21:02 13-11-2025

Ford patent details smartphone control for trim-tailored vehicle features

Ford has filed a patent for a system that would let future vehicles receive tailored functions based on the specific trim and installed equipment. The application was submitted in 2022 and published on November 11, 2025.

The concept centers on controlling vehicle functions via a smartphone, with the interface adapting to each car’s configuration. That proves especially useful when an owner adds hardware after purchase — for example, auxiliary exterior lighting — and wants to manage it through the same mobile app alongside familiar staples like door locking or remote start. The result feels cleaner and more intuitive, without the need to juggle extra switches or separate apps.

Ford had previously patented modular interior panels with different mounting types to expand customization options. The new filing carries that idea forward, further developing the theme of vehicle personalization.

The company emphasizes that a patent filing doesn’t guarantee these ideas will reach production, yet it intends to keep advancing customer-focused technologies. For buyers weighing future functionality when choosing a car, such developments could become a meaningful advantage.