At WWDC 2022, Apple revealed that nearly all new cars (98%) support CarPlay, and that 79% of new buyers are specifically looking for it as a feature. But some automakers aren’t happy with this deal as GM announced its plan to ditch CarPlay and Android Auto in favor of a new custom solution.
To be fair, it won’t be an arcane internal system, Google will be deeply involved: the new navigation/infotainment system will include Google Maps and Assistant, and a Play Store for apps like Spotify and Audible. That’s great and all, but how long will this system be kept up to date?
The GM system should be similar to Android Automotive
Because with CarPlay/Android Auto, your navigation/infotainment experience is up to date as long as your phone is. You change cars less often than you do phones, and more and more manufacturers keep their phones up to date for 3-4 years (with Apple going much longer than that). Car software doesn’t have the best reputation when it comes to updates.
Things are moving fast in this segment and are getting better every year. Apple is working to make CarPlay more native: The next major release supports multi-screen displays for 14 car brands, and each car will have an experience tailored to match the number, shape and size of displays available in the vehicle. Users will also be able to choose between different layouts of the instrument cluster, the climate control and even the FM radio will be under the control of CarPlay.
Apple is working on multi-screen support for CarPlay
But GM believes there is an untapped revenue stream and that a customized system will boost the company’s bottom line. Check out this post for more details on why GM executives think this is a good idea.
It’s not just that, Tesla is notoriously against Android Auto and CarPlay. Instead, it’s working to support third-party apps: While a Tesla app store remains just a rumor for now, opening up the car’s infotainment system to third-party developers is still a major change.
Several manufacturers, including Ford and even GM itself, have decided to adopt the NCAS standard designed by Tesla (the plug of North American Superchargers). If Tesla can lead the way on this front, can it also wrest control of in-car apps from Apple and Google?
And you: do you use Android Auto/Apple CarPlay? Is this an important consideration when buying a new car? Would you like to see more competition in this field, for example Flyme Auto from Meizu or HarmonyOS from Huawei?
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