By Michael Elkins
General Motors (NYSE:GM) is making the decision to phase out its widely-used Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) CarPlay and Android systems, shifting instead to built-in infotainment systems developed with Google for future electric vehicles. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto systems allow users to mirror their smartphone screens in a vehicle's dashboard display.
As reported by Reuters, starting with the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer, GM is designing an on-board navigation and infotainment system for its future EVs in partnership with Alphabet Inc's (NASDAQ:GOOGL) Google. This change, the report explains, will help GM “capture more data on how consumers drive and charge EVs.”
The company also wants the infotainment system to be developed based around its driver assistance features like Super Cruise.
"We have a lot of new driver assistance features coming that are more tightly coupled with navigation," Mike Himche, executive director of digital cockpit experience, told reporters. "We don’t want to design these features in a way that are dependent on person having a cellphone."
GM has been working with Google since 2019 to develop the software that will be used in future EVs. At launch, the software will offer access to Google Maps and Google Assistant at no extra cost for eight years. Future versions of the software will offer dedicated apps like Spotify (NYSE:SPOT) and Audible, GM says.
"We do believe there are subscription revenue opportunities for us," said Edward Kummer, GM's chief digital officer. GM Chief Executive Mary Barra is aiming for $20 billion to $25B in annual revenue from subscriptions by 2030.
Drivers also will still be able to listen to music or make phone calls on iPhones or Android smartphones using Bluetooth wireless connectivity, GM said.
Shares of GM, GOOGL, and AAPL are up 1.33%, 1.58% and 0.51% respectively in mid-day trading on Friday.