General Motors’ decision to drop CarPlay is still the right choice
But the public response remains unfavorable
It has been a year since General Motors (GM) boldly decided to discontinue support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in its upcoming electric vehicles. At the time, the company cited driver safety as the primary reason for the change, arguing that smartphone mirroring systems like CarPlay and Android Auto contributed to driver distraction. GM claimed these systems didn’t function properly when keeping drivers’ attention on the road.
Instead of relying on Apple or Google’s systems, GM announced the development of its own software platform, Ultifi. This new system would offer a range of integrated apps and services, including Google Maps, Google Assistant, and access to the Google Play Store. A year later, GM continues to stand by its decision, asserting that Ultifi provides a safer and more reliable solution than CarPlay or Android Auto. However, the company’s move has sparked controversy, as many drivers prefer the ease and familiarity of smartphone mirroring.
GM’s Ultifi: A Focus on Safety and Control
Mike Abbott, GM’s vice president overseeing the digital experience, has defended the company’s decision, arguing that the Ultifi platform makes smartphone mirroring feel outdated and clunky. Abbott, who previously worked at Apple for a decade before joining GM, emphasized that the performance of CarPlay and Android Auto—especially in terms of connectivity and responsiveness—had become a safety issue, with frequent disconnections and slow responses. GM contends that these issues caused drivers to interact with their phones, taking their eyes off the road and defeating the purpose of a system designed to reduce distractions.
In contrast, Ultifi aims to provide a seamless experience that integrates Google’s apps, allowing users to access navigation, music, and other services without relying on their phones. Through Ultifi, drivers can use voice control to access apps like Google Maps and Spotify, reducing the need to interact with the vehicle’s interface physically.
Concerns Over Revenue and Subscriptions
Despite GM’s commitment to safety and technology, the Ultifi system has faced significant backlash due to its subscription model. The system will be free for the first eight years, after which drivers will have to pay for continued use. This has raised concerns that GM’s decision to remove CarPlay and Android Auto was not just about safety but also about increasing its subscription-based revenue streams.
CEO Mary Barra has set ambitious revenue goals, aiming for $2 billion to $2.5 billion in annual subscription income by 2030. As a result, critics argue that removing Apple and Google’s systems was a strategic move to generate recurring revenue from customers who would otherwise use free smartphone mirroring. The Chevrolet Blazer EV, for example, will be the first model to roll out without CarPlay and Android Auto support.
Free for only 8 years?
Raises concerns about future revenue streams
However, the GM Ultifi infotainment system has been controversial because it is only free for eight years. After that, drivers will have to pay for additional usage. This has led to speculation that General Motors may launch a subscription service.
GM CEO Mary Barra has set a goal of generating $2 billion to $2.5 billion in subscription revenue annually by 2030. That’s why there has been criticism that General Motors removed Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and added its own infotainment system to generate additional revenue. Meanwhile, GM does not support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, starting with the Chevrolet Blazer EV model.
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