Apple on Thursday announced a new set of developer tools that will let automakers embed Apple Maps navigation and mapping directly into their vehicles’ infotainment systems.
The software development kit, called MapKit for Automotive, will debut with Ford and its new line of electric vehicles, starting with a $30,000 midsize truck in 2027.
Ford is placing a hefty bet on its next-generation of EVs, which it has promised will be affordable and efficient while still offering the latest technology. To build them, Ford ditched its century-old tradition and instead started with a universal EV platform, or UEV, that will underpin the midsize truck and eventually other vehicles including a sedan, crossover, three-row SUV and even small commercial vans.
Features like Apple Maps integration may seem minor compared to Ford’s decision to use single-piece aluminum unicastings for the vehicle, which are large components cast as one piece to eliminate parts and allow for faster assembly.
But the Apple Maps integration is central to Ford’s plan to deliver more responsive features to owners, such as navigation that includes efficient routing designed for EVs and turn-by-turn directions with natural language capabilities.
