Mercedes-Benz Cancels Planned Apple CarPlay Cockpit Takeover Tech

Current version of Apple CarPlay as seen in the Mercedes-Benz A200 Progressive Line we tested recently.

Back in 2022, tech giants Apple revealed that it was developing a new form of its Apple CarPlay in-vehicle mirroring tech that will be able to takeover every display screen in a vehicle – instrument panel included.

Initially, this attracted several carmakers to team up with Apple to develop this cockpit takeover tech. However, it seems one of said carmakers has now elected to scrap this allowance altogether. The carmaker in question is German luxury brand Mercedes-Benz.

According to the brand’s CEO Ola Kallenius, vehicles need a “holistic software architecture” to meet the needs of customers who seek a seamless infotainment experience. The exec argues that handing the reins over to Apple is not the way to achieve that.

Mercedes-Benz has elected to scrap plans at allowing a full cockpit takeover for Apple CarPlay. Instead, it will continue offering the regular version of which, alongside Android Auto.

Kallenius confirmed this decision recently when interviewed by tech website The Verge. “To give up the whole cockpit head unit — in our case, a passenger screen — and everything to somebody else, the answer is no,” he said when asked if the brand plans to adopt this version of CarPlay.

Despite its decision to skip on allowing this new and fully immersive version of Apple CarPlay in its new and upcoming cars, Mercedes-Benz has instead chosen to retain the regular form of Apple CarPlay connectivity still.

“We’re not fundamentalists to say, for some reason, we’re not going to allow a customer to use Apple CarPlay if that’s what they choose to do,” adds Kallenius. He also emphasised that said Apple tech will continue to be offered by the brand alongside its rivalling Android Auto tech.

Aston Martin and Porsche remains the only key brands that appear to still be on board with Apple with this cockpit takeover for CarPlay.

Instead of a complete takeover, the three-point star has instead chosen to work with tech companies – specifically their engineers – at creating a bespoke system. The brand already plans to install a customised iteration of Google Maps into its in-vehicle displays soon.

Whilst Mercedes-Benz has elected to drop this immersive tech, both Porsche and Aston Martin remains the only key brands that have agreed to allow it. Both have shown what this version of Apple CarPlay will look like on their vehicles prior.