General Motors plans to phase out Apple’s CarPlay and Google’s Android Auto in favor of a custom solution Google will help it create.
Infotainment solutions that integrate with a driver’s mobile phone have become increasingly popular, with Apple and Google making the two most widely used options. GM wants more control over the experience, and is turning to Google to help it create its own solution.
One goal of the new project is evidently to lessen the reliance on the smartphone.
“We have a lot of new driver assistance features coming that are more tightly coupled with navigation,” Mike Himche, executive director of digital cockpit experience, told Reuters. “We don’t want to design these features in a way that are dependent on person having a cellphone.”
The company is also planning to make the new system a subscription service, opening up another possible revenue stream.
“We do believe there are subscription revenue opportunities for us,” said Edward Kummer, GM’s chief digital officer.
The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer will be the first GM vehicle to no longer offer CarPlay or Android Auto.
