GMC Hummer EV Discreetly Drops Apple CarPlay for 2026

      Joel Feder

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      GM is serious about not pursuing an Apple CarPlay future, at least for its electric vehicles.

      Hidden in the 2026 GMC Hummer EV fleet vehicle order guides is the news that both the large electric SUV and truck will no longer support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It's a loss for smartphone mirroring and the ability to use the Apple Music interface onscreen.

      GMC spokesperson Mark Lubin confirmed to The Drive that neither the 2026 Hummer EV Pickup nor the SUV will include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities. Lubin stated that there are no plans to remove the smartphone projection feature from earlier model-year Hummer EVs through over-the-air software updates, meaning those vehicles will keep their projection features.

      The GMC Hummer EV debuted for the 2022 model year at the end of 2021, with the SUV version launching in 2023. Both models originally came equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but that changed shortly thereafter.

      In 2023, just two months after production started on the SUV model, GM announced that its new EVs would no longer include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto starting in 2024. As could be anticipated, consumers reacted negatively, expressing their desire for both features.

      GM has consistently stated that this decision revolves around enhancing the user experience by minimizing the need to switch between different interfaces. This rationale is similar to that of Rivian and Tesla, though it’s worth noting that both rivals have eliminated physical buttons and have integrated nearly all controls into the onscreen interface. Additionally, both Tesla and Rivian have natively incorporated the Apple Music app, among others, without depending on the Google Play store.

      When the announcement was made in 2023, Mike Hermiche, the then Executive Director of Digital Cockpit Experience, told Reuters, “we have a lot of new driver assistance features coming that are more tightly coupled with navigation.” He added, “we don’t want to design these features in a way that depend on a person having a cellphone.” However, these features have yet to be implemented. For 2026, GM's Super Cruiser hands-free driver-assist system is expected to work with Google Maps to ensure proper lane navigation for selected routes.

      GM’s latest infotainment systems operate on Android Automotive OS, which includes the Google Store for native apps like Spotify and Pandora. The system also provides built-in navigation through Google Maps. While Bluetooth streaming is functional, it has issues with Apple Music.

      The transition away from Apple CarPlay has seen some confusion. The Hummer EV, along with the Cadillac Lyriq, initially featured CarPlay, but it remains unclear what the 2026 model year will hold for the Lyriq. Meanwhile, the Chevrolet Blazer EV and Equinox EV launched without CarPlay, while ironically, the Honda Prologue and Acura ZDX—both rebranded versions of the Blazer and Lyriq—arrived with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

      The demand for CarPlay in the Blazer EV was so strong that an aftermarket solution was developed. GM labeled it as “unauthorized” and warned it could impact critical safety features, ultimately shutting down the retrofit kit.

      The 2026 GMC Hummer will forfeit CarPlay and Android Auto but will introduce the new King Crab mode, which GM states will be available to all Hummer EVs through an over-the-air software update. This King Crab mode is designed to allow the rear wheels to turn faster than the front for improved maneuverability in tight spaces, although it will only be standard on the 2X and 3X trims.

      The new Carbon Fiber Edition Pickup will be even quicker than the already speedy Hummer EVs, with updated software reducing the 0-60 mph time to 2.8 seconds.

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      Note: This story has been updated with a statement from GM.