# The Slate vs Ford Fathom debate might be settled by this one key tech feature

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/the-slate-vs-ford-fathom-debate-might-be-settled-by-this-one-key-tech-feature/
- Published: 2026-10-31T23:00:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-31T23:10:56+00:00
- Original publisher: Engadget
- Original article: https://www.engadget.com/2300238/slate-vs-ford-fathom-android-auto-carplay-support/
- Topics: Gadgets

## Key points

- Ford’s Fathom will have CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Slate expects owners to use their own devices.
- The Fathom’s range and towing capacity remain unannounced.

## Summary

Ford’s upcoming Fathom and Slate’s Blank Slate are both aimed at buyers seeking an electric pickup for under $30,000, but they take different approaches to the cabin. Ford plans to include a touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while Slate expects drivers to use their own phone or tablet for navigation, music and other apps.

The Blank Slate starts at $24,950 plus a $1,450 destination charge; the five-seat Fathom starts at $28,350 plus $1,595. Slate says owners can transfer software updates from a phone to the truck, and offers optional speakers and a tablet bracket. Ford also plans a digital key, bidirectional power and hardware for its next-generation BlueCruise system, which requires activation, but has not announced the Fathom’s range, towing capacity or payload. A Deloitte survey of more than 31,000 consumers across 30 countries found that 63 per cent of US respondents considered CarPlay or Android Auto somewhat or very important in their next vehicle.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.