U.S. exclusion confirmed: GM integrates Apple CarPlay for electric vehicles internationally
In a move to monetize in-car technology and retain control over user data, General Motors (GM) has opted to drop Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from its latest electric vehicles (EVs) in the U.S., switching instead to a new onboard infotainment system developed in partnership with Google [1].
However, this isn't the case for Cadillac EV buyers in Australia and New Zealand, who will continue to enjoy the convenience of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This inconsistency suggests that GM's strategy may vary by region or model [2][3][4].
The reviewer found the Equinox EV's media browsing interface less convenient than using their phone, indicating that people might prefer the familiarity of their phone's interface over in-car systems [5]. The easiest, safest in-car interface is often the one people know how to use, and that's usually their phone, which is already logged into all of their apps [6].
GM's North American representative confirmed that infotainment features vary by region and the company remains committed to its native infotainment platform [7]. The company's stance against including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in its battery-powered vehicles, at least in the North American market, has been maintained [8].
GM's argument for this stance is to create "seamless" experiences and avoid dependence on drivers having a cellphone [9]. However, Jason Torchinsky of The Autopian had a response to one of GM's defenses of its anti-CarPlay stance, stating that GM miscalculated which part of the in-car software experience people care about being easy [10].
The news does not mention any changes for GM's other all-electric products, like those from Chevrolet. It's worth noting that Super Cruise, GM's Level 3 autonomous highway driving system, is not legally permitted in Australia and New Zealand, which may partially explain GM's unique policy down under [11].
Update July 29, 2025, 10:10 a.m. Eastern: GM's North American PR team has confirmed that infotainment features vary by region and the company remains committed to its native infotainment platform [12].
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- The technology shift in General Motors' (GM) latest electric vehicles (EVs) in the U.S. involves the use of a new onboard infotainment system developed in partnership with Google, replacing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Meanwhile, Cadillac EV buyers in Australia and New Zealand are still able to access Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, suggesting regional variations in GM's strategy.
- The company's stance against including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in its North American market battery-powered vehicles remains, with a focus on creating "seamless" experiences and minimizing dependence on cellphones for in-car software.
- While GM has maintained its anti-CarPlay stance for its North American market all-electric vehicles, the company has not yet announced any changes for its other electric products, like those from Chevrolet.
