Ford's upcoming Universal Electric Vehicle (UEV) platform models will feature integrated navigation powered by Apple Maps instead of Google. [claim:1]
It has been reported that the first vehicle to utilize Apple's MapKit technology will be an upcoming, currently unnamed electric truck that is roughly the size of a Ford Maverick. [claim:2, claim:15]
While the truck is currently unnamed, it may be called the Ranchero. [claim:5]
Pricing and Production
Ford CEO Jim Farley confirmed the new midsize electric vehicle is expected to be priced around $30,000. [claim:9]
Production for the electric truck is not expected to start until 2027. [claim:4]
Navigation and Software Integration
The Apple Maps integration for the UEV platform is said to include features such as finding charging stations and automatically preconditioning the car's battery. [claim:10]
Eddy Cue stated that the new MapKit for Automotive SDK will provide Ford drivers with an accurate and easy-to-use navigation system. [claim:8]
Ford's in-house software development company, Latitude AI, is reportedly using the new mapping system to develop next-generation self-driving technology. [claim:11]
Latitude AI is developing a software model for self-driving capabilities that could include eyes-off autonomous driving. [claim:12]
Ford's current hands-free driving system is generally referred to as BlueCruise. [claim:13]
Ford has indicated the possibility of a van and multiple SUVs that could also utilize the UEV platform. [claim:14]