GM Ditches Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Functionality For All Cars
General Motors is moving ahead with a plan to phase out Apple CarPlay and Android Auto—not just in its electric vehicles, but across its entire lineup.
Key Points
- CEO Mary Barra confirmed that General Motors will phase out Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in both electric and gas-powered vehicles, expanding a decision that began with its EV lineup in 2023.
- Future GM vehicles will use the company’s built-in Android Automotive platform with Google Maps, Assistant, and GM’s own app ecosystem, replacing smartphone projection entirely.
- GM says the change will reduce distractions and improve system integration, though critics argue it limits consumer choice—especially for iPhone users who will lose access to familiar apps like Apple Maps and Music.
GM CEO Mary Barra confirmed the play during an interview on The Verge’s Decoder podcast, explaining that the automaker plans to phase out the smartphone projection systems as it transitions to fully integrated, house-made infotainment platforms.
GM stopped offering CarPlay and Android Auto in most of its new EVs starting in 2023—although the Cadillac Lyriq and GMC Hummer EV remain exceptions for some reason. Combustion-powered models still include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, but Barra said that will change as each model goes through a redesign or refresh.
“When you look at the fact that we have over 40 models across our portfolio, you don’t just do this, and they all update,” Barra said. “As we move forward with each new vehicle and major new vehicle launch, you’re going to see us consistent on that.”
Barra said that switching between native infotainment menus and CarPlay or Android Auto “wasn’t seamless,” and in some cases created “a distraction” when drivers moved between the systems. She added that GM was getting a lot of feedback from customers that moving from the car’s native interface to CarPlay and back was “very clunky.”
Naturally, the automaker decided that instead of smoothing out the friction in the user experience, it would just get rid of the option altogether.
“It wasn’t seamless, and frankly, in some cases, it could be distracting to move back and forth if you were doing something that you could do on a phone projection type of system, versus if you needed to do something in the vehicle,”
All future GM vehicles will run the company’s Android-based operating system, featuring Google Maps, Assistant, and other built-in apps, including Gemini AI. GM says it’s also working on simplifying logins and expanding available apps through its own app store.
“We are not making any changes to existing vehicles. 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. As we advance toward our centralized computing platform, we’ll gradually move to a better, more deeply integrated experience — a direction the broader industry is taking as vehicles become more software-defined," a GM spokesperson told AutoGuide in an emailed statement.
"This will happen over time, not overnight. We value our collaboration with Apple and Google and remain focused on delivering experiences customers love.”
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An experienced automotive storyteller and accomplished photographer known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge—he was part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic, oversaw a fleet of Audi TCR race cars, ziptied Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars back together, been over the wall during the Rolex 24, and worked in the intense world of IndyCar.
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No Android Auto = No sale to me. I have three vehicals of three different brands and three completely different systems. With Android Auto I just connect my phone and get the same user experience in all three. And no gosh darned subscriptions and data plans on the three. And that's the real play here...sell us more subscriptions. I hope everyone just says no and the manufacturers get the idea. I'm glad I got a 23 Corvette that doesn't even have their GD Google Onboard which they didn't put in Vettes until 24.
The more electronics, the more to go wrong.
We need more manual transmissions which make better drivers.