General Motors (GM) has announced plans to phase out Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in its upcoming electric vehicles, starting with the 2024 Chevy Blazer EV. According to a Reuters interview with GM digital chief Edward Kummer and vehicle cockpit experience executive director Mike Hichme, the automaker will instead use Android Automotive and its apps for in-car connectivity.
GM promises users eight years of free Google Assistant and Google Maps usage, although the company hasn’t mentioned the cost after this period. CarPlay and Android Auto will continue to be available in combustion engine models, and existing EVs will maintain access. GM aims to offer an all-electric passenger vehicle lineup by 2035.
GM believes Android Automotive allows greater control over the user experience. Hichme mentioned upcoming driver assistance technologies that are “more tightly coupled” with navigation features, which GM doesn’t want to be dependent on a smartphone. Kummer also noted potential “subscription revenue opportunities”, suggesting that customers may need to pay recurring fees for certain features, as is the case with some brands.
Android Automotive is gaining traction, with companies like BMW, Honda, Polestar, Stellantis, Volvo, and VW adopting the platform, with or without Google apps. However, Android Automotive doesn’t inherently exclude CarPlay or Android Auto support. GM is actively choosing to remove these features. Although this decision could lead to innovative driver aids, users may need to mount their phones for unsupported apps or functions in the EV’s infotainment system.
This move poses a challenge for Apple, as its services may lose native support in GM EVs.
Apple is also developing a next-gen CarPlay experience to control the entire dashboard, but GM’s decision eliminates itself as a potential customer. To gain more control over users’ driving experience, Apple will need to partner with other automakers.
