CarPlay is an Apple Standard that turns the infotainment display of a vehicle into a controller for an iPhone. As users need an iPhone to use CarPlay, GM recently announced that it will not support the software in its future electric vehicles (EVs).
The automobile manufacturer said it is working on a custom infotainment system with new navigation features and subscription opportunities that won’t be dependent on a “cell phone”. Applauding GM’s decision, Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe said it was better to be the “arbiter or head chef” of the in-car software experience instead of giving control to Apple. Rivian vehicles also do not support CarPlay.
However, the tech giant seems unmoved by the automobile manufacturer’s decision.
Apple says, “It’s easier than ever to find a vehicle that works with CarPlay”
Apple has updated the dedicated webpage for its infotainment software which now lists over 800 vehicles or car models that support it. Previously, the company listed over 600 compatible cars.
The updated list includes more than 800 automobiles in the United States and other regions ranging from standard to luxury brands like Suzuki, Datsun, Fiat, Ford, Honda, Mitsubishi, Lexus, Porsche, Rolls Royce, Audi, Aston Martin, BMW, Bentley, and others. Thus, the company says it is easier than ever to find a compatible vehicle.
At the point in time when everyone has a smartphone, if not an iPhone, GM’s decision to develop an infotainment system that is not dependent on a cell phone does not make sense. It would have been wiser for the manufacturer to offer exclusive features instead of taking away the choice to use their iPhones from consumers.
There are now over 2 billion Apple devices in the world and Apple is going to introduce next-generation of CarPlay later this year with support for multiple screens, the ability to control the vehicles’ seats, temperature, and other features.
Interestingly, consumers who want to use the software in their non-compatible cars can easily add it with an aftermarket system from Alpine, Pioneer, Sony, JVC, Kenwood, Blaupunkt, and Clarion. Therefore, it appears that GM is depriving a large pool of Apple users of native support willingly.
On the other hand, Lucid Motors added support for Apple CarPlay in all of its standard Lucid Air electric vehicles along with Volvo, and Polestar.
