Apple CarPlay Debate: Why Don't Automakers Want to Let Go of the Steering Wheel?

Data Wars, Revenue Models, Customer Preferences, and the Technological Driving Experience with RentiCar
Apple CarPlay Ultra, introduced last month and first implemented in new Aston Martin models, has caused a significant stir in the automotive world. While this system, which takes over all screens in vehicles from the instrument cluster to climate controls, is exciting for tech enthusiasts, it has been met with caution by Europe's leading car manufacturers.

Backing Down from Giants on Apple's Partner List

When introducing CarPlay Ultra, Apple had announced brands like Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volvo Cars, Polestar, and Renault as "upcoming partners." However, according to a report by the Financial Times, these brands have stepped back.
•    Mercedes-Benz announced that it will focus on its self-developed MBUX system instead of proceeding with Apple.
•    A clearer reaction came from Renault: "Don't try to attack our own systems."
These statements represent a serious blow to Apple's expansion ambitions in the automotive world.

What Does CarPlay Ultra Offer, and Why is it Being Debated?

CarPlay Ultra takes Apple's classic CarPlay system to a whole new level. This new system, not limited to just music and navigation:
•    Covers the entire vehicle screen with the Apple interface,
•    Controls functions such as the instrument cluster, climate control, and speedometer,
•    Provides users with a complete iPhone experience within the vehicle.
However, this "deep integration" carries two significant risks for manufacturers:

Why Are They Withdrawing?

Data Control Concerns
CarPlay Ultra places a large portion of user data in Apple's hands. This data covers many areas, from driving habits to location history. Car manufacturers do not want to lose this valuable data to a tech giant.
Fear of Revenue Loss
Today, car sales are supported not only by hardware but also by software and digital service revenues.
Brands create new revenue models by offering subscriptions, app sales, and premium digital content through their own infotainment systems.
Apple CarPlay Ultra directly threatens this business model.

What Does the Customer Say?

According to a 2023 McKinsey study, 50% of consumers do not even want to buy a car without Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
This creates a major dilemma for brands:
"Data and revenue control, or customer satisfaction?"
Users want familiar interfaces and systems that easily integrate their phones. Apple CarPlay remains one of the systems with the highest user satisfaction in this regard.

These Technologies Are Even More Important in Rental Cars

For short-term car use or travel, Apple CarPlay or Android Auto support provides great convenience to drivers:
•    They can get directions safely by connecting their own phones,
•    They can manage calls and messages,
•    They can easily access content such as music and podcasts.
At this point, the hardware of the vehicles offered by rental platforms becomes very important.

RentiCar: Technology and Comfort Together

Turkey's digital vehicle rental platform, RentiCar, fully meets the expectations of tech-savvy users.
Most of the vehicles you can rent are equipped with modern connectivity features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

With RentiCar:

You can make a reservation in minutes via the web or mobile app,
You can experience a comfortable and safe drive with technologically equipped vehicles,
You can travel in a familiar digital environment by connecting your phone to the car.
Whether it's a weekend getaway or a business trip... Thanks to RentiCar, smart and modern vehicles that meet your needs are always at your fingertips.