Smartphone apps like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have become must-haves for many consumers. Instead of having to interact with an automaker’s infotainment system, which can be confusing and unintuitive, these features mirror your smartphone’s screen on the main screen. Automakers, however, are investing millions in developing better infotainment systems and want people to stop using the connectivity features of smartphones. While smartphone mirroring, particularly Apple CarPlay, may be some of the most popular tech features on sale, GM announced that it would be removing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from its electric vehicles.
GM’s first electric vehicle that won’t have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto will be the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV. This electric SUV is expected to arrive this fall. GM claims that removing smartphone connectivity from its electric vehicles will allow it to expand its vehicle’s technological capabilities. The automaker claims that the removal of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will allow for better integration between the navigation system and the growing network of electric vehicle chargers.
“We have a lot of new driver assistance features that are more closely related to navigation,” said Micke Hichme, GM’s executive director of digital cockpit experience. Reuters. “We don’t want to design these features in a way that depends on a person having a cell phone.”
Since 2019, GM has been working with Google to develop the software for its infotainment system. The system will reportedly be more integrated with the automaker’s other high-tech features like Super Cruise. The brand’s new infotainment system will feature Google Maps and Google Assistant, as well as integrated access to Spotify and Audible.
While GM’s electric vehicles won’t be available with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, their gasoline models are. We could see GM offer these smartphone mirroring features as an option.
We’re not sure how this decision to drop Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will go. Even automakers like Toyota that refused to offer Apple CarPlay in their vehicles have moved to offer the smartphone connectivity system as standard due to its popularity.
Other things that could cause some consumers to be upset about GM’s decision to stop offering smartphone connectivity in its electric vehicles is its ability to introduce a subscription service and gain more access to data from users GM could introduce these things as part of a subscription plan, or corner owners to get a subscription plan if they want to use some of the automaker’s new tech features. Also, when you use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, the car manufacturer cannot access some of the data.
“We believe there are subscription revenue opportunities for us,” said Edward Kummer, GM’s chief digital officer. Reuters says GM CEO Mary Barra expects $20 billion to $25 billion in annual revenue from subscription plans by 2030.
GM has announced that it will stop building internal combustion engine vehicles after 2035. The automaker will not disable Apple CarPlay in vehicles that currently have it. We’re not sure how receptive consumers will be to GM’s decision, since roughly 50% of Americans own an iPhone.
Pictured: 2023 Cadillac Celestiq (top), 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV (middle)
Source: Reuters
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