Ford to embed Apple Maps in next EV platform and update BlueCruise
Native navigation and enhanced driver-assist features will debut in a $30,000 midsize pickup truck in 2027, with unsupervised driving system targeting 2028.
Ford has announced plans to embed Apple Maps directly into its upcoming Universal Electric Vehicle Platform, a move that signals a deeper integration of tech services into its future vehicle architecture. The integration will debut with a $30,000 midsize pickup truck scheduled for release in 2027. According to the announcement, the system will provide turn-by-turn directions using natural language, real-time traffic and incident information, intuitive search with detailed place cards, and routing options.
The new native integration includes intelligent EV routing and battery preconditioning features. Ford noted that drivers will not need an iPhone to access these embedded Apple Maps features, although the company confirmed that CarPlay will remain available as an option in its vehicles. This shift represents a significant change in how Ford approaches in-car navigation, moving away from reliance on smartphone connectivity for core mapping functions.
In addition to navigation updates, Ford is collaborating with Apple to enhance its BlueCruise driver-assist system. The automaker stated it will use Apple Maps’ road-level information to power a hands-free highway driving experience that operates from on-ramp to off-ramp. This partnership aims to improve the precision and reliability of Ford’s existing hands-free technology by leveraging more granular mapping data.
Ford’s Latitude AI team is also developing an eyes-off unsupervised driving system, with expectations for readiness by 2028. This development occurs alongside the broader push for advanced driver-assistance features, though the company has not provided detailed technical specifications for the updated BlueCruise system beyond the use of road-level data.
The $30,000 price point for the midsize pickup truck represents Ford’s entry into the lower-cost segment of the EV market. While the target price is set, final pricing may differ upon release. The rollout of the unsupervised driving system remains subject to regulatory approval and further development timelines, with 2028 cited as the expected readiness date.
The announcement was reported by The Verge, which provided the primary details on the technical specifications and partnership scope. Ford’s strategy appears to focus on combining cost-effective vehicle platforms with advanced, native tech integrations to remain competitive in the evolving electric vehicle landscape.
