It is not shocking that the Proton S70, scheduled for release on November 28, would not support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Back in July, Proton informed us in advance that the car would actually receive an upgraded infotainment head unit (IHU) with the Atlas OS.

However, Sunny Wang, the head of project management at ACO Tech, acknowledged during the media preview that Proton and ACO Tech are working on AACP. She stated that the AACP integration is being worked on and that consumers will soon be able to experience the desired mirroring of their smartphones in their vehicles.





Contributing to the discussion, Proton deputy CEO Roslan Abdullah explained that hardware modifications—rather than merely software updates—are necessary for the IHU's chipset in order for it to enable AACP. Roslan gave a direct explanation of the AACP's delay as well.

"Where did this model originate? where it is forbidden to use Google. How to get the license by befriending Google. Additionally, it appears that Google does not wish to be close buddies with specific OEMs. We're still in talks with Google about collaborating with us, and the same is true with Apple. Compared to other OEMs, obtaining the license is a little more difficult. We have challenges because of geopolitics," he remarked, alluding to the rivalry in technology and geopolitics between the US and China.






"Unless we completely overhaul everything and start ACO Tech over from scratch. In reference to our man Hafriz Shah's primary grievance regarding Proton-Geely cars, he continued, "ACO Tech is still working hard so that whenever we launch a new car, Hafriz does not have a chance to ask that question."

Proton-ACO Tech is working on AACP, and it won't be long before the cars acquire it, according to this statement. Unfortunately, as AACP requires hardware modifications, it is unlikely that current automobiles will be able to support it, as it will not be as easy as installing an OTA update.





Furthermore, regarding the alleged challenges Proton is encountering from US IT behemoths since its models are Chinese-made, it is important to remember that Chinese companies like Chery, GWM,
and BYD are all AACP-accredited. Does Apple or Google have a particular grievance against Geely? The Honda City and Toyota Vios are the S70's competitors, and both include AACP. The AACP made its Perodua debut in the Alza over in Rawang.

We have already examined this subject in depth, but first you should know what it's like in Proton's home country of Geely. As most of you are aware, China has its own local champions and equivalents for the services offered by Google, Meta, and many other Western internet firms.




Simply said, Chinese people favor their own apps and services. Waze/Google Maps and Spotify, for example, are replaced by navigation apps like Alibaba's AutoNavi and music streaming services like Tencent's QQ Music. These services are often either available through native integration with the vehicle's infotainment system or by use with native screen mirroring services such as Baidu CarLife.

Because of this, Chinese automakers have no reason to invest in AACP-compatible systems; yet, several brands—Geely not included—have done so. It's likely that Proton is still working on it now because AACP was not initially envisioned as part of the company's IHU. In any case, Proton automobiles will soon have AACP, if that's a deal-breaker for you.