Most new cars are coming with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity options installed from the factory. Only a few years ago, you would have to pay extra or buy a third-party system to get those options. But General Motors is choosing to remove Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from its future EVs, opting to use Android Automotive instead.
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To do this, General Motors is turning to Google for assistance. The company plans to make a fully built-in infotainment system developed by Google for its future electric vehicles. The way Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work now allows users to bypass the built-in system in favor of the software on the users’ smartphones. I guess General Motors isn’t too keen on allowing this to be the case anymore.
The removal of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will start with the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV, and the motivation behind the move is data harvesting. Allowing users to use their smartphone to bypass the built-in system means fewer data is sent to General Motors. GM says they want to find out how users drive and charge their vehicles.
Google and General Motors have been working together since 2019, and this move means Apple will lose a place in GM’s future products. Another aspect of this move is offering subscription-based services within the new infotainment systems.
Reuters reports: “We do believe there are subscription revenue opportunities for us,” Kummer said. GM Chief Executive Mary Barra is aiming for $20 billion to $25 billion in annual revenue from subscriptions by 2030.
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