succeeds), Scout's engineers could focus their energy on other critical aspects of the vehicle – performance, safety, battery technology, and more features. This could lead to an even better overall vehicle.
• Potential Cost Savings: Since much of the computing power for the infotainment system would be handled by our powerful smartphones, it might reduce the need for expensive, high-end computer hardware within the car itself. Hopefully, any savings from this could then be passed on to us, the customers!

Ultimately, I'd love to see Apple CarPlay Ultra fully supported in Scout vehicles, allowing for a truly integrated and intuitive experience.

What are your thoughts on deeper smartphone integration like this?

This is a LOT of hype IMHO:

Scout has said it will support CarPlay, so I think we are good... BUT keep in mind Scout has already shown a UI and infotainment experience for "SCOUT STUFF" (not your phones stuff) that already looks amazing. Rivian accomplished the same, but Rivian could be even better with CarPlay. I'm sure Rivian's investments from Amazon had something to do with not having CarPlay out of the gate.

Personally, I run Waze and use Siri natively from my iPhone in my R1T now, but would 100% rather use those apps from CarPlay.

The thing you need to remember in regard to Scout is that they have no choice to engineer, they have already said that they can take advantage of Rivian's Zonal architecture and SW and that they can build Scout experiences right on top of it. They have no choice, b/c CarPlay doesn't do Scout things like interact with the Harvester, the Battery, the Air Compressor, a DCFC or any charger. CarPlay does phone things on your infotainment screen, which is different. But yes, great. Can't wait to see how Scout implements this.

 

[AlanL]

After having my misunderstanding of CarPlay Ultra being an OS corrected and reading the Motor Trend article, I ABSOLUTELY NO WAY want CarPlay Ultra used in any car I own. We have a 2 year old Honda Pilot, we use Apple Maps in CarPlay for all our navigation. Within the last 6 months we have had numerous glitches where CarPlay locks up or crashes and takes several minutes to come back. Luckily we carry an iPad Mini running the same route so whoever is not driving can look ahead at complexities, or in the failure cases take over navigation.

Bad enough to lose navigation, I sure as heck do not want the entire instrument cluster going dark! It does not matter if the root problem is Honda's or Apple's. An extra layer of communication and control is not a good idea for primary gauges. They should be running on the car, not an external phone. And i'm generally an Apple bigot, owned a Mac since September 1984.

At least if I do understand it now, CarPlay Ultra has to be an option that can be turned off at any time.

 

[R1TVT]

A simple tile for CarPlay stuff that can be toggled to is really all that is needed in the case of the Scout (to get to core ACP functionality). The rest of the Scout stuff remains Scout stuff.

 

[Chavannigans]

A simple tile for CarPlay stuff that can be toggled to is really all that is needed in the case of the Scout (to get to core ACP functionality). The rest of the Scout stuff remains Scout stuff.

Judging from what I’ve seen this is correct.

It seems they will be using minimized tabs for almost all functions. They can be expanded or swiped over to your copilots side of the screen.

I just don’t think CarPlay Ultra has a place in software defined vehicles.

Don’t get me wrong. I spent a sizeable chunk of change and time adding wireless CarPlay to my wife’s Honda Odyssey, my Husqvarna, and my ancient Lexus GX470 that has a nightmare of a CanBus system and 8ohm audio.

I use CarPlay every day but I just don’t understand what would be gained from CarPlay Ultra that can’t be done better by Community UX.

 

[tuvok]

This is a LOT of hype IMHO:

Scout has said it will support CarPlay, so I think we are good... BUT keep in mind Scout has already shown a UI and infotainment experience for "SCOUT STUFF" (not your phones stuff) that already looks amazing. Rivian accomplished the same, but Rivian could be even better with CarPlay. I'm sure Rivian's investments from Amazon had something to do with not having CarPlay out of the gate.

Personally, I run Waze and use Siri natively from my iPhone in my R1T now, but would 100% rather use those apps from CarPlay.

