General Motors has been making headlines recently for its decision to exclude Apple CarPlay from its electric vehicles. The company launched a new infotainment system in 2023 without the popular technology, and now it seems they are cracking down on aftermarket solutions as well.
White Automotive & Media Services had introduced an Apple CarPlay and Android Auto retrofit for GM’s Ultium EVs last year. This retrofit allowed for both wired and wireless connections, as well as projections across all screens, essentially mimicking a factory CarPlay setup. However, the installation was complex and required a dealer to perform it, with only one dealership in the country, LaFontaine Chevrolet in Plymouth, Michigan, offering the service.
Recently, GM Authority reported that White Automotive has discontinued the product, although the reasons behind this decision were not initially clear. The company issued a statement on its website explaining that they had made the difficult choice to discontinue the product due to various factors making it unsustainable in the long term.
However, The Drive has since reported that GM pressured White Automotive to stop offering the aftermarket kit. The automaker allegedly instructed LaFontaine Chevrolet to cease providing the retrofit, citing concerns that it could interfere with critical safety features and potentially void parts of the vehicle’s warranty.
It remains uncertain what the implications are for customers who had already paid for the installation of Apple CarPlay. It is likely that a GM software update in the future could render the retrofit useless, leaving those customers without the functionality they had paid for.
Overall, GM’s stance on Apple CarPlay in its electric vehicles continues to be a point of contention. The company’s decision to exclude the technology from its new infotainment system has sparked debate among consumers and industry experts alike. As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how GM navigates the challenges and opportunities presented by the ever-changing world of in-car technology.
