Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allow iPhone and Android users to seamlessly integrate their smartphone with their vehicle, but according to a recent report from Reuters, Cadillac plans to phase the tech out of its future vehicles. In other words, forthcoming Cadillac electric vehicles will not support either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
Instead of offering Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, new Caddy vehicles will instead shift toward a built-in infotainment system integrated into the vehicle, which is being developed in conjunction with Google. Where CarPlay and Android Auto allows users to “mirror” their phones to a vehicle’s infotainment system, albeit in an interface adopted for a vehicle’s creen, the new system will host applications like Spotify and navigation natively, allegedly eliminating the need for a smartphone to control it.
“We have a lot of new driver assistance features coming that are more tightly coupled with navigation,” said Mike Hichme, executive director of digital cockpit experience for Cadillac, in an interview with Reuters.
He added, “We don’t want to design these features in a way that are dependent on person having a cellphone.”
Owners of new Cadillac models outfitted with the new infotainment system will have access to Google Maps and the Google Assistant voice command system for no extra cost, and owners of iPhones as well as Android devices will still be able to make and receive calls via Bluetooth functionality within the vehicle. Owners of vehicles that currently feature CarPlay or Android Auto will still be able to use the features as well.
However, the luxury marque indicated that there is room for subscription revenue gain by moving away from smartphone mirroring connectivity. Additionally, by using an integrated infotainment system, Cadillac can receive an uninterrupted stream of data from owners of its vehicles, collecting information on how they drive and charge their EVs.
At this time, it’s not clear when Cadillac will begin moving away from Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, or what model may spearhead the change.
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Dougyfd
That’s a dumb move that will probably not see the light of day. Who doesn’t have a smartphone nowadays, maybe 10% of the population. And to speculate down the road what consumers will want is foolish.
PeteinSC
“We don’t want to design these features in a way that are dependent on person having a cellphone.” Agree with Dougyfd! I suspect if there truly is someone in the Cadillac owner profile that does not have a cellphone, they are probably also a unicorn!
Mirela
I had been planning to buy a Chevy EV SUV this fall– saw that they were dropping CarPlay. Looked at Cadillac and found this article. Same thing? CarPlay is a hard requirement for me. I hate fiddling with auto dashboard tech. I hope they keep CarPlay as an alternative to whatever they are building.
Brian B
EXTREMELY dumb move as Cadillac infotainment systems have always been spotty at best and it finally took till 2022 for apple car play to be in place without having to plug in which was about 5 yrs behind most of the auto industry.
I have had a 2006 and 2013 CTS and currently have a 2020XT4 and this will likely push me AWAY from Cadillac. Dumb&$$’s
Rickie Cowan
Cadillac has already started to phase CarPlay out in a way. I bought a 2023 XT4 and it was sold as having wireless Apple CarPlay capability. What no one told me was that in order to connect wirelessly, one must have an Onstar subscription. The dealer set up my CarPlay when I bought the vehicle but never told me that I had to keep the Onstar subscription. CarPlay will continue to work if the phone is connected with a cable. I’m very disappointed that at the price point of a Cadillac, I have to pay even more money for wireless CarPlay. I should have bought the Honda.
Princeton
Really short sided decision that will backfire for Cadillac Like the CUE system. There is no way they will be able to keep up with technology as well as Apple. Our phones are central to our lives, stop making things more complicated than necessary. If you don’t have a cell phone then likely FM is probably ok for you..
Raymond J Ramirez
I agree with this Dr idiom. I have a Samsung with Android (I hate phones made in China!) but I don’t need or use Android Auto for entertainment, so my phone is on only to make or receive calls which is its original purpose.
JJonesOakHills
The real reason GM is doing this (and it’s across all brands, not just Cadillac) is in this sentence: “However, the luxury marque indicated that there is room for subscription revenue gain by moving away from smartphone mirroring connectivity.” Both GM and Ford have expressed business plans that drive “extra” (necessary) profitability through subscription based revenue.
AL
Another way for GM to add another income stream via ” subscriptions”