The thing you need to remember in regard to Scout is that they have no choice to engineer, they have already said that they can take advantage of Rivian's Zonal architecture and SW and that they can build Scout experiences right on top of it. They have no choice, b/c CarPlay doesn't do Scout things like interact with the Harvester, the Battery, the Air Compressor, a DCFC or any charger. CarPlay does phone things on your infotainment screen, which is different. But yes, great. Can't wait to see how Scout implements this.

Actually the new version of CarPlay Ultra is precisely made to connect to underlying car functions including the examples you mentioned (Harvester, Battery, the Air Compressor, A/C, Seat Heaters, Speakers, tire pressure, etc). I think all of these services will become widgets in CarPlay and can be assigned to one of the screens. The point is to have a uniform digital experience if one chooses to use CarPlay; If you prefer CarPlay, you can have it across all your car's displays – No more jumping between different systems just to adjust the A/C or check your tire pressure. Otherwise, Scout's own system will always be there. Also, Apple supposedly works with each individual auto maker to ensure CarPlay Ultra's look and feel matches the car's own design and brand. So, it won't just be a generic Apple skin.

 

[tuvok]

After having my misunderstanding of CarPlay Ultra being an OS corrected and reading the Motor Trend article, I ABSOLUTELY NO WAY want CarPlay Ultra used in any car I own. We have a 2 year old Honda Pilot, we use Apple Maps in CarPlay for all our navigation. Within the last 6 months we have had numerous glitches where CarPlay locks up or crashes and takes several minutes to come back. Luckily we carry an iPad Mini running the same route so whoever is not driving can look ahead at complexities, or in the failure cases take over navigation.

Bad enough to lose navigation, I sure as heck do not want the entire instrument cluster going dark! It does not matter if the root problem is Honda's or Apple's. An extra layer of communication and control is not a good idea for primary gauges. They should be running on the car, not an external phone. And i'm generally an Apple bigot, owned a Mac since September 1984.

At least if I do understand it now, CarPlay Ultra has to be an option that can be turned off at any time.

Not a lot of detail is available yet, but seems like CarPlay Ultra is the next version of CarPlay. The difference being the Ultra would require more engagement with the auto maker. Perhaps this closer cooperation would help resolve some of those glitches you mentioned? I agree that any additional software that crashes the infotainment system is contrary to the point! One of my colleagues drives a '24 Honda CRV and also complains about CarPlay's stability

 

[dreamweaver]

Not a lot of detail is available yet, but seems like CarPlay Ultra is the next version of CarPlay. The difference being the Ultra would require more engagement with the auto maker. Perhaps this closer cooperation would help resolve some of those glitches you mentioned? I agree that any additional software that crashes the infotainment system is contrary to the point! One of my colleagues drives a '24 Honda CRV and also complains about CarPlay's stability

My current 2024 Lincoln has wireless Carplay and I thought I might have problems with it. However, it has been flawless.

 

[ThFocus]

CarPlay is a deal breaker. For example despite my Tesla having a giant screen, I still need to hook up my phone separately to use common phone functions. I'm not getting a new EV without CarPlay. If Ultra means even better integration, then Yes Please!

 

[ThFocus]

While we are at it, do we know if Scout will be using their own proprietary system or Rivian's software? Why not Google Automotive (the full GAS suite) as the car's operting system? As someone mentioned earlier, it's pointless to try and build a car operating system from scratch when google already offers a compelling one that's being used by Volvo/Polestar, GM, and soon many other brands. BTW it supports both Android auto and carplay.

 

[cyure]

While we are at it, do we know if Scout will be using their own proprietary system or Rivian's software? Why not Google Automotive (the full GAS suite) as the car's operting system? As someone mentioned earlier, it's pointless to try and build a car operating system from scratch when google already offers a compelling one that's being used by Volvo/Polestar, GM, and soon many other brands. BTW it supports both Android auto and carplay.

I haven’t heard anything mentioned about GAS. There is the Rivian partnership but have you watched the videos from CES in January? I know they are on YouTube and they had some Scout engineers going through aspects of the UX. Dog mode, a detox mode, etc. How you can swipe aspects of the screen from the driver side to passenger side to change the navigator and the DJ so to speak.

I know those videos have been posted here in other threads as well.

