Apple's CarPlay is arguably among the top contenders in car infotainment systems, but its reign may be under threat.

A Year of Change

Almost a year has passed since Apple unveiled its vision for the future of CarPlay. As a daily user of CarPlay, I was keen to hear about its anticipated enhancements when Apple shared its roadmap at WWDC 2022. The promising features included deeper integration with vehicles, such as climate control, multi-display support, and even smart home connectivity. It seemed like a bright future was on the horizon.

By now, many automakers were expected to release vehicles equipped with the latest CarPlay version. Brands like Audi, Ford, Honda, and Mercedes-Benz had committed to this vision. However, not much progress has been made.

Unfulfilled Expectations

Apple had announced features like customizable instrument clusters, widgets, a revamped radio app, and calendar sync, but none have come to fruition. Instead of advancing, it appears that CarPlay's development has stalled.

According to Apple, 79% of American car buyers consider CarPlay an essential feature. If this statistic holds true, it's surprising that General Motors seems oblivious to it. GM's intentions to dominate the car infotainment landscape could set a worrying precedent, potentially paving the way for other manufacturers to follow suit.

The End of CarPlay?

Reuters first reported that General Motors plans to eliminate support for both CarPlay and Android Auto in its electric vehicles. Instead, they will introduce their own infotainment system, based on a basic Android OS. This shift means that options for connecting smartphones will be significantly limited.

At the core of this decision lies financial motivation. The automotive sector is on the verge of redefining its revenue model, with GM openly aiming to leverage data collection and subscriptions. They project a tenfold increase in subscription revenue by the end of the decade, targeting $25 billion by 2030. Given these stakes, it's understandable why GM would want to limit competition from Apple and Google.

In a recent conversation with The Verge, Edmunds' Director of Insights, Ivan Dury, remarked:

> "From a business perspective, having more control over what happens within your vehicles is extremely valuable for both vehicle development as well as the opportunities presented by capturing and repackaging data for analysis and marketing."

This approach prioritizes GM's interests over those of the car owners and drivers. The smartphone, often the most personalized device in our lives, will be rendered less significant in the car environment.

Losing Personalization

Consider the content on your phone: playlists, music libraries, and favorite podcasts. If other manufacturers follow GM's lead, this personal content could become inaccessible. You might be left relying on a less reliable Bluetooth connection or forced to use apps dictated by your vehicle's manufacturer, potentially accompanied by subscription fees.

As your phone becomes less functional in your car, you'll depend more on the manufacturer to manage your contacts, calendars, and music. This shift raises concerns about whether car companies will evolve into tech giants, capable of handling our data.

A Cautionary Tale

Historically, car manufacturers have struggled to create effective infotainment systems, often treating them as an afterthought. While CarPlay has its flaws, it allows users to listen to their chosen content. Infotainment should remain a domain for tech experts, while car makers focus on their strengths.

The built-in navigation systems of many vehicles often lag behind current technology, lacking real-time updates. If GM's system becomes the only option, it risks reverting to outdated technologies, limiting user choice.

Final Thoughts

While I’m not advocating for a revolt over infotainment systems, it’s crucial to voice our concerns. Other automakers are likely relieved by GM's decision, as they can observe the fallout before following suit. If 79% of American car buyers indeed prioritize CarPlay, that's a significant message.

Companies are hesitant to change course, especially when billions are at stake. Yet, they risk alienating buyers if they don't adapt.

As bizarre