Home · Technology · Oct 5 archive
GM Integrates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in New Trucks
Confirmed
In Short: General Motors has integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto more deeply into its new full-size trucks, set to go on sale within the next three months.
General Motors has integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto more deeply into its new full-size trucks, set to go on sale within the next three months. The new trucks, including the Chevrolet and GMC pickups, feature a completely new user interface and infotainment platform.
According to Sebastian Bauer, GM Executive Director of Human Interface Design, the new system simplifies the driving experience by addressing issues such as hunting for controls and navigating through too many steps.
Michael Wahlstrom, GM's executive director of software product management, emphasized that the new trucks offer a seamless integration of native functions alongside CarPlay and Android Auto on a single screen.
The new interface allows drivers to see native functions alongside CarPlay or Android Auto, all on one screen, making the experience more cohesive and user-friendly.
GM's new software experience includes a revamped home screen layout that can display more information more flexibly, deeper integration with Super Cruise highway-driving assist tech, and a new way to interact with CarPlay and Android Auto.
CarPlay and Android Auto no longer take over the entire screen, allowing for a split-screen view that combines the phone mirroring systems with the truck's native functions.
This integration comes after GM removed CarPlay and Android Auto from its electric vehicles in 2023, a decision that drew sustained pushback from customers.
GM's new approach to CarPlay and Android Auto reflects a shift in strategy, as the company had previously announced plans to phase out the technology in its electric vehicles by 2028.
The new system also includes a new animation for Gemini in Android Auto, which will work similarly to how it does on a smartphone, offering personalization options.
However, Googlebooks with Intel processors may have performance or compatibility issues with some Android apps compared to Qualcomm-powered devices, though the vast majority of apps run smoothly across both platforms.
Developers behind the Open Headunit project noted that newer Android Auto releases had disabled certain automatic wireless projection functionality on Android 10 and older devices, signaling that Google may be preparing to bring the wired requirement in line with Android 11.
What this adds
The new integration of CarPlay and Android Auto in GM's trucks marks a significant shift from the company's previous stance on these technologies.
Background
Several Pixel 11 owners are encountering issues with Google Maps on their Android Auto systems, reporting choppy performance, freezing, and graphical artifacts.
Reports on Reddit suggest that Gemini, the AI assistant integrated into Android Auto, is experiencing significant issues with search functionality.
What's confirmed
- Affiliate links on Android Authority may earn us a commission.
What's still developing
- The first Googlebooks have finally launched, promising a hybrid Android/ChromeOS foundation and premium hardware.
- However, it looks like Android app support is a little more complicated than Google first claimed.
- Virtually all Android apps are made with the smartphone-based Arm architecture in mind rather than the x86 architecture.
- The popular systems are included in the new truck, and it seems there's more CarPlay/Auto tomfoolery for the future.
- "People really like CarPlay and Android Auto because they’re so user-centric."
- "Our next-gen UI brings those together in a cohesive way."
- This bug closely resembles the Android Auto problem reported earlier this year.
- Earlier this year, some Android Auto users watched Gemini Live hear its own voice and spiral into a conversation with itself.
- That’s all well and good, but the biggest update hidden in the middle of the announcement is a mention of “Updated Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay” coming to these new GM trucks.
- That’s because GM builds its operating system on top of Android Automotive, which is often called Google Automotive Services or GAS when bundled with the full suite of native apps.
- And now CarPlay and Android Auto are both getting spiffy new picture-in-picture upgrades in the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra, a sign that perhaps GM is learning to co-exist with phone mirroring.
- Right now, if you use Gemini in Android Auto, it displays a subtle glow at the bottom (or side, depending on your taskbar location) of your car’s infotainment screen to indicate that Gemini is listening.