Apple CarPlay and Android Auto systems allow users to mirror
their smartphone screens in a vehicle's dashboard display.
GM's decision to stop offering those systems in future
electric vehicles, starting with the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer, could help the automaker
capture more data on how consumers drive and charge EVs.
GM is designing the on-board navigation and infotainment
systems for future EVs in partnership with Alphabet's Google.
The decision to phase out CarPlay smartphone projection
technology is a setback for Apple Inc in the competition with Google to capture
more real estate on vehicle dashboards in North America. GM's Chevrolet brand
in the past boasted of offering more models with CarPlay or Android Auto than
any other brand.
GM has been working with Google since 2019 to develop the
software foundations for infotainment systems that will be more tightly
integrated with other vehicle systems such as GM's Super Cruise driver
assistant. The automaker is accelerating a strategy for its EVs to be platforms
for digital subscription services.
By 2035, GM's goal is to phase out production of new
combustion light-duty vehicles.
GM would benefit from focusing engineers and investment on
one approach to more tightly connecting in-vehicle infotainment and navigation
with features such as assisted driving, Edward Kummer, GM's chief digital
officer, and Mike Himche, executive director of digital cockpit experience,
said in an interview.
"We have a lot of new driver assistance features coming
that are more tightly coupled with navigation," Himche told Reuters.
"We don't want to design these features in a way that are dependent on
person having a cellphone."
Buyers of GM EVs with the new systems will get access to
Google Maps and Google Assistant, a voice command system, at no extra cost for
eight years, GM said. GM said the future infotainment systems will offer
applications such as Spotify's music service, Audible and other services that
many drivers now access via smartphones.
GM plans to continue offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
mirroring systems in its combustion models. Owners of vehicles equipped with
the mirroring technologies will still be able to use the systems, GM said.
Drivers also will still be able to listen to music or make
phone calls on iPhones or Android smartphones using Bluetooth wireless
connectivity, GM said. © Reuters