This will not go well. GMs can already be a pain to use and figure out, and, it’s not like people think they are reliable, other than pickups
GM is eliminating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from all vehicles — here’s the real reason why
General Motors is eliminating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from all future vehicles – and it’s already maddening motorists.
The surprising announcement was made earlier this week by CEO Mary Barra, who claimed the company will completely phase out the popular systems from its entire fleet of electric and gas-powered cars over the next few years.
In their place will be GM’s own built-in interface, powered by Google’s Android Automotive OS, with Barra arguing in an interview with The Verge that it will allow for “a smoother, safer, and more unified user experience.”
GM has already begun rolling out its own system in some of their EVs, but currently continues to offer CarPlay and Android Auto in 34 of 40 models across its brands, per Newsweek.
According to AutoBlog, “GM’s long-term goal is to turn its vehicles into ‘software-defined platforms,’ unlocking revenue from subscriptions and in-car services.”
That doesn’t sound good
“Another really dumb decision by a US automaker (and I own GM products),” one fumed. “NO ONE wants a captive ‘GM’ system for apps and navigation. We know it will suck and they will upcharge it $2,000 on every car.”
“Here comes subscriptions to turn your car on,” another snarked.
“No longer can you get a vehicle without some sort of subscription being shoved down your throat,” a third X user raged. “Remote start is no longer on the fob. Next up, no more Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. If this trend continues, both apps will be discontinued completely.”
There are many manufacturers which make you pay for certain features that were already on the car, like seat heaters and remote start. You must subscribe, and, even use your phone with an app. Tell you what, if I had to pay to remote start my car, and use my phone instead of the key fob, I just wouldn’t. Heck, might look at a different manufacturer. I can subscribe to an app for $10 a month, but, I don’t. Not even having Alexa on the car is worth it (Samsung watches do not have the ability like my old Fitbit, have to pull out phone, usually turning on TV before I get home so can load up ESPN and watch my hockey game quickly).
Mercedes-Benz recently introduced its own operating system in its new CLA model, while Audi also has its own interface.
According to the Daily Mail, Ford, Toyota, and Volvo are also “developing their own [independent] software ecosystems.”
Not sure why. Carplay and AA work. And Apple customers are rabid about wanting to use Apple stuff. I suspect it’s all about finding a way to start hitting customers with “micro-transactions” and subscriptions.
*Ford has plans with the F-150.
The Blue Oval brand is looking to increase F-150 production by 50,000 units in 2026. To achieve that goal, the automaker is adding 1,000 new jobs and moving some workers over from one of its electric-vehicle plants.*
https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/cars/news-blog/ford-to-add-1-000-workers-to-truck-production-45131917
Are these new cars transportation vehicles or entertainment screens? I bought a new Compass and took it back- huge TV-type screen sticking up in my field of vision and had to turn it on to get the clock! Way too much distraction- I only need the engine instruments, and simple knobs for radio and climate controls. And the dealer says I need an extended warranty because all the electronic junk is not reliable. I went back to my old one.
Why? So they can charge $10 per month for you to be able to use your entertainment system
Virginia and New Jersey Christian Voter Guides – pass them out at services
https://commoncts.blogspot.com/2025/10/virginia-and-new-jersey-christian-voter.html
Our esteemed host wrote:
Exactly right, GM, like Dodge, make pickups. But Ford builds trucks.
We agree with Mr Dana! We’re still driving our 2011. Our eldest grandson purchased a 2005 F-150 from a colleague of mine and dressed up that ride with new grill, wheel, tires, lights, sound etc and after driving it for a couple years, sold it for more than he paid! Great truck! His dad, our eldest, drove his old F-150 for years.
The only reason I sold my 2000 F-150 when it hit 189,000 miles was that it did not have four-wheel drive. I had bought it when we lived in Hampton, Virginia, which is all flat land, but by 2010 we were living in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, with its snow and its hills.
So, I traded it in on my 2010 F-150, which does have four-wheel drive, and still have it. The odometer flipped past 200,000 miles a couple of months ago, and it’s still going strong. I’ve got some body rust, and really need a seat cover for the driver’s seat, but I have exactly zero reason to trade it in for a new truck.
My F-150 is a 2010 model, and I think that’s about the latest model I’d want. Who needs a vehicle that tracks where you are, and you can disable the part of the computer which sounds the annoying seat belt alarm and tracks your speed.
It has a charging port in which I have installed a USB converter, so I can use my cell phone if I need Google Maps. The rest of that stuff? F(ornicate) that!
They seem to forget that most/all car manufacturers started out with their own crappy systems when they started to put screens in their vehicles. Wonder why they let Google & Apple take over?
Obligatory shot at GM: Just rented a new GMC Acadia that wallowed like an overfed pig. My 2007 CRV drives better. Plus, should I really have to go into a screen menu to turn the headlights on or off?