Ford's upcoming Universal Electric Vehicle (UEV) platform models will feature integrated navigation powered by Apple Maps instead of Google.
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.
While the truck is currently unnamed, it may be called the Ranchero.
Pricing and Production
Ford CEO Jim Farley confirmed the new midsize electric vehicle is expected to be priced around $30,000.
Production for the electric truck is not expected to start until 2027.
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.
Eddy Cue stated that the new MapKit for Automotive SDK will provide Ford drivers with an accurate and easy-to-use navigation system.
Ford's in-house software development company, Latitude AI, is reportedly using the new mapping system to develop next-generation self-driving technology.
Latitude AI is developing a software model for self-driving capabilities that could include eyes-off autonomous driving.
Ford's current hands-free driving system is generally referred to as BlueCruise.
Ford has indicated the possibility of a van and multiple SUVs that could also utilize the UEV platform.
