GM decides to ditch Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Its future electric vehicles will have Android Automotive.
Many automakers are making smartphone connectivity a real advantage, but GM doesn’t seem to think about it anymore. In an interview with Reuters, GM chief digital officer Edward Kummer and chief internal officer Mike Himche said GM will phase out Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in future electric vehicles, starting with the Chevy Blazer EV from 2024. through Android Automotive and its apps.
GM decides to ditch Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Customers will also be eligible for eight years of free Google Assistant and Google Maps at no additional cost. The company does not name prices after this date. GM will also continue to offer CarPlay and Android Auto on its models equipped with internal combustion engines, and the two solutions remain in place on existing electric vehicles. GM plans to launch an all-electric vehicle lineup by 2035.
The company justifies its choice by saying that Android Automotive offers more control options. There will also be driver-assistance technologies that are “much more tied”to navigation features, and GM doesn’t want that to require a smartphone, according to Mike Himche. Edward Kummer also acknowledged that there are “opportunities to generate subscription income.”So don’t be surprised if you have to pay monthly for features offered when buying a car from other manufacturers in the future.
Its future electric vehicles will have Android Automotive
Android Automotive is getting more and more popular. In addition to GM, brands such as BMW, Honda, Polestar, Stellantis, Volvo and Volkswagen are adopting it, with or without Google apps. However, the platform does not rule out support for CarPlay or Android Auto. GM is deliberately deprecating these features. While this may indeed bring some innovative driving aids, you may also need to have your smartphone on the dashboard if such and such an app is not initially available in your vehicle.
This decision is also a real setback for Apple. Its services will not initially be available in GM electric vehicles. The iPhone maker is also developing a next-generation interface to take full control of the dashboard. So GM removed a major lead. If the Cupertino company wants to increase its presence in our cars, it will have to turn to other brands.