GM plans to drop Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support in future EVs, using a Google infotainment system to capture more data and inform subscription launches
The move also extends GM's prior use of embedded voice services, including its planned Alexa rollout across GM brands, while choosing Google's built-in system rather than the phone-projection layers from Apple and Google.
First-order effects
Future GM EV buyers will no longer be able to use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto; GM's Google-based interface becomes the primary in-car software layer.
GM gains a more direct channel for vehicle and usage data to shape subscription offerings, while assuming responsibility for the in-car experience that projection platforms previously supplied.
Second-order effects
GM must make its native interface competitive with the familiar phone-based alternatives or risk buyer friction; Apple loses a visible in-car touchpoint, and Android Auto is excluded even as Google supplies the underlying system.
The decision ties GM's subscription strategy more closely to its infotainment execution and to Google, increasing the importance of software updates, app availability, and service integration for vehicle differentiation.
Third-order effects
If other automakers follow, the dashboard could shift from a handset-controlled extension toward an automaker-controlled software and services channel, with data ownership becoming a central competitive lever.
That model could deepen the trade-off between recurring software revenue and consumer choice: subscription potential depends on carmakers delivering an interface customers accept without CarPlay or Android Auto.
The trend: Automakers are seeking to convert the vehicle interface from a phone-projection endpoint into a controlled software, data, and recurring-services platform.
Biggest reason I never wanted a Tesla was it didn't have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Huge reason I might not go ahead with my Fisker order is same reason. I have a phone. It has everything I want in it, including how to find an EV charger. …
Gotta wonder if GM knows something about an Apple car — otherwise, it's hard to imagine why GM would take such a radical step & risk alienating consumers by completely ditching Apple CarPlay GM plans to phase out Apple CarPlay in EVs, with Google's help https://www.reuters.com/..…
One of my big fears about buying an EV is all the data capture (see: Tesla). Apple isn't perfect, but their data-sharing is more cautious than most, and that WILL be a factor if I purchase a “smarter” car. #fwp https://twitter.com/...
“GM's move to restrict access to CarPlay and Android Auto, which is expected to begin with the 2024 Chevy Blazer EV, will help the automaker capture more data on its customers ... It could also help inform future subscription products.” https://www.theverge.com/...
Making car UX actively worse so you can *checks notes* collect more data on user behavior is a great way to lose customers https://www.theverge.com/...
I understand GM's reasoning for this, but question whether it will stand. Google Maps is presently lousy for useful #EV charging station info, but I have to think a huge number of GM buyers use these features. It could well keep me from buying a GM EV. https://www.reuters.com/...
Screw this! CarPlay is an increasingly-requested feature for new car buyers and is only getting better. GM's decision is brazenly anti-consumer and another way vehicles are getting worse. https://www.reuters.com/...
If accurate (and @JBWEyesonroad is a reliable reporter), this a true forehead-slapping moment from GM, and it almost doesn't even matter how good the Google solution is. 🤦🏻♂️ 🤦🏻♂️ 🤦🏻♂ ️ https://finance.yahoo.com/...