OnStar Is Getting an AI Upgrade: From Dash Cams to Voice Controls

New York – When OnStar first launched, it was like science fiction had become science fact. Decades later, General Motors is rolling out a major overhaul to its tech tool with a helping hand from AI.

The news was announced as part of a slew of big product and technology updates at the GM Forward event in Manhattan.

Starting with the 2027 Cadillac LYRIQ, General Motors is transforming OnStar into an artificial intelligence-driven vehicle interface, introducing the OnStar AI Assistant along with a redesigned mobile application set to roll out in 2027 as well.

The updated OnStar system integrates real-time vehicle diagnostics, contextual driver information, and official GM vehicle knowledge. Drivers will be able to control vehicle functions via voice commands using the phrase "Hey OnStar." Features include adjusting cabin temperatures, opening the EV charge port, checking tire pressure and EV range. One example highlighted at the GM Forward event was describing lyrics from a song you can't remember and OnStar will know what song you're talking about and play it.

Perhaps one of the most interesting additions is that it will be able to tell you what warning lights on your dash mean - so you know before you take your car into the shop and you don't have to buy some bluetooth OBD2 reader you saw on Temu.

OnStar AI knows your specific vehicle and will tailor the answer for it. Plus, if there's something it can't answer, it will route you to a live human advisor.

Similar to other LLM-based agents, it will be conversational and allow you to carry on a conversation with it.

Of note, this isn't some new feature installed on the 2027 Cadillac LYRIQ. Nope. It will be added to the car via an over-the-air (OTA) software update with other GM models to follow.

Consolidated App and Connected Camera Features

Alongside the in-vehicle updates, GM announced a new consolidated OnStar mobile app scheduled for release in 2027. It will replace the existing OnStar Guardian app as well as individual brand apps for Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC, merging their functionalities into a single interface.

Key features of the updated application include:

• Connected Cameras: Automatic recording triggered by specific vehicle events (such as horn activation), which securely uploads video clips to the app and alerts the driver.
• OnStar Family: Location and destination sharing, driver oversight tools, and community safety notifications for family accounts.
• Predictive Safety Alerts: Notifications generated by evaluating vehicle sensor data, local weather conditions, road parameters, and navigation routes.

Privacy Controls and Fleet Integration

Addressing privacy concerns, GM stated that the new AI and camera features will operate on an opt-in basis, allowing users to toggle camera, microphone, location, and data-sharing permissions on or off. Video recordings will carry time limits and end-to-end encryption, and GM noted it will not have access to private Connected Camera footage.

For commercial clients, GM is introducing OnStar Fleet Intelligence and an OnStar Fleet AI Assistant. The platform allows fleet managers to query vehicle data using natural language commands to monitor vehicle health, optimize energy and fuel consumption, schedule maintenance, and track asset utilization across operations.