Those who are still looking forward to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (AACP) in Proton models, perhaps it’s time to accept that the smartphone mirroring that you desire will not happen, at least not in the near future. Proton’s latest model, the X90, doesn’t have AACP, and neither will the upcoming ‘SS11’ sedan that we’ve been calling ‘S50’.
This was confirmed by Proton’s deputy CEO Roslan Abdullah, who pre-empted AACP questions at the recent X90 media drive.
“The simple answer is ‘not too soon’ but we’re still looking into AACP. because if I mention ‘soon’ then when the new model comes (the SS11), it won’t be there yet, but the team is looking into the opportunity,” he said, ending the statement on a diplomatic note.
Instead, the current infotainment head unit (IHU) as seen in the X90, and before that, the X70 CKD, will be improved upon.
“And at the same time, we still look into improvement of the current IHU that you experienced in the X90. The platform also will be changed to accommodate the rapid changes of technology currently in China,” Roslan added.
So what’s behind Proton’s reluctance to adopt AACP? It is surely not a technical hurdle (the X90’s IHU is high tech and looks very slick, ditto the digital instrument cluster), as even Perodua is now offering AACP in the Alza AV, but in our opinion, it’s about Proton vision for its IHU.
We’ve analysed this ‘why’ question before, and first, you’ll need to understand how it’s like in China, where Proton’s partner Geely is from. As many of you know, the services from Google, Meta and many of the other Western tech giants aren’t available in China, which have their own local champions and equivalents.
Chinese users simply prefer their own apps and services. Navigation apps like Alibaba’s AutoNavi and music streaming services like Tencent’s QQ Music take the place of Waze/Google Maps and Spotify, for instance. These services are usually either natively integrated into the car’s infotainment system or can be used in indigenous screen mirroring services like Baidu CarLife. As such, there’s little incentive for Chinese carmakers to invest in AACP-compatible systems, and while some brands have made the effort, Geely isn’t one of them.
Can Proton go its own way? Even if it could, there will always be the issue of cost, and volume in Malaysia is relatively small. Localising what’s given will continue to be the approach, and those who have AACP desires will just have to accept that. A quick poll in the office showed that we’re split on the importance of AACP – some demand/use it while others (like me) are dinosaurs. How about you, is the lack of AACP a deal-breaker? More on the SS11/S50 here.
AD: Drive the Proton model of your dreams. Submit your details and Proton PJ will get in touch with you.
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.
newme
on 
pop
on 
Reality
on 
Thed
on 
Commie car
on 
Commie car
on 
Weird mofos
on 
Chong Or Pei
on 
James
on 
Poor james
on 
Civic Type L(ol)
on 
Johnwayne
on 
Holder
on 
lithium
on 
Jack
on 
Autodriver
on 
No choice
on 
PauKaya
on 
seancorr
on 
Huck
on 
Apok
on 
Raja Kamarul
on 
Geely Fanboii
on 
JOHN
on 
GengM
on 
Chris Ong
on 
noob
on 
What Lah
on 
yusrykru
on 
Yeahsure
on 
alibaba
on 
Martin Tan
on 
Mr Fakta
on 
David
on 
anonymous
on 
mr1031
on 
Hi proton
on 
Junkies otr
on 
Boy Racer
on 
Ben Yap
on 
niuh
on 
Anti-CCP
on 
why commie so kind to volvo and smart
on 
Rubbish bin Full
on 
Winner Ong
on 
Matchy
on 
Crasher7
on 
syai
on 
Sohai
on 
Lol
on 
ROTI CANAI
on 
Proton S50
on 
Fedup
on 
ProblemSolved
on 
Silpheed
on 
MOHD NAZRI MD AKIM
on 
AI-generated Summary ✨
Comments mainly express disappointment and frustration over Proton's decision not to include Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in the 2024 Proton S50 SS11, with many considering it a dealbreaker. Some criticize Proton (and its parent Geely) for sticking with their own Atlas OS instead of adopting widely used platforms, viewing it as outdated and uncompetitive. There's concern about the lack of familiar navigation and media integration, with suggestions to at least provide essential apps like Google Maps, Waze, and Spotify. Several commenters mention that other Chinese brands and competitors offer these features, and some propose aftermarket solutions or software upgrades. Overall, sentiments are mostly negative regarding the infotainment choices, with many feeling Proton is not aligning with modern standards, potentially affecting sales and customer satisfaction.