GM delays its CarPlay and Android Auto phase-out
▼ Summary
– GM CEO Mary Barra stated the company plans to eventually remove Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from all gas vehicles, following their removal from most electric vehicles.
– A GM spokesperson clarified that existing vehicles will not lose these features and both systems will remain available in gas-powered vehicles for the foreseeable future.
– The transition to a new integrated experience will happen gradually over time rather than immediately, as vehicles become more software-defined.
– The change will occur as GM implements its new centralized computing platform, which reduces control modules and enhances over-the-air update capabilities.
– This new platform is scheduled to debut on the 2028 Cadillac Escalade IQ before expanding to GM’s gasoline vehicle lineup.
General Motors has officially clarified its timeline for phasing out Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, confirming that the popular smartphone integration systems will remain available in all gasoline-powered vehicles for the foreseeable future. This announcement follows recent statements from CEO Mary Barra that initially suggested a broader, faster removal of the phone-mirroring technology across the automaker’s lineup.
Last week, Barra indicated the company intended to eventually discontinue CarPlay and Android Auto in its gas-powered cars, having already eliminated them from most electric models. However, the automaker now emphasizes that any transition will be gradual and tied to the introduction of its next-generation vehicle architecture.
Malorie Lucich, a GM spokesperson, provided a statement assuring customers that no immediate changes are planned for vehicles already on the road. “We are not making any changes to existing vehicles,” she said. “If your car supports Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, that will continue. Both will remain available in all GM gas-powered vehicles for the foreseeable future.”
The shift away from the smartphone projection systems is part of a broader industry trend toward more deeply integrated, software-defined vehicle platforms. Lucich explained that as GM advances toward its new centralized computing platform, it will gradually introduce a more seamless in-car experience. “This will happen over time, not overnight,” she noted, adding that the company values its collaborations with Apple and Google and remains focused on delivering experiences that customers enjoy.
During an appearance on the Decoder podcast, Barra had previously suggested that the removal of CarPlay and Android Auto would align with new model launches and refreshes. She stated, “As we move forward with each new vehicle and major new vehicle launch, I think you’re going to see us consistent on that.”
It now appears the full transition will not occur until GM is prepared to deploy its new centralized vehicle computing platform, which was announced last week. This advanced system is designed to reduce the number of control modules and significantly enhance over-the-air update capabilities. The platform is scheduled to debut in the all-electric Cadillac Escalade IQ in 2028, before eventually being integrated into the company’s lineup of gasoline-powered vehicles.
(Source: The Verge)
