Tech

Here’s why GM will dump CarPlay and Android Auto for its EVs

When I last went shopping for a car, a major requirement was that the infotainment system work with Apple CarPlay. My last vehicle iPhone interface was so horrible that I vowed never to buy another car that used some kind of in-house software. I can’t imagine doing without CarPlay now.

GM, however, has other ideas.

The company announced that it will reject “phone projected” interfacing (like audio), replacing it with an in-house system. Why do that? So they can charge for subscriptions. From the RAIN newsletter:

“With this change, GM aspires to provide its own subscription revenue, potentially reaching $25-billion by 2030.

“As of now, the announced strategy applies to EVs, and will start with the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer. Familiar in-car experiences will be available on the proprietary platform — they include Spotify and Audible for audio. 

“‘As a result of this strategic approach, we will be moving beyond phone projection systems, namely Apple CarPlay and Android Auto,’ the company states.”

CarPlay and Android Auto will still work for audio but only through Bluetooth.

Oh, and note the new logo that will go with GM’s push into EVs. This is the first logo redesign since 1964.

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

Alan Cross has 39348 posts and counting. See all posts by Alan Cross

3 thoughts on “Here’s why GM will dump CarPlay and Android Auto for its EVs

  • I’m not buying a car then having to pay a subscription just to see some graphics 😂😂
    There was a good few year run where I didn’t care about pirating or jailbreaking but of course corp greed as ruined a good thing.

    Of course some suckers will pay a subscription for this nonsense, meanwhile, others will get what we want anyway with some work arounds.

    Reply
  • Sadly, this wasn’t started by GM, and a lot of automakers are looking at the subscriptions that tech companies have been using to make lots of money and they all want a piece of the pie. BMW and Mercedes already started doing this with a lot of different options. Want heated seats? Subscription please!

    At this point, old school car stereos are going to make a comeback, and people will start buying cars without the infotainment systems just to add their own system.

    Reply
  • Impressed by Conti’s far-reaching impact in the world of cinema.

    Reply

Let us know what you think!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.