Yahoo Autos GM doubles down on cutting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
General Motors (GM) is standing firm on its decision to ditch Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, even as demand for these popular smartphone integrations remains strong.
GM announced in March 2023 that it would remove CarPlay and Android Auto from many future models, drawing backlash from customers. Over a year later, the company is doubling down on its decision.
Chevrolet
Who needs Apple CarPlay when you have . . . Ultifi
Baris Cetinok, GM's senior vice president of software and services, reaffirmed the company’s stance in an interview with The Verge earlier this week, saying GM has "high conviction" in building its in-house car software. “We have high conviction that this is the right path for us to take to create truly interior experiences for our customers,” Cetinok said.
The core idea driving GM’s strategy with its in-car software, called Ultifi, is about “vertical integration”—the idea being that every aspect of a car, from the navigation system and accelerator to the HVAC and Super Cruise is all talking to each other.
“And yes, I have to say I learned it from the best. I mean, you look at a company like Apple who espouses deep vertical integration as one of the ways to create the most seamless experience,” said Cetinok, who worked at Apple for nine years as a senior director of product management and product marketing. “Case in point, we believe in the same thing for vehicles. and that’s why we believe we are a hardware, software, and services company rather than just a hardware company.”
Related: Growing new car affordability crisis: Consumers want more, but can't afford it
CarPlay keeps getting better
GM's decision to forgo CarPlay and Android Auto has sparked considerable debate. Apple, meanwhile, is preparing an updated version of CarPlay with enhanced capabilities. The latest CarPlay update, compatible with iOS 18, promises expanded functionality, enhanced voice commands, and integration across more screens within the vehicle—features many car buyers were hoping GM would incorporate. Still, GM stands by its plan, insisting that its unique setup will make its vehicles more intuitive and enjoyable for customers.
Can Super Cruise get GM over the adoption hump?
For drivers worried about losing popular smartphone features, GM argues that its exclusive technologies, like Super Cruise, will more than compensate. Super Cruise, a hands-free driving system, is available on select GM models and is intended to provide a more immersive experience that extends beyond traditional smartphone connectivity. Cetinok believes that by focusing on advanced tech like Super Cruise, GM can attract buyers who may otherwise decide against CarPlay absent vehicles.
Related: Ford unleashes game-changing update to autonomous driving system
GM Pressroom
Final thoughts
GM’s decision is a gamble, to say the least. No matter how good GM’s own software is, drivers have strong preferences towards the user interfaces they know and love, especially when those offerings come from some of the biggest tech companies in the world. A Reddit commenter summed up the challenge facing GM well: “Here’s the issue for GM. I like CarPlay and want it.”
Whether this strategy will resonate with buyers or push them toward brands that support CarPlay and Android Auto remains to be seen.
