The long-term way forward for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in GM’s line-up is unclear, with the automaker saying it can drop the smartphone mirroring tech from its subsequent raft of EVs.
This alteration will happen progressively, beginning with the Chevrolet Blazer EV, which is able to go into manufacturing later this yr.
Following this, the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV, 2024 Cadillac Celestiq, and the 2025 GMC Sierra EV are the following GM automobiles confirmed to go with out the smartphone mirroring applied sciences.
All of those electrical automobiles can have infotainment techniques operating the Ultifi working system that’s based mostly on Android Automotive.
Whereas Android Auto permits choose apps, comparable to Google Maps or your favorite podcast app, to be run on a linked cellphone, and displayed on the automotive’s touchscreen, the equally named Android Automotive is a software program platform, based mostly on Google’s smartphone working system, that direct accesses Google’s applied sciences and might natively run Android apps.
Via the Play Retailer, supported apps could be downloaded and put in techniques operating Android Automotive.
GM says EVs with out entry to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay will include “commonplace connectivity that enables clients to entry Google Maps and Google Assistant, at no extra value, for eight years starting at time of car buy”.
Mike Himche, government director of digital cockpit expertise for GM, advised Reuters: “We now have lots of new driver help options coming which are extra tightly coupled with navigation. We don’t need to design these options in a manner which are depending on individual having a cellphone.”
Edward Kummer, GM’s chief digital officer, admitted to the newswire, “We do consider there are subscription income alternatives for us”.
GM CEO Mary Barra has beforehand acknowledged the automaker is aiming to make between US$20 billion to US$25 billion ($30 billion to $37 billion) per yr from digital subscriptions by 2030.
Whereas mirroring will disappear from new EVs beginning with the Blazer EV, there’ll nonetheless be Bluetooth smartphone connectivity, permitting house owners and passengers to stream music or podcasts, in addition to take and make calls.
Electrical automobiles presently on sale at the moment, in addition to present and upcoming petrol- and diesel-powered automobiles, will nonetheless function Android Auto and CarPlay.
This implies there might be no instant affect on GM merchandise presently bought in Australia, that are restricted to the petrol-powered Chevrolet Silverado pickup and Corvette sports activities automotive.
Present EVs, together with the Cadillac Lyriq, Chevrolet Silverado EV, Chevrolet Bolt EV and EUV, and GMC Hummer EV, will proceed to be bought with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto assist in the intervening time.
GM additionally says that automobiles which have been bought with Apple CarPlay and/or Android Auto assist will hold their smartphone mirroring skills.
