GM to phase out Apple CarPlay and Android Auto by 2028

General Motors is leading a strategic pivot away from Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, replacing popular smartphone projection systems with proprietary, in-house infotainment. The move signals a broader industry struggle for control over the digital dashboard and the lucrative data it generates.

GM began removing CarPlay and Android Auto from its electric vehicle (EV) lineup in 2023. The company now plans to phase out these third-party systems from its internal combustion engine vehicles starting around 2028, coinciding with the rollout of a new centralized computing platform. While most models will transition, the 2027 Cadillac Lyriq will remain an exception, continuing to support both smartphone platforms following customer feedback.

The Integration Gap

For more than a decade, smartphone mirroring served as a compromise: drivers avoided often unreliable manufacturer software, and automakers saved on development costs. However, the transition to EVs has changed the technical requirements of the cockpit. Native systems allow for deeper integration of critical vehicle functions, such as battery preconditioning and complex charging route planning, which standard phone mirroring cannot easily manage.

CEO Mary Barra highlighted the friction of the current hybrid approach, noting that the transition between GM's in-house systems and third-party applications was "very clunky."

The Battle for Data

Beyond technical utility, the shift is a calculated move to reclaim the user experience. By removing Apple and Google from the primary interface, automakers regain access to valuable driver data that was previously captured by the tech giants. This control allows manufacturers to build direct relationships with users and implement proprietary AI assistants to increase brand loyalty.

This transition also opens new financial avenues. Native systems provide a gateway for automakers to introduce subscription-based services and integrated AI tools, transforming the vehicle into a recurring revenue stream rather than a one-time hardware sale.

The AI Roadmap

As part of this evolution, GM is integrating Google Gemini AI directly into its vehicles, a move expected to materialize by 2026. This allows the automaker to leverage advanced AI capabilities while maintaining the overarching control of the system's architecture.

Industry observers will now watch to see if other major manufacturers follow GM's lead or if consumer backlash forces a return to open projection. For now, the roadmap suggests a future where the car's operating system is as central to the brand identity as the engine or the chassis.