Why is GM dropping Android Auto, Apple CarPlay from electric cars in the future

The long-term future of Apple CarPlay And Android car in GM’s lineup is unclear, with the automaker announcing it will remove smartphone mirroring technology from its next series of electric vehicles.

This change will happen gradually, starting from Chevrolet Blazer EVwill go into production by the end of this year.

Then in 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV2024 Cadillac Celestiqand 2025 GMC Sierra Electric Scooter are the next GM vehicles confirmed to be free of smartphone mirroring technology.

All of these electric vehicles will have an infotainment system running Ultifi operating system based on Android Automotive.

While Android Auto allows certain apps, such as Google Maps or your favorite podcast app, to run on your connected phone and display on your car’s touchscreen, Android Automotive does similarly named is a software platform, based on Google’s smartphone operating system, similarly named Android Auto. direct access to Google technologies and can run Android apps.

Through the Play Store, you can download and install supported applications on systems running Android Automotive.

GM says electric vehicles won’t have access to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay will come with “standard connectivity that allows customers to access Google Maps and Google Assistant at no additional charge for eight years from the time of purchase.” car”.

Mike Himche, GM’s chief executive officer of digital cockpit experiences, says Reuters: “We are rolling out many new driver assistance features that incorporate more closely with navigation. We don’t want to design these features in a way that depends on people having a mobile phone.”

“We believe there are subscription revenue opportunities for us,” Edward Kummer, GM’s chief digital officer, admitted to the news agency.

GM CEO Mary Barra previously stated the automaker is aiming to earn between $20 billion and $25 billion ($30 billion to $37 billion) a year from digital subscriptions. in 2030.

While mirroring will disappear from electric vehicles starting with the Blazer EV, there will still be Bluetooth smartphone connectivity, allowing owners and passengers to stream music or podcasts, as well as receive and perform show call.

Electric cars that are on sale today, as well as current and upcoming petrol and diesel vehicles, will still have Android Auto and CarPlay.

This means there will be no immediate impact on GM products currently sold in Australia, which are limited to petrol-powered products. Chevrolet Silverado pick up and escort ship sport car.

Existing electric vehicles, including Cadillac lyriq, Chevrolet Silverado EV, Chevrolet Bolt EV and EUVAnd GMC Hummer EVwill continue to be sold with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support for the time being.

GM also says that cars already sold with Apple CarPlay and/or Android Auto support will keep their smartphone mirroring capabilities.