January 31, 2024 – Ford is taking a page from its competitors by potentially adding a remote parking feature to the F-150 Lightning, similar to Tesla's Summon. According to details uncovered in a recent update to the FordPass Connect app, the F-150 Lightning may soon allow users to control parking remotely via their iPhones, moving the vehicle forward or backward into tight parking spots.
This feature was revealed through newly added images in the app, showing plans to enable remote parking via smartphone. While it's not clear if this function will be available for other Ford models, a company spokesperson declined to comment on the speculation.
The feature also seems to include a safety measure reminiscent of the iPod’s circular unlock mechanism, designed to prevent accidental activation while the phone is in a pocket.
This leak follows previous discoveries by iOS developer Steve Moser, who found indications in the Ford app that users might eventually be able to send commands to their vehicles via Facebook Messenger, such as "unlock my car." While that feature has yet to materialize, it raises questions about the timeline for this new parking capability.
Electrek's Take
Apple co-founder Steve Jobs once quoted Picasso, saying, "Good artists copy, great artists steal." Ford’s adoption and improvement of features from rivals like Tesla is a clear example of this philosophy. The ability to remotely park the F-150 Lightning would offer a significant convenience for owners, especially given the truck’s large size.
That said, Ford’s imitation of Tesla’s Supercharger design is less than appealing. And while the F-150 Lightning's massive frame can make parking a challenge, particularly in older parking spaces designed for smaller vehicles, the introduction of a remote parking feature could help mitigate some of these issues. However, there may still be concerns for adjacent vehicles, as the large size of the F-150 Lightning could obstruct access to neighboring cars in tight spots.
Perhaps Ford should consider adding an extra layer of paint to the sides of the truck in preparation for the inevitable door scrapes that are bound to occur in cramped parking environments.
Translation source: Ford F-150 Lightning app leaks Tesla Summon-like feature that allows remote control parking with iPhone | Electrek