General Motors is doubling down on its in-car software ambitions. The automaker plans to end support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto not just in its electric vehicles, but across all future gas-powered models as well.
In a new interview with The Verge’s Nilay Patel on Decoder, GM CEO Mary Barra confirmed that the company’s next-generation computing platform, set to launch in 2028, will serve as the foundation for a unified infotainment experience across the entire lineup. The move marks a full transition away from smartphone projection systems, which have been a staple feature for most modern vehicles.
Barra explained that the rollout will happen gradually, depending on when each model undergoes a major update. “When you look at the fact that we have over 40 models across our portfolio, you don’t just do this and they all update,” she said. “As we move forward with each new vehicle and major new vehicle launch, you’re going to see us consistent on that.”
From Projection to Integration
GM’s decision reflects a broader strategic pivot toward controlling the entire digital experience inside its vehicles. The automaker already uses an Android-powered infotainment system in several of its models, but the upcoming platform will go a step further. It will feature deep integration with Google’s Gemini AI, offering a conversational assistant designed to handle navigation, entertainment, and vehicle functions natively.
The company also plans to develop its own suite of connected apps and services, created both in-house and in collaboration with external partners. This would give GM greater control over user data, interface design, and software updates, areas that have traditionally been influenced by Apple and Google through CarPlay and Android Auto.
Barra framed the shift as part of a long-term digital strategy aimed at creating a more seamless experience for drivers. “We decided to prioritize our EV vehicles during this timeframe,” she said, “and as we go forward, we’ll continue across the portfolio.”
Customer Backlash and Industry Implications
When GM first announced in 2023 that its new electric models would drop CarPlay and Android Auto, the decision sparked significant backlash. Many customers valued the familiarity and reliability of mirroring their phone interfaces directly on the dashboard. Critics argued that replacing these systems with GM’s proprietary software risked alienating tech-savvy consumers who prefer the ecosystems built by Apple and Google.
Despite the criticism, GM has stayed firm. The automaker argues that its integrated system allows for better performance, deeper vehicle data access, and improved over-the-air updates. GM also believes the move will unlock new revenue streams through subscription-based features and personalized in-car services.
The Road to 2028
The transition won’t happen overnight. Existing gas-powered models will continue to support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto until they’re phased out or redesigned. But starting with the next major platform overhaul, GM’s vehicles, regardless of powertrain, will all run on the company’s unified infotainment architecture.
By 2028, the traditional notion of “connecting your phone” to a GM vehicle may be obsolete. Instead, drivers will interact directly with a cloud-connected digital assistant, marking a major milestone in GM’s evolution from automaker to software-driven mobility company.
