Ford’s new AI assistant may make your owner’s manual obsolete

Credit: Ford Published Aug 11, 2026, 12:46 PM EDT Jon is a seasoned journalist who has written definitive coverage of consumer tech at publications like Engadget, Android Authority, and BetaKit. He's an expert on making tech accessible ranging from mobile and PCs to emerging platforms like wearables. When he's not writing, he's going on adventures with ihis family and is an avid photographer. Sign in to your How-To Geek account The days of digging through your car's owner's manual might soon be over. Ford is now broadly rolling out an AI assistant that can answer questions about your car, including some that would normally involve thumbing through a book or talking to a service technician. When you're using the updated mobile app for Android and iOS, you'll see a blue oval and spark icon that launches the AI helper. From there you can ask about simple solutions, your car's real-time status (such as warning lights and EV charge levels), and even whether you'll have room to carry that new furniture. Next step: Ford AI in your car You won't talk to Google alone Ford touts "secure access" as the AI helper is built into the app. Just be ready for potential rough spots. The gradual release is meant to receive feedback and "improve answers and quality" over time. The assistant arrived in the first half of 2026, but the expanded release makes it available to about 8 million Ford and Lincoln owners. Ford isn't limiting its new AI assistant to your phone. The automaker plans to integrate the technology into "select" Ford and Lincoln cars by 2027, and promises the feature will tie "directly into the driving experience." While it didn't name vehicles, we'd expect future EVs like the Fathom pickup truck to offer the feature. The AI will also serve as a complement to Google Gemini in the company's vehicles. Where Gemini helps with top-level tasks like navigation and car control, the Ford system will address model-specific questions. In theory, your car will always have an answer. A more personal experience is coming Ford adds that its built-in AI assistant will be used for in-car voice assistance, and will further draw on "Ford data and services" to customize the experience. While the company isn't saying just what that entails, it's safe to say the AI will know more about you, not just the car you're driving. Source: Ford