GM Discontinues the Sole Aftermarket Solution for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in Electric Vehicles | Carscoops

      A dealership in Michigan had been offering a CarPlay and Android Auto mirroring system until General Motors intervened.

      After GM removed CarPlay and Android Auto from its electric vehicles, a dealer found a workaround. However, the dealership that installed the CarPlay Kit has been instructed to cease doing so, as GM focuses on its Ultifi software for its Ultium EV lineup.

      Do you recall when car radio systems were universally compatible, allowing dealers or aftermarket suppliers to enhance your stereo with just a screwdriver? The shift from simple head units to proprietary designs and software was seen as progress. But when auto manufacturers decide to eliminate a feature, it leaves disappointed owners without recourse.

      This situation arose when General Motors opted to exclude Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from its Ultium EV platform. This decision upset customers, but one dealer offered an aftermarket solution that enabled screen mirroring.

      However, GM has now put an end to this, as reported by The Drive. The dealer stated that GM instructed them to discontinue offering the kit, and the kit's manufacturer has removed it from their website, stating it was no longer feasible to sell.

      In 2023, GM controversially decided to drop support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in its new EV models, instead planning to provide its own smartphone-compatible software, Ultifi.

      At that time, GM supported its decision by claiming it allowed for a more "deeply integrated experience" by creating a system from the ground up. They cited the future of autonomy and other features, like battery preconditioning, as reasons for relying on their own technology.

      As often occurs, the aftermarket stepped in when White Automotive and Media Services (WAMS) created a kit that enabled OEM-like integration of the two most popular screen mirroring apps.

      The only issue was that the WAMS kit couldn't be easily installed by amateurs or casual users; it required professional installation. LaFontaine Chevrolet in Plymouth, Michigan, was the sole dealership authorized to provide this service.

      Predictably, GM was not pleased with this development. They initiated an investigation into the kit, and a representative stated: "Aftermarket services that introduce features not originally designed, thoroughly tested, and approved by GM may cause unintended issues for customers. These issues could affect critical safety features and may also void portions of the vehicle’s warranty."

      It appears this was a specialized kit that potentially modified or bypassed GM’s proprietary software. Additionally, there's concern about the security of personal information after a third-party device is installed. As we’ve noted before, this is also a significant issue for automakers regarding how they handle owners' data, creating a somewhat ironic situation.

      Are we reliant on automakers now?

      With the WAMS system available at only one dealership and the complexity of the kit making DIY installations impractical, it seems WAMS couldn't foresee a future for the product with the distribution channel now closed. This serves as a stark reminder that as vehicles become more technology-driven, we increasingly depend on manufacturers who can halt support for key features at any moment, or charge for functionality that was once included, even when the necessary hardware is already installed. Sure, they might label it as a subscription service, but attempting to extract payment for a software update still raises eyebrows.