GM Kicks Apple CarPlay on EVs to the Curb

The popular app allows users to pay for fuel using their iPhones via the car display.

April 18, 2023

DETROIT, Mich.—General Motors Co. announced it would stop allowing Apple’s CarPlay and Google for Android phones in its new electric vehicles, The Wall Street Journal reports. Instead, GM will use new software for the display to allow more built-in functionality. Apple’s CarPlay allows users to purchase fuel using their iPhones through the car display app.

The car manufacturer’s strategy is similar to that of Tesla and other EV manufacturers, who are attempting to recover the vehicle’s digital services and real estate. GM will use Google’s technology for the new interface, which will let Android users still view Google Maps, although not Android Auto.

GM CFO Paul Jacobson indicated the new software will provide a more customized driving experience with GM’s brand and features. The software also will have the capability of gathering data on the vehicle’s electric charge, tire pressure, and so on, while providing suggestions for plug-in stops. “It is up to us to create that and ultimately convince customers that it can be better across the board,” Jacobson said.

Other automakers said they did not plan to exclude Android Auto or CarPlay from their cars. “Still, they agree competition between tech and auto companies for car owners’ attention is growing more intense,” the Journal reports. “We want people to be in our ecosystem,” said Mike Colleran, who leads Nissan Motor Co.’s U.S. marketing and sales. “That is where the battle is going to be.”

Domino’s recently announced customers could order pizza via CarPlay. Several months ago, Chevron said it had integrated its U.S. fueling applications into CarPlay, allowing drivers to access their account to pay for fuel through the interface.

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