Toyota Shockingly Opts out of Both CarPlay and Android Auto

Toyota has decided to use Ford’s SmartDeviceLink (SDL) open source software to allow users to connect their smartphones to their cars, while opting out of Apple’s CarPlay and Google’s Android Auto systems.

Toyota made the move based on concerns about the possible threat of the tech companies gaining ground in the auto industry. Ford’s SDL software allows access of apps and voice controls on smartphones, provided the app is programed for SDL. This news comes from the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, last Monday, from a Ford representative.

Many automakers may follow Toyota’s move, especially now with the Apple Car currently in development. Along with Google’s interest in automobiles, it’s clear that companies like Toyota see competition on the horizon.

With the open source software, car companies can use it to design their own version to enable smartphone connectivity. Previously drivers were forced to use whatever software the car manufacturers developed or contracted other companies to design. With all of the different apps for Apple iPhones, CarPlay may seem threatening to automakers that prefer their own proprietary software.

These new developments speak to the popularity and benefits of having smartphone apps right on the in-dash screen in cars. VW is supporting CarPlay, though they were recently barred from showing wireless features at the Consumer Electronics Show.

Several other brands are considering using SDL, including Honda, Subaru, and Mazda. While Ford will still use this software, they will allow Google’s Android Auto and Apple’s CarPlay to work in their cars going forward. Don Bulter, Ford’s executive director, told CBNC last year that it’s important to, “think more like a ‘software of services company’” and to be “’open and inviting to partnerships…” Clearly Ford is looking at the big picture.

Butler was also quoted as saying, “Ford is making the software available as open-source, because customers throughout the industry benefit if everybody speaks one language.” Two apps that are already integrated with Ford’s SDL software are Spotify and iHeartRadio.

Drivers can control those apps with voice recognition and from the in-car dashboard. If Ford is successful in its attempts to make SDL the standard, this would encourage other app makers to develop their apps for SDL and encourage companies to forego Apple or Google for smartphone connectivity. However, even if the auto industry at large is concerned about Apple and Google, it may not be enough to simply prevent Android Auto and CarPlay from being installed in their cars.

Sadly, CarPlay will not be available in Toyotas as of now. Thankfully, SDL will allow some apps to work, possibly even some iPhone apps. Preventing CarPlay or Android Auto may backfire, since there are certainly a lot of iOS and Android users, potentially limiting drivers with those phones. Whatever other automakers decide to do, Ford seems to have the best viewpoint: open-source for all.