Apple to Silence Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

When GM announced earlier in 2023 that it was phasing out Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with its latest EVs, it was met with some confusion; why would GM go out of their way to dissolve popular features, and disrupt the level of phone-to-car interconnectivity that auto brands have been progressing towards? 

Now the company has spoken out in further detail about their decision, and it comes down to one factor: safety. And as we know, when it comes to your safety, General Motors leaves nothing to chance. Below, Jennings Chambersburg examines the reasons behind GM’s decision and the alternative that awaits the Chevy Blazer and other EVs.  

CarPlay and Auto: A Brief History 

Apple CarPlay is now almost a full decade old, having debuted in March of 2014. Its goal was to enable a car’s head unit or infotainment system to function as a display and controller for an iPhones’ iOS. Suddenly, a driver’s music, navigation systems, calls and messages could be fully accessed without taking your eyes off the road.

A year later, Android Auto launched in March 2015. Like its Apple counterpart, it sought to mirror phone features through vehicles’ head units and infotainment screens. Although Google initially prevented Android Auto from accessing third party mapping apps – only allowing its own apps such as Google Maps and Waze – it relaxed these measures in 2020. 

Put Down Your Phones! 

Seeing as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have more or less become standards, why would GM abandon them now – especially when the vast of Americans use Apple and Samsung phones? Those two brands currently account for 83% of the total smartphone market share.  

According to GM, the primary motivating factor is safety. Tim Babbitt, GM’s head of product for infotainment, cited driver distraction caused by cell phone usage. Babbitt insists that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto both suffer from stability issues, prompting drivers to take their eyes off the road and pick up their phones again when system connections are slow or unresponsive. With built-in systems, Babbitt argues, drivers will encounter fewer connectivity issues and therefore be less likely to pick up their phones. 

But the decision also takes into account more than safety concerns. With company-made software, GM sees the opportunity to collect and monetize more driver data, deliver a more comprehensive user experience, and even warm up the EV battery before driving – all of which Apple and Samsung lack the full ability to do. 

So… What’s Next? 

It should be said that GM’s decision is not without precedent, especially amongst their EV competitors. Both Tesla and Rivian opt for their own system in place of CarPlay or Auto, and both have been successful. 

GM hopes to follow this model with their “Ultifi” infotainment software, which features a suite of Google apps such as Google Assistant and Maps, as well as popular music apps like Spotify. In particular, Google Assistant has the potential to deliver a voice-controlled navigation assistant that is tied to every feature of your built-in system – including systems CarPlay and Android Auto wouldn’t have full access to, such as heating and cooling and battery monitoring.  

The test subject of this entire operation is the Chevy Blazer EV, the flagship vehicle of both the new built-in system and Chevy’s electric fleet as a whole. The Blazer EV is currently experiencing a temporary software-related sales stoppage, but hopefully all will be resolved soon and the Blazer will go on to demonstrate the full capabilities of GM’s vision. 

How Does That Sound? 

It may take some time before we see if GM’s strategy pays off, but one thing is certain – the potential of a seamless, built-in system is boundless. In the meantime, use whatever navigation system is at your disposal to plot a course for Jennings Chambersburg. Thanks to our huge inventory of new and pre-owned vehicles, from the suave Malibu to the roomy Traverse, you’ll be sure to find an offer that’s music to your ears. 

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