Ford Digital Experience infotainment system announced - first look

[Vulnox]

I am mostly looking forward to this, as long as I can turn off the "Hey Google" stuff. The more I can ignore the underlying Android disaster the better. But it will at least bring along more onboard app compatibility and hopefully an improved onboard Nav experience, especially for EVs.

While I want them to continue AA/Carplay support, I suspect there will be a disconnect when it comes to the ultra wide screen like they have in the Expedition where it won't be able to show different apps from your phone projected to the different segments of the screen, either due to limitations in the vehicle OS or in Carplay/AA. Like letting you show Apple Maps in one segment and something like Spotify in another that are both streaming from your iPhone (or Android phone or whatever). So you will want the onboard apps to be pretty solid as those will be what you can put in those segments.

The lag is hard to judge from the video. Hopefully they step up their game on the hardware front and that won't be as much of an issue. It has to be clear by now from Rivian and Tesla and the Chinese EV companies that are bringing really responsive UIs that the bare minimum isn't enough.

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[jredondox]

We have this on our 2025 lincoln navigtor and we love it... Super easy and responsive!

 

[CD4TNF]

If this means their software team has been utilizing their resources on this project instead of our Lightning. Sharing the software cost across all their products. That's good.

Hopefully it will get the attention and quality it need to be successful so the midsize EV Ford truck will be a better infotainment experience. I'm optimistic.

 

[WaterboyNorCal]

I suppose. It doesn’t seem logical to me to spend a bunch of developer time on something they’re only mediocre at, at best. This idea that vertical integration is less expensive is a mantra that doesn’t actually hold up when interrogated to any detail. For some things, yes, vertical integration is better and cheaper. But if you can’t hire an entire experienced team and its IP (not just a manager), then trying to do vertical integration means a lot of extra cost.

This, exactly. Ford has proven that they are not just mediocre, but bad at software. They simply won't devote the necessary resources it would take. What is INEXCUSABLE for any legacy car company is to EXCLUDE Android Auto or Apple CarPlay to extract a few more dollars a month is subscription fees, when their software provides a much worse user experience. If they continue to screw over customers like this, the inevitable result is that customers will stop buying Ford EVs. It's my opinion that with the Lightning, Ford built a really great powertrain and overall truck. If their software was up to par with Rivian or Tesla, no doubt the sales would increase, and it could be substantial. But it would take effort on Ford's part, and also require them to spend more money.
It's the same short-term thinking that led dealers to jack up prices - it pissed off many prospective buyers to the point that now they are having to discount the Lightnings to move them. Ford should be doing everything possible to incentivize buyers to buy their EVs, espcially since they spent billions on their EV manufacturing capacity that is under-utilized, and the software is a low-hanging fruit. It seems like Ford is still stuck in an "ICE vehicle mindset", and unfortunately I don't see this changing anytime soon. I really hope I am wrong about that.

 

[Yellow Buddy]

GM originally had it as well.

They still do, it's just restricted to other markets and the lower end trim. Hopefully this won't be the same.

 

[Ted23Lightning]

They still do, it's just restricted to other markets and the lower end trim. Hopefully this won't be the same.

One of the reasons I stopped looking into the Silverado EV as an option, was that most of them didn’t support Apple CarPlay… and that it didn’t have an ignition button… and the headlights “switch” was in the infotainment screen lol

 

[Yellow Buddy]

One of the reasons I stopped looking into the Silverado EV as an option, was that most of them didn’t support Apple CarPlay… and that it didn’t have an ignition button… and the headlights “switch” was in the infotainment screen lol

I would likely have a Sierra EV myself but wanted CarPlay. I considered a lower trim but I couldn’t deal with going to an even trade from my Lariat to their bare bones.

I’d rather stop an extra charging stop or two is what I decided.

 

[Kev12345]

Is this in the ‘26 lightning?

 

[ChrisCon]

My wife's explorer has had this since September 2024. UI is snappier than sync and the only issue with CarPlay is it's only wireless so you can use magic boxes to play video .

 

[Shmoe]

They still do, it's just restricted to other markets and the lower end trim. Hopefully this won't be the same.

If you want a GM with CarPlay, get a Honda Prologue.

 

[Jesse-Infotainment]

This is already shipping in 25 Expedition, 25 Explorer and some Lincolns.

The APIM is now also the CLuster. No more independant IPC module.

I have been working to retro this into an older vehicle.. its not going to be very easy or straight forward.

 

[rugedraw]

This is already shipping in 25 Expedition, 25 Explorer and some Lincolns.

The APIM is now also the CLuster. No more independant IPC module.

I have been working to retro this into an older vehicle.. its not going to be very easy or straight forward.

Brother, if you figure that out, I don't think I will ever trade in my 2021.

 

[Jesse-Infotainment]

Brother, if you figure that out, I don't think I will ever trade in my 2021.

42k miles on it.. It sits a lot now with the Lighting.. but that 21 5.0 I could have welded the hood shut. Been solid.. especially with all the stuff I have done to it.. put it through..

I did put a new 5g Modem in the 21. the 21 will be here forever though

 

[Yellow Buddy]

If you want a GM with CarPlay, get a Honda Prologue.

I should have clarified…one that can tow a 30’ trailer and have a bed

 

[GDN]

I thought GM had ditched Car Play too, but have a friend that bought a new Sierra Elevation and he has it.

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