Report: GM To Drop Apple CarPlay And Android Auto For Future EVs

General Motors will begin phasing out Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in future all-electric models starting with the 2024 Blazer EV in order to gain access to more consumer and EV charging-related data, Reuters reports. Why bypass the two technologies? Because both allow drivers the ability to override vehicles' infotainment systems, thus blocking access to some of their data.

To put it more simply, both of those systems allow drivers to "mirror" their smartphone screens to a vehicle's infotainment display screen but GM wants to develop its own built-in infotainment systems with assistance from Google. Future EVs - combustion-engined vehicles will retain their existing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto setups - will come standard with an on-board navigation system and infotainment systems, both of which are currently being designed as part of the company's collaboration.

While Android Auto will not be a part of future GM EVs, Google will continue to play an integral role. So where does that leave Apple? Definitely not in the best position in the battle against its Google rival for dominating the market for infotainment technology and the gathered data. GM's relationship with Google is nothing new. It's been working with the technology and internet giant since 2019 to develop software that can be integrated with its Super Cruise self-driving technology. The carmaker is also working to put into place a strategy for its upcoming EVs to serve as platforms for digital subscription services.

"We have a lot of new driver assistance features coming that are more tightly coupled with navigation," Mike Himche, executive director of digital cockpit experienceMike Himche, executive director of digital cockpit said. "We don't want to design these features in a way that are dependent on [a] person having a cellphone."