General Motors $GM ( 0.0% ) plans to drop Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from all its vehicles—the latest sign of a broader shift across the auto industry as automakers look to steer drivers toward their own in-vehicle systems.
The details: GM, which has been at the forefront of discussions about the future of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plans to phase out the smartphone-based systems entirely, CEO Mary Barra confirmed in an interview with The Verge.
While the move initially affected only electric vehicles (starting in 2023), Barra said the company will now expand the phase-out to include gas-powered models.
GM will roll out a new centralized computing platform in 2028 that will transition its entire lineup to a unified, native in-car experience.
The company is also developing a Google Gemini–powered assistant and other custom-built apps—created in-house and with partners—to replace traditional phone projection.
What they’re saying: “They don't know how you are using their infotainment system,” said Andrew Hart, CEO of analyst firm SBD, in a May story by Motor Trend, looking at the shift away from the third-party systems. “That starves car companies, and they lose intelligence that could help them improve their offerings.”
Why it matters: GM’s decision to eliminate Apple CarPlay and Android Auto marks a significant shift toward owning its software ecosystem—and the data that comes with it. For dealers, that means preparing for more emphasis on connected-services features, subscription packages, and training to address potential buyer resistance from shoppers who expect CarPlay or Android Auto in new vehicles.
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Between the lines: Across the industry, automakers are refining their own user interfaces while limiting the capabilities of third-party systems—a move largely driven by the desire to control customer data and in-car experiences.
Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and BMW continue to support standard Apple CarPlay but have declined to let Apple’s next-generation system take over their full interfaces.
Volvo and Polestar use Google’s Android Automotive OS or similar proprietary platforms that limit how much control CarPlay can have.
Tesla and Rivian have never offered native support for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
“You’re seeing pushback against effectively giving up access data to the big tech giants,” Hart said, per Motor Trend. He added, “It’s a brave move going against feedback from consumers, but they no longer want to make that compromise between offering an appealing experience and maintaining control of their data.”
Bottom line: Dealers should expect more automakers to double down on proprietary infotainment, AI-driven assistants, and subscription-based connected services as core brand differentiators—and prepare their teams to sell customers on those features in a post-CarPlay era.
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