Snippet: GM is Ditching CarPlay in All Future EVs and Teaming Up With Google Instead ☇
Chance Miller for 9to5Mac:
As reported by Reuters, GM’s decision to stop offering CarPlay will begin with the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer. This change, the report explains, will help GM “capture more data on how consumers drive and charge EVs.” The company also wants to develop its own infotainment system based around its driver assistance features like Super Cruise.
GM has been working with Google since 2019 to develop the software that will be used in future electric cars. At launch, the software will offer access to Google Maps and Google Assistant at no extra cost for eight years. Future versions of the software will offer dedicated apps like Spotify and Audible, GM says. […]
“We do believe there are subscription revenue opportunities for us,” Edward Kummer, GM’s chief digital officer, added. The company is targeting $20 billion to $25 billion in annual revenue from subscriptions by 2030.
While I understand that EVs will need additional displays and information, taking away the option for Apple CarPlay (and Android Auto) is an incredibly stupid move. I have yet to find an infotainment/navigation system that is as good for my needs as CarPlay. I prefer Apple Maps and want to be in the Google ecosystem as little as possible, not to mention being able to add any app that has CarPlay support, rather than waiting for the GM-specific version to be released. The fact that you can get in any vehicle with CarPlay and have the same interface is an additional benefit, as it makes driving a rental or a friend’s car a little less unfamiliar, especially for long road trips where navigation would be necessary.
While people make the argument that Tesla has eschewed Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and it’s fine enough, there are some missing features (such as integration with every app and phone feature) and you’re stuck on Tesla’s timeline for updates. Looking at how GM and most automakers source components from various vendors and move incredibly slow, I don’t have high hopes for the home-grown solution GM is pushing. There’s also no reason they couldn’t carve out part of a large screen for a CarPlay “window” like some manufacturers have done and keep persistent EV information around it. Aside from user interface and software quality concerns, the fact that they’re not even hiding that this can be yet another subscription demonstrates the incredible stupidity of GM’s leadership.