General Motors just handed drivers yet another reason not to buy one of its vehicles. The automaker announced it will eliminate Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from all future models — electric and gas alike — in favor of its own Google-powered infotainment system. CEO Mary Barra insists the move will create a “smoother, safer, and more unified” experience, but many motorists see it for what it is: a cash grab to lock customers into GM’s subscription ecosystem, not an upgrade in convenience.
In place of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, GM is betting big on its own built-in interface powered by Google’s Android Automotive OS. The company has already started rolling it out in select EVs, though 34 of its 40 models still support CarPlay and Android Auto for now, per Newsweek.
The tug-of-war over who controls your dashboard is heating up. Most automakers have embraced Apple and Google’s phone mirroring systems, but a few like GM want to keep drivers locked inside their own infotainment ecosystems.
Apple’s in-car tech started life as “iOS in the Car,” developed with BMW before evolving into the CarPlay platform that’s become nearly ubiquitous over the last decade. Google followed with Android Auto, first adopted by Hyundai before spreading across the industry.
Today, according to StatCounter, about 58.8% of U.S. smartphone users carry iPhones, while 40.8% are on Android devices—a split that makes GM’s move even riskier. Tesla and Rivian have long skipped both CarPlay and Android Auto, opting instead to run their own closed systems. GM now joins that small—and controversial—club.
The backlash was immediate and loud. Drivers across social media blasted GM’s move as yet another cash grab, accusing the automaker of prioritizing subscription revenue over customer experience. The sentiment was clear: nobody’s clamoring for a locked-down “GM-only” infotainment system that will likely cost more and deliver less. Most consumers just want seamless integration with the phones they already use—not another paywalled ecosystem with a logo on the steering wheel.
The Bottom Line
GM isn’t the only automaker trying to build its own walled garden. Mercedes-Benz recently rolled out its new operating system in the latest CLA, while Audi continues to push its proprietary interface. Ford, Toyota, and Volvo are also developing independent software ecosystems, each aiming to control more of the in-car experience—and the recurring revenue that comes with it.
A GM spokesperson told the Daily Mail that existing owners don’t need to panic, reassuring that current vehicles supporting Apple CarPlay or Android Auto will continue to do so. That’s some comfort, but it doesn’t soften the optics: for a brand that’s struggled to convince buyers to choose its cars, trucks, and SUVs over better-performing options from Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, and BMW, this move looks less like innovation and more like a money grab.
Meanwhile, Aston Martin recently announced plans to integrate Apple’s new AirPlay Ultra in select high-end models and SUVs—a sharp contrast to GM’s decision to cut ties with the tech that drivers actually want.
Related Reading:
- Apple CarPlay Ultra Rolls Out In Aston Martin—License To Drive Just Got A High-Tech Upgrade
- GM EVs Dump Apple CarPlay And Android Auto
- Now Tesla Model Y Can Power Your Home Theater (And The Rest Of Your House, Too)
- Qobuz Unveils New My Weekly Q And Apple CarPlay Online
Anton
October 27, 2025 at 1:20 pm
GM sucks. Their cars are boring and charging for access to their app sounds logical. Said not a soul.
Ian White
October 27, 2025 at 1:49 pm
Anton,
It’s not just GM if you read the article more carefully. The car manufacturers are struggling and they need to create additional revenue streams. That you will have to pay for a control app in your own car so you can stream music or use GPS is definitely on the wrong side.
IW
Catherine Lugg
October 27, 2025 at 8:09 pm
At this point, they can all go suck eggs. Seriously. I’ll listen to WWFM-FM and call it a day or use a bluetooth speaker. I’m not paying for their radio services.
Ian White
October 28, 2025 at 6:57 pm
Catherine,
It’s insane that they think we’re willing to pay to use their proprietary subscription services in the cars we just just bought from them. Wasn’t the car price enough?
IW
Chris Boylan
October 30, 2025 at 2:54 pm
Say what you want about Elon Musk, but Tesla has used their own home-grown infotainment system since the beginning with native apps for TIDAL, Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Music, TuneIn, YouTube, Netflix, Disney+ and more. While they do charge a fee for “premium connectivity” ($9.99/month), this actually gives the car direct 4G LTE or 5G access to the internet with no phone hotspot required. It also includes real time traffic awareness for navigation in the car’s nav and self-driving systems. And you can get around the premium connectivity subscription with a phone hotspot if you’re so inclined.
I find using the native apps on the car much simpler (and higher quality) than using phone apps and Bluetooth. The car’s iPad sized screen is far easier to see and navigate and built-in voice command can allow you to go hands-free for a lot of it. Car Play and Android Auto were never true phone mirrors anyway – they support a small curated selection of apps, not the entire catalog of apps available on each platform.