In a controversial announcement last year, General Motors (GM) disclosed its plans to phase out Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from its upcoming electric vehicle lineup. This move essentially requires consumers to embrace GM’s proprietary operating system, shunning the familiar phone-projection features many have grown to depend on. Unsurprisingly, this decision sparked a significant backlash from users.
The announcement triggered a wave of disapproval across social media platforms and online forums. Enthusiastic users even threatened to cancel their pre-orders for upcoming models. The sentiment was clear: enthusiasts were unwilling to part with their cherished CarPlay features without a fight.
GM Phases Out CarPlay
General Motors is set to discontinue the integration of CarPlay and Android Auto in its new electric vehicle models, beginning with the Chevrolet Blazer EV. For now, their gasoline-powered vehicles remain unaffected by this change.
The uproar is understandable. A large number of drivers have become accustomed to using simplified versions of their phone’s user interface for navigation, music streaming, and podcasts. Changes of this magnitude, especially concerning major financial commitments like car purchases, often elicit strong reactions.
However, amidst the uproar, a crucial question remains largely unaddressed: How does GM’s new built-in software compare to the CarPlay experience? If GM can craft a native interface that rivals or improves upon CarPlay in terms of functionality and ease of use, the objections may be substantially mitigated. Many users adopt CarPlay not out of loyalty but because it’s superior to the often cumbersome default car systems.
InsideEVs
To find the answer, we need to evaluate the Cadillac Lyriq, a GM EV that interestingly supports both CarPlay and GM’s new Android Automotive-based infotainment system. The newly launched 2024 Chevy Blazer EV and Equinox EV, however, omit CarPlay entirely. As for the Lyriq’s future, GM has indicated they will provide more information regarding its features for the 2025 model soon.
During a week-long evaluation of the Lyriq, I alternated between CarPlay and the native Cadillac system’s music and navigation apps to compare their performance. Surprisingly, when I was using the Cadillac system, I didn’t miss CarPlay. For primary apps like Google Maps and Spotify, the Cadillac system proved to be highly efficient and, in many ways, superior to CarPlay.
Cadillac Lyriq Infotainment
This bodes well for GM’s strategic move towards a more integrated and smartphone-like user experience in their vehicles. The goal is to incorporate better touchscreens, appealing software with extensive app offerings, and over-the-air updates. GM asserts that abandoning phone projection is key to achieving this seamless integration.
Comparing the Lyriq Experience to Apple CarPlay
Starting with the hardware, the Lyriq features a striking 33-inch crescent-shaped display that merges both the digital gauge cluster and the central touchscreen. This impressive setup is a significant upgrade from the Chevy Bolt EUV’s more basic screen layout.
InsideEVs
The Lyriq’s interface boasts an attractive design, easy readability at a glance, and responsive touch inputs. Built on an Android Automotive OS with Google Built-in, it offers functionalities like Google Assistant and an integrated app store. Navigation through Google Maps is a highlight, featuring a clear, expansive display and the ability to view maps in the driver’s cluster—a functionality CarPlay lacks on the Lyriq.
InsideEVs
Google Maps on the Lyriq not only offers navigation but also shows the estimated state of charge upon reaching the destination, a useful feature for EV drivers. It’s a level of integration GM aims to showcase as a justification for removing CarPlay. The system effectively collaborates with Google Assistant for navigation and other commands, although it occasionally falters with complex requests.
InsideEVs
The built-in Spotify app performed seamlessly, with additional entertainment apps like Audible, Tidal, and YouTube Music also available. However, the app selection still lacks variety, prompting concerns for users devoted to certain services like Apple Music. GM plans to increase the number of available apps over time, including utility apps like PlugShare and Waze.
InsideEVs
Connectivity Plans: The Cost Factor
While the Lyriq’s integrated system shows promise, concerns about connectivity costs cannot be overlooked. Enjoying apps like Maps and Spotify in a data-enabled Lyriq at no extra cost is ideal for demonstrations, but real-world customers will face subscription fees. After an initial period of complimentary access, users will need to pay to maintain these services.
For instance, the Chevy Blazer EV and Equinox EV come with eight years of connected services for Google Maps and Assistant, plus three years of app access, which includes Spotify and Audible. Post these durations, customers will need to subscribe to keep these features, with current pricing at $14.99 per month for similar services under OnStar’s connected plans. This additional cost may deter users already paying for phone data plans.
InsideEVs
Consumer attitudes towards subscriptions and in-car technology evolve over time. Just as Netflix replaced cable TV despite initial skepticism, GM could potentially win over critics by delivering a compelling, integrated user experience. While past attempts by legacy manufacturers to innovate in software have encountered hurdles, the Lyriq indicates that GM is heading in the right direction.
As the automotive industry moves rapidly towards smart, connected vehicles, GM’s bold decision to remove CarPlay and Android Auto could reshape consumer expectations and experiences, provided the new system continues to meet and exceed user needs.
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William Kouch, Editor of automotive.fyi
