Lucid Gravity gains Apple CarPlay and Android Auto through over-the-air update

Lucid Group has begun rolling out Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility to owners of its Gravity electric SUV through a new over-the-air software update. The update, which is part of the latest version of the company’s Lucid UX 3.5 infotainment software, introduces smartphone integration features that allow drivers to connect their mobile devices directly to the vehicle’s display system.

According to the company, the update will start reaching Lucid Gravity vehicles in North America beginning March 12. The rollout is expected to occur in phases, with vehicles in the Middle East and Europe scheduled to receive the same software update later in March. The update is provided at no cost to existing owners and is delivered remotely through the vehicle’s built-in connectivity.

The addition of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto expands the infotainment capabilities of the Gravity, Lucid’s recently introduced electric SUV. Both smartphone platforms allow drivers to mirror certain apps and functions from their phones to the vehicle’s central display. These functions typically include navigation, messaging, phone calls, and media playback, all accessible through the vehicle’s user interface.

Lucid says the update integrates these smartphone platforms with Gravity’s Clearview Cockpit display system. Once the update is installed, drivers can connect their phones either wirelessly or via USB. The system then allows access to compatible apps through the vehicle’s touchscreen and voice controls.

Apple CarPlay enables drivers with an iPhone to interact with apps and services that are optimized for in-vehicle use. This includes the ability to place calls, send and receive messages, access music streaming services, and receive navigation directions through supported mapping apps. Drivers can also interact with Apple’s Siri voice assistant to perform tasks hands-free.

Android Auto offers similar functionality for Android smartphone users. After connecting a compatible device, drivers can use navigation apps, access media and messaging services, and interact with Google Assistant through voice commands. As with CarPlay, Android Auto can operate through either a wireless or wired connection, depending on the mobile device and software version.

Lucid says both systems will appear within the Gravity’s Clearview Cockpit interface, specifically on the upper-right display section. This placement allows drivers to access smartphone functions while still maintaining the vehicle’s primary information displays.

The company described the update as part of its ongoing strategy to improve the ownership experience through software improvements delivered remotely. Over-the-air updates have become a common feature in modern electric vehicles, allowing manufacturers to introduce new features, refine existing systems, and address issues without requiring owners to visit a dealership.

In this case, the update adds functionality that many vehicle buyers have come to expect. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now offered in a large portion of new vehicles across the automotive industry. These systems allow drivers to continue using familiar apps and services from their smartphones rather than relying entirely on a vehicle manufacturer’s native infotainment software.

Lucid executives said the addition of these systems reflects customer feedback. Emad Dlala, the company’s senior vice president of engineering and software, said the smartphone integration platforms are among the features most frequently requested by Lucid owners.

The Gravity joins the Lucid Air sedan in supporting the smartphone connectivity platforms. The company previously introduced Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility as standard features in the Air lineup. With the latest update, both of Lucid’s current production vehicles will support the same smartphone integration systems.

The Gravity SUV represents Lucid’s second production vehicle and expands the company’s lineup beyond the Air luxury sedan. Designed as a larger, family-oriented vehicle, the Gravity focuses on interior space, passenger comfort, and utility while maintaining the company’s emphasis on electric powertrain efficiency.

Lucid assembles its vehicles at manufacturing facilities in Arizona and Saudi Arabia. The company’s main U.S. manufacturing site, known as the Advanced Manufacturing Plant (AMP-1), is located in Casa Grande, Arizona. This facility produces both the Lucid Air and the Gravity.

Over-the-air updates enable Lucid to introduce software features to vehicles already on the road. Unlike traditional vehicle updates that require dealer visits, these updates can be installed remotely through the vehicle’s internet connection. Owners typically receive notifications through the vehicle interface when a new update is available.

Once the update is downloaded and installed, the new functionality becomes accessible through the vehicle’s infotainment interface. In the case of the Gravity, the addition of CarPlay and Android Auto expands the ways drivers can interact with their phones while driving.

The company says the rollout will occur gradually as vehicles receive the update package. Phased rollouts are common for vehicle software updates, allowing manufacturers to monitor the rollout and address issues before deploying the software to the entire fleet.

Lucid’s infotainment system, Lucid UX, serves as the foundation for Gravity’s in-vehicle digital interface. The system integrates vehicle controls, media playback, navigation, and driver information displays into a multi-screen layout. The Clearview Cockpit design arranges several displays across the dashboard, combining a driver information screen with touchscreen controls and infotainment features.

With the introduction of smartphone mirroring systems, drivers can choose whether to use Lucid’s native interface or access familiar mobile apps through CarPlay or Android Auto. This approach reflects a broader trend in the automotive industry, where manufacturers increasingly combine proprietary infotainment systems with third-party smartphone platforms.

Lucid says the update does not require additional hardware for existing Gravity vehicles. The feature is enabled entirely through the Lucid UX 3.5 software release, meaning vehicles already equipped with the necessary infotainment hardware can receive the functionality once the update is installed.

As electric vehicles increasingly rely on software for user interfaces and vehicle functionality, over-the-air updates have become a central part of the ownership experience. Automakers, including Lucid, Tesla, Rivian, and others, routinely use OTA updates to add features, adjust performance settings, and improve infotainment systems.

For Lucid Gravity owners, the new update primarily expands the vehicle’s connectivity options. By enabling Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the company is aligning its infotainment capabilities with features commonly available across the broader automotive market.

The company says the update will continue rolling out throughout March, with North American vehicles receiving it first, followed by customers in other global markets later in the month. Owners can install the update once it becomes available through their vehicle’s software update system.