Earlier this year, General Motors (GM) announced plans to phase out Apple's CarPlay and Android Auto in future electric vehicles in favor of an infotainment system co-developed with Google. The decision wasn't popular with iPhone users, and today, GM provided some additional insight into the decision in a discussion with MotorTrend.
According to Tim Babbitt, GM's head of infotainment products, GM has driver safety in mind. CarPlay and Android Auto can experience issues such as poor connections, slow response times, compatibility issues, and connectivity issues that distract drivers from smartphone malfunctions.
Babbitt said that if the built-in system does not rely on services such as CarPlay, the driver will be less likely to pick up the phone, thereby improving driving safety. GM doesn't have any data proving the infotainment system is less distracting than CarPlay, nor has it done any testing.
Citing data from J.D. Power, GM said that problems with CarPlay and Android Auto are common complaints from car owners, and customers usually blame the automaker, not Apple or Google.
GM's planned infotainment system will integrate native Google apps, including Google Maps and Google Assistant for voice commands, replacing CarPlay. As MotorTrend points out, eliminating CarPlay would give GM more control over driver data, but would also allow GM to offer subscription services and apps for purchasing groceries, gas and other groceries.
Back in August, GM said that opting out of CarPlay would allow it to get more information about charging status to assist in navigating routes and provide a better user experience.
Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC brand electric vehicles will cancel CarPlay. GM's internal combustion engine vehicles will continue to support CarPlay until it is phased out in 2035 in favor of an all-electric vehicle lineup.