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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