July 30, 2025 – In recent years, General Motors (GM) has made significant overhauls to the in – vehicle systems of its electric vehicles (EVs) on a global scale. The automaker has decided to phase out Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, opting instead for a Google – based in – vehicle infotainment system.
This strategic move has not been well – received by some consumers in the US market. However, GM remains steadfast in its decision. Currently, in the US, only two EV models, the Cadillac Lyriq and GMC Hummer EV, still offer CarPlay functionality.
GM believes that this change can help reduce driver distraction. The company claims that its built – in in – vehicle infotainment system is capable of meeting most of the drivers’ needs, eliminating the need to rely on smartphones. Although the Google – based system does provide a relatively smooth user experience, many consumers still hope for more choices.
Interestingly, GM has adopted a different approach in the Australian and New Zealand markets. According to CarExpert.com.au, a GM spokesperson stated that all Cadillac Lyriq, Lyriq – V, Vistiq, and Optiq models entering these two markets will be equipped with Cadillac Connect services as well as wireless smartphone projection functions, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This means that these models will have both the Google – based in – vehicle infotainment system used in the US market and the familiar wireless CarPlay and Android Auto features.
In the US market, the CarPlay experience on the Lyriq model is far from ideal. It only allows operation through the central part of the infotainment screen. Moreover, the Optiq and Vistiq models do not offer CarPlay functionality in either the US or European markets. Additionally, the entry – level model of the Chevrolet Silverado EV initially came with CarPlay, but in the latest version, GM removed the phone – mirroring function to adopt a more modern panoramic screen system.
In fact, integrating CarPlay and Android Auto into GM’s EVs is entirely feasible. Earlier this year, a third – party company demonstrated a relevant solution but later decided to halt production. GM had previously stated that third – party modification kits could interfere with the vehicle’s “critical safety functions” and might even void part of the vehicle’s warranty.
