General Motors (GM) is set to discontinue the use of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto technologies in its future electric vehicles, in favor of on-board infotainment software developed in partnership with Google.
According to Reuters the Detroit-based automaker plans to design the new software with Google so that it is not dependent on the use of a smartphone. The switchover will start with the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV, which is slated to hit the roads this summer.
By using their own custom-built software, GM will be able to learn more about how their owners are using and charging their EVs, and allow them to implement digital subscription services within their EVs.
Through the partnership with Google, buyers of GM EVs will receive Google Maps and Google Assistant for free for eight years.
While GM plans to remove the two systems from its EVs starting this summer, they will continue to offer both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in their internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles for the foreseeable future. GM says it will not disable either system for owners of existing vehicles that have the software already installed.
This decision by GM to phase out Apple CarPlay appears to have been in the works for a while. When the next-generation Apple CarPlay was unveiled at the 2022 Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) last June, GM was not on the list of automakers that were working with Apple to bring the feature to market.
Next-generation Apple CarPlay to take over car’s entire display(s) and functions
