GM will phase out Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in the coming years, favoring a new Google infotainment system for its future EV models instead.
In the world of modern motoring, it’s hard to imagine any new car going on sale without Apple CarPlay or Android Auto head units. For better or worse, our smartphones have become integral to our way of life, and that societal trend has carried over seamlessly into our cars as well. A simple radio or bespoke on-board computer is no longer enough; instead, smartphone connectivity solutions are the new minimum requirement for today’s drivers. However, General Motors (GM) has decided to shake things up a little and go down a different path.
Rather than having CarPlay and Android built-in to their head units and center consoles, GM’s upcoming line of electric vehicles will utilize an evolved version of the Google system found in the current GMC Hummer EV.
Ultimately, the rationale for this switch comes down to simple efficiency. You may think that in-car tech is already pretty seamless, but GM reckons that there’s still interface improvements to be made. When speaking to Motor Authority, GM spokesperson Anna Yu explained the decision as follows:
“We believe a simple, seamless and built-in experience that integrates basic infotainment features with key vehicle systems is the best path forward,” she said. “Requiring our customers to navigate in and out of different solutions and go back and forth for different needs is not seamless.”
What will GM’s Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Replacement be like?
Oof. Shots fired across Silicon Valley. Anyway, before faithful GM customers start to freak out, we should clarify that a lot of the same functions and features that we’ve all come to know and love will remain part of the Google set-up. Spotify, for instance, will remain an option, as will Bluetooth. And of course, the Google Play Store will be open to you as well, meaning you can download all sorts of vehicle-friendly apps like Google Maps.
Really then, this is more of a redesign and reintegration, rather than a full reinvention of car infotainment systems. But hey, that’s no bad thing. I mean, why mess around too much with something that already works pretty well?
Oh, and before we sign off, we should also mention that none of this will affect GM’s line-up of combustion engine cars. Those will continue to sell with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as an option. Though, given that the clock’s ticking on ICE vehicle production, we can’t imagine that GM’s combustion line-up will stick around much longer than the Google system’s 2024 debut anyway.
