Here’s what’s really going on with GM’s CarPlay strategy (or lack thereof)

Despite headlines to the contrary, GM isn’t changing its position on CarPlay and Android Auto support. The automaker is not bringing phone projection support back to any cars from which it has already been removed. Here’s what’s really happening. No, GM isn’t walking back its decision to ditch CarPlay The confusion started when GM announced a new software experience for its Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks last week. The company touted a new picture-in-picture phone mirroring system in which CarPlay and Android Auto would coexist alongside GM’s native infotainment system. Some sources interpreted this news as GM backtracking on its plan to ditch CarPlay, which it first announced in 2023. Unfortunately, that is not the case. GM’s original announcement was about dropping CarPlay support from its future EVs. It has followed through on that plan, except for the Cadillac Lyriq EV. GM has not removed CarPlay or Android Auto from any of its gas-powered cars. Therefore, the new phone projection system in the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks is not the automaker caving to the pressure and bringing CarPlay support back to its EVs. A GM spokesperson confirmed this to Joanna Stern, who posted the following on X today: Correction: GM has confirmed it is NOT rolling phone projection to GM EVs. Instead this announcement is specific to JUST their new gas powered light-duty pickups, which have always supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The confusion is reasonable. GM CEO Mary Barra said in an interview that the automaker would remove CarPlay and Android Auto from gas cars at some point. The company quickly clarified, however, that gas cars would continue to offer phone projection “for the foreseeable future.” All that’s to say, nothing has changed. GM isn’t bringing CarPlay back to its EVs. The company’s strategy has not changed. Perhaps we can interpret GM’s picture-in-picture solution for select gas cars as a sign that it’s aware the decision to ditch CarPlay is unpopular. I think that’s too favorable an interpretation, though. Also: John Gruber gets the award for best headline on this story. My favorite CarPlay accessories Charge your EV with solar panels iOttie Easy One Touch iPhone Car Mount Bring wireless CarPlay to any car Belkin MagSafe-compatible Car Charger for iPhone Wireless Portable CarPlay Screen In-car USB-C charger with retractable cable Follow Chance: Threads, Bluesky, Instagram, and Mastodon. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.