General Motors removing CarPlay

Photo Credit: Brice Cooper

General Motors will eliminate Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from all future vehicles, not just electric vehicles.

General Motors (GM) has confirmed its plans to remove Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from all future vehicles, a decision that previously applied only to its EVs. CEO Mary Barra told The Verge that the change will eventually cover all GM vehicles, including gasoline and hybrid models.

GM first began phasing out CarPlay and Auto in 2023 in its electric models, first with the Chevy Blazer EV and Cadillac Lyriq. The change means that soon, even future internal combustion models will rely solely on GM’s in-house infotainment system. The interface is powered by Google’s Android Automotive OS and supported by a custom app store, voice assistant, and cloud-based navigation.

According to GM, the change will allow for a smoother, safer, and more unified user experience. Barra said traditional “smartphone mirroring” is “fragmented,” arguing that having to switch between native vehicle software and their phones disrupts the flow of connected features like driver assistance and navigation.

While it’s a controversial move, it’s not out of left field. Automakers are already concerned about Apple’s expanding control over dashboard systems. CarPlay Ultra, the next-generation iteration designed to replace entire vehicle interfaces, would further limit what automakers can customize (or monetize). That’s a key aspect that many brands see as encroaching on their turf and limiting their independence.

Barra says GM’s long-term goal is to turn its vehicles into “software-defined platforms,” unlocking revenue from subscriptions and “in-car services.” However, it’s not an easy transition for consumers, who have overwhelmingly embraced CarPlay and Android Auto for their convenience and familiarity.

Ultimately, GM’s decision is a bold move—if its system feels at all clunky or limited compared to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the backlash from consumers could far outweigh any benefits. Whether it leads the vehicle manufacturer down a lucrative path or an isolated one remains to be seen.