 

[ThFocus]

I haven’t heard anything mentioned about GAS. There is the Rivian partnership but have you watched the videos from CES in January? I know they are on YouTube and they had some Scout engineers going through aspects of the UX. Dog mode, a detox mode, etc. How you can swipe aspects of the screen from the driver side to passenger side to change the navigator and the DJ so to speak.

I know those videos have been posted here in other threads as well.

I've seen those videos. However, the UX demo does not show what software is working under the hood. It could be a proprietary software, or Google's full Automotive suite. AFAIK Google Automotive allows customization of the UI/UX to some degree.

 

[J Alynn]

Being as VWAG is giving oodles of money to Rivian I suspect much of what they are using is proprietary mixed with Rivians system to create a hybrid of existing /new architecture and operating system with the support of CarPlay and unknown about Android

 

[cyure]

I've seen those videos. However, the UX demo does not show what software is working under the hood. It could be a proprietary software, or Google's full Automotive suite. AFAIK Google Automotive allows customization of the UI/UX to some degree.

I’m assuming, and yes I know that that can be dangerous, but I’m assuming they are going to use Rivians zonal architecture as well.

 

[dreamweaver]

I’m assuming, and yes I know that that can be dangerous, but I’m assuming they are going to use Rivians zonal architecture as well.

Yes, Scout Motors is going to use Rivian’s zonal architecture. This has been confirmed through multiple credible sources, including articles from TechCrunch, RivianTrackr, and InsideEVs, as well as statements tied to Scout Motors and Rivian’s leadership. Specifically, Scout Motors, a brand backed by Volkswagen Group, will adopt the software and zonal architecture developed through a joint venture between Rivian and Volkswagen Group. This architecture will power Scout’s upcoming electric vehicles, including the Traveler SUV and Terra pickup truck, which are slated to enter production in 2027.

 

[dreamweaver]

I haven’t heard anything mentioned about GAS. There is the Rivian partnership but have you watched the videos from CES in January? I know they are on YouTube and they had some Scout engineers going through aspects of the UX. Dog mode, a detox mode, etc. How you can swipe aspects of the screen from the driver side to passenger side to change the navigator and the DJ so to speak.

I know those videos have been posted here in other threads as well.

No GAS for me...going EV all the way.

 

[Latrant]

After having my misunderstanding of CarPlay Ultra being an OS corrected and reading the Motor Trend article, I ABSOLUTELY NO WAY want CarPlay Ultra used in any car I own. We have a 2 year old Honda Pilot, we use Apple Maps in CarPlay for all our navigation. Within the last 6 months we have had numerous glitches where CarPlay locks up or crashes and takes several minutes to come back. Luckily we carry an iPad Mini running the same route so whoever is not driving can look ahead at complexities, or in the failure cases take over navigation.

Bad enough to lose navigation, I sure as heck do not want the entire instrument cluster going dark! It does not matter if the root problem is Honda's or Apple's. An extra layer of communication and control is not a good idea for primary gauges. They should be running on the car, not an external phone. And i'm generally an Apple bigot, owned a Mac since September 1984.

At least if I do understand it now, CarPlay Ultra has to be an option that can be turned off at any time.

Same here!

I bought my first Apple IIe in the early 80's and the first Macintosh in 1984 (second year in College!) .

I'm Apple everything and use Carplay in all my cars.

Having said that, I like the 'backup' of the cars native OS since Carplay will glitch often.

L

 

[dreamweaver]

Same here!

I bought my first Apple IIe in the early 80's and the first Macintosh in 1984 (second year in College!) .

I'm Apple everything and use Carplay in all my cars.

Having said that, I like the 'backup' of the cars native OS since Carplay will glitch often.

L

After downloading the latest and greatest to my iPhone I haven't had any wireless CarPlay failures in my 2024 Lincoln, Fingers crossed. Prior to this update the most common failure was no audio, still got the route and directions on the center stack and cluster. If you wanted audio back I would have to stop the vehicle press Stop and open the door to shut down everything. Then, close door and press Start. I never had to repeat the reset it always worked the first time.