General Motors (GM) has announced its decision to stop supporting Apple’s CarPlay platform in favor of teaming up with Google to design custom-built infotainment systems for their future electric cars. The move, which has been described as controversial, marks a significant shift for GM, which only a few years ago had gone all-in on CarPlay.
According to a report by Reuters, GM’s decision to phase out CarPlay will begin with the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer. The company believes that this change will enable it to collect more data on how consumers drive and charge electric vehicles (EVs) while developing its infotainment system based on driver assistance features such as Super Cruise.
Since 2019, GM has been working with Google to develop the software for future electric cars. The software will offer access to Google Maps and Google Assistant for free for eight years from launch. Future versions of the software will also offer dedicated apps like Spotify and Audible, among others.
In an interview, Mike Himche, Executive Director of Digital Cockpit Experience, stated that “We don’t want to design these features in a way that is dependent on a person having a cellphone,” highlighting the importance of developing a robust and autonomous system.
Edward Kummer, GM’s Chief Digital Officer, also added that “We do believe there are subscription revenue opportunities for us.” The company is targeting $20 billion to $25 billion in annual revenue from subscriptions by 2030.
It’s worth noting that GM will continue to offer CarPlay in its gas-powered vehicles, and the change only applies to its EVs, starting with the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer.
However, GM’s decision to phase out CarPlay has been criticized, with some describing it as a “lame and sucky” decision. The move has been perceived as an attempt to find new ways to charge customers recurring subscriptions and collect data on driving habits, which could ultimately hurt GM’s reputation.
Tesla, for example, also refuses to adopt Apple’s CarPlay platform, and it’s one of the commonly requested features by Tesla owners. Despite this, Tesla has spent years refining its in-car software experience, suggesting that a well-crafted in-house system is the key to success.
Moreover, Apple is about to launch a new version of CarPlay later this year with an all-new design that will take over more of a car’s infotainment system, including gauge clusters and other data. GM’s decision to phase out CarPlay may hinder its ability to keep up with the latest technological advancements and innovations.
