The smartphone industry’s biggest players are revolutionizing how we move, with Apple leading through CarPlay Ultra integration, Google dominating autonomous vehicles via Waymo, and Samsung powering the technological backbone of self-driving cars. However, automakers are increasingly pushing back against these tech giants to maintain control over valuable user data.
The convergence of smartphone technology and automotive innovation has reached a pivotal moment in 2025. As Apple is poised to overtake Samsung as the world’s largest smartphone manufacturer, these technology titans are simultaneously reshaping the mobility landscape through ambitious automotive ventures that extend far beyond traditional phone connectivity.
The New Mobility Ecosystem
Apple’s Automotive Revolution
Apple’s approach to mobility centers on seamless integration between iPhones and vehicles. CarPlay Ultra, the next generation of CarPlay, is now available with new Aston Martin vehicle orders in the U.S. and Canada, marking a significant evolution from simple smartphone mirroring to deep vehicle integration.
CarPlay Ultra represents Apple’s most ambitious automotive play yet. CarPlay Ultra provides content for all the driver’s screens, including the instrument cluster, with dynamic and beautiful options for the speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, and more. This system allows drivers to control both iPhone functions and vehicle-specific features like climate systems and performance settings through a unified interface.
The technology’s expansion plans are equally impressive. Many other automakers around the world are working to bring CarPlay Ultra to drivers, including newly committed brands Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis.
Google’s Autonomous Ambitions
Google’s mobility strategy operates on multiple fronts, with Waymo leading the autonomous vehicle charge while Android Auto maintains smartphone connectivity. Waymo operates commercial robotaxi services in Phoenix (Arizona), San Francisco (California), Silicon Valley (California), Los Angeles (California), Miami, Florida, Atlanta, Georgia, and Austin, Texas.
Waymo’s Market Dominance has become increasingly evident. Waymo has surged to a 22% market share in San Francisco in just 15 months, demonstrating the commercial viability of fully autonomous ride-hailing services. As of April 2025, it offers over 250,000 paid rides per week, totalling over 1 million miles monthly.
International Expansion
Google’s mobility vision extends globally. In December 2024, Waymo announced its first international expansion with testing in Tokyo, Japan in the neighborhoods of Shinjuku, Shibuya, Minato, Chiyoda, Chūō, Shinagawa, and Kōtō, signaling the technology’s readiness for diverse international markets.
Samsung’s Strategic Partnership
While Samsung doesn’t operate its own mobility service, the company plays a crucial role in the autonomous vehicle ecosystem. Google’s Waymo to source autonomous driving chip from Samsung, highlighting how smartphone manufacturers are leveraging their semiconductor expertise to power next-generation transportation.
The Chip Connection demonstrates how smartphone companies’ core competencies extend into automotive applications. Samsung’s involvement in developing specialized chips for autonomous vehicles illustrates the deep technological integration between mobile and automotive industries.
Industry Pushback and Data Control
The Automaker Rebellion
Despite the popularity of smartphone integration, automakers are increasingly challenging tech giants’ control over the dashboard. A third of consumers say they refuse to buy a car lacking smartphone integration and a majority don’t want a native system as a replacement, yet manufacturers continue moving away from CarPlay and Android Auto.
GM’s Bold Move exemplifies this trend. GM — a pioneer in smartphone integration — has announced it will drop Apple CarPlay or Android Auto in its upcoming EVs starting with the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV. The company’s motivation centers on data control rather than user experience.
The Data Dilemma
Apple and Google collect valuable data from people who are captive in cars in part to monetize it in various ways. GM now wants to capture that data not so much for turning it into dollars the way the tech giants do—although GM and other car companies have tried that and mostly failed to date—but rather to improve their products.
Market Competition and Consumer Impact
Smartphone Market Dynamics
The mobility race coincides with intense competition in the core smartphone market. Samsung maintained its lead, shipping 60.5 million units, supported by the launch of its latest flagship models and competitively priced new A-series products. Apple ranked second with 55.0 million units shipped and a 19% market share in Q1 2025.
iPhone Sales Surge reflects Apple’s growing strength. Apple’s iPhone 16 was the best-selling smartphone in Q1 2025. This also marked the return of the iPhone series’ base variant to the top spot in the first quarter after a two-year gap.
Technology Integration Trends
The push toward wireless connectivity exemplifies how smartphone features directly impact automotive experiences. Wireless CarPlay now works with Android Auto too. This means you can switch between Apple and Android easily. Everyone in the car can connect their phones, no matter the type.
Smartphone Companies’ Mobility Initiatives
| Company | Primary Focus | Key Technologies | Market Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple | Vehicle Integration | CarPlay Ultra, Digital Car Keys | Leading integration platform |
| Autonomous Vehicles | Waymo, Android Automotive | Market leader in self-driving | |
| Samsung | Component Supply | Autonomous driving chips | Technology enabler |
| Xiaomi | Connectivity Solutions | Smartphone integration | Emerging market focus |
Future Implications
Safety and Innovation
Autonomous Vehicle Safety represents a key advantage for tech companies. A 2025 peer-reviewed study by Waymo researchers found that collisions with bicycles and motorcycles were 82% less frequent for Waymo cars than for human drivers, and that collisions with pedestrians were 92% less frequent.
Economic Impact
The mobility transformation carries significant financial implications. BofA estimated Waymo’s 2024 revenue to be $50 to $75 million, with a loss of up to $1.5 billion based on its employee count of 2,500 to 3,000, illustrating both the massive investment required and the long-term potential of autonomous mobility.
Global Expansion Strategy
International Markets present the next frontier for smartphone companies’ mobility ambitions. Waymo’s expansion to Tokyo and planned services in additional global cities suggest that smartphone giants view mobility as a worldwide opportunity rather than a regional experiment.
The intersection of smartphone technology and mobility represents more than incremental innovation—it’s a fundamental reimagining of transportation. As Apple, Google, and Samsung leverage their technological expertise and market positions to influence how we move, the traditional boundaries between communication devices and transportation are dissolving. The companies that successfully navigate the tension between user experience and data control will likely define the next decade of mobility innovation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which smartphone companies are most active in automotive technology? A: Apple leads with CarPlay Ultra integration, Google dominates autonomous vehicles through Waymo, and Samsung provides critical semiconductor components for self-driving cars.
Q: Why are automakers moving away from CarPlay and Android Auto? A: Automakers want to control valuable user data and driving experiences rather than allowing tech giants to collect this information for their own purposes.
Q: How successful is Waymo’s autonomous vehicle service? A: Waymo operates in multiple major cities, provides over 250,000 paid rides weekly, and has achieved a 22% market share in San Francisco within 15 months of launch.
