General Motors is preparing to remove Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility from all of its future vehicles, including gas-powered models, signaling a significant shift in the automaker’s software strategy.
A Strategic Shift Toward In-House Infotainment
GM’s decision to remove support for the two most widely used smartphone projection systems is not limited to electric vehicles. After first announcing in 2023 that CarPlay and Android Auto would be dropped from its new EVs, the company now confirms that all upcoming vehicles, including internal combustion engine (ICE) models, will follow the same path. This transition will occur gradually as new models are launched or refreshed.
According to CEO Mary Barra, the shift is intended to create a more seamless and less distracting experience for drivers.
“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,” Barra said during The Verge’s Decoder podcast.
She emphasized that GM aims to provide a fully integrated native system tailored specifically to the vehicle’s architecture and safety features.
EVs First, Gas Vehicles Next
Initially, GM’s EV lineup—excluding a few exceptions like the Cadillac Lyriq and GMC Hummer EV—was the first to lose access to Apple and Google smartphone mirroring platforms. With the EV development cycle in full swing, these models served as a proving ground for GM’s new Android Automotive-based infotainment system.
The company now plans to extend the same approach to its entire portfolio of over 40 models.
“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,” said Barra. “As we move forward with each new vehicle and major new vehicle launch, I think you’re going to see us consistent on that. We made a decision to prioritize our EV vehicles during this timeframe, and as we go forward, we’ll continue across the portfolio.”
This phased rollout will depend on model refresh cycles and new launches, meaning the transition won’t be immediate but progressive across the coming years.
What Happens to Existing GM Cars?
For current GM owners, there is no immediate change. The company reassured users that vehicles already equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will retain those capabilities. In a statement to InsideEVs, a GM spokesperson clarified:
“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.”
The statement further explained that GM’s vision aligns with broader industry trends:
“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. This will happen over time, not overnight.”
The Android Automotive Platform and Its Implications
At the heart of GM’s new digital strategy is the Android Automotive operating system, which differs from Android Auto. Rather than projecting a smartphone interface onto the car’s screen, Android Automotive runs natively within the car’s infotainment system. It allows for native apps such as Google Maps, Assistant, and Spotify, while giving GM full control over data, user experience, and updates.
Yet, not all customers are convinced. Some iPhone users, in particular, may find themselves excluded from key app functionalities since many iOS apps are not available on Android-based platforms. Moreover, concerns have been raised about the added friction of needing to log into apps individually.
GM Chief Product Officer Sterling Anderson addressed this on The Verge’s Decoder, noting the company is working on streamlining app logins. He compared the change to Apple’s infamous removal of physical drives:
“But frankly, it’s a very Jobsian approach to things… [Steve Jobs said,] ‘Look, guys, flash storage really is the future. Get on board, you’ll see that.’ That’s kind of what we’re saying here; in fact, that’s exactly what we’re saying.”
