Polestar is now selling cars that can both use Google's Android Automotive OS and Apple's Carplay.
That's right. The automaker recently released an over-the-air update for its Polestar 2 electric vehicle (EV) that makes Apple Carplay available to use in the car.
Polestar is one of the first automakers to adopt Google's Android Automotive operating system, according to The Verge.
Polestar Apple Carplay Compatibility Facts
The most fun part about driving a Polestar is driving it, but there's more to it. Our latest over-the-air update for the Polestar 2 comes with Apple CarPlay, allowing Polestar owners with an iPhone to change music, use apps, and communicate through Siri or the infotainment system pic.twitter.com/mulkjIUR6D
— Polestar (@PolestarCars) June 22, 2022
Polestar mentioned on its official Twitter page that its over-the-air update, which was recently released, allows Polestar 2 EV owners with iPhones to use them to access Apple Carplay. Once accessed, the car's Android Automotive OS will allow iPhone-equipped Polestar 2 owners to mirror their iPhone's display on the car's 11-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen.
Additionally, the Polestar 2 EV's recent update will allow iPhone-equipped owners to change music, use apps, and communicate to Siri instead of Google Assistant or the infotainment system.
However, Polestar 2 EV owners can only use either of the two operating systems as the use of Apple Carplay requires them to connect their iPhones first before using Apple Carplay.
As such, if a Polestar 2 EV owner wants to use Google's Android Automotive OS again, they simply have to unplug their iPhone from the car.
The addition of Carplay to the Polestar 2 isn't as surprising as some may think. Polestar previously announced it would release an update in June that would allow the Polestar 2 to run the two automotive OS.
What is surprising, however, is Polestar's addition of iOS capabilities, while their main selling point is being the first automaker to offer customers Google's Android Automotive OS.
What is surprising, however, is Polestar's addition of iOS capabilities, while their main selling point is being the first automaker to offer customers Google's Android Automotive OS.
Back when the company was still new, Polestar's cars exclusively offered Google's Android Automotive OS, an open-source software that runs on Linux and is used to control all of the car's features, like the radio, vehicle settings, and even navigation and climate control.
It also gives its cars Android Auto, a secondary interface that allows drivers and passengers to project certain apps and functions from their smartphone to the vehicle's center display.
However, the company eventually agreed to make Carplay compatible with its cars, most likely due to other EV companies making their cars compatible with Google and Apple's automotive OS, according to Tech Crunch.
To reflect this change, Polestar made the Polestar 2 EV its first EV to be compatible with both the automotive OS. Another car, the upcoming Polestar 3, will allegedly have Apple's Carplay installed in its system from the get-go.
Polestar The Pioneer
The current generation of Apple CarPlay is planned to be introduced to drivers of Volvo cars with the latest infotainment system as part of the next over the air update in a few weeks' time.
— Volvo Cars (@volvocars) June 7, 2022
While most in the auto industry are taking a wait-and-see approach to Apple's Carplay and its more overbearing vision for its future, Polestar is not one of them. Its addition of Carplay to its Polestar 2 EV made it the first automotive industry to make its cars compatible with Carplay.
Polestar won't be alone in that spot for a very long time, though. Its sister company, Volvo, Polestar is said to be adding Carplay to its cars within weeks.
The company also mentioned it would eventually add support for iOS 16's next-gen Carplay interface when it comes out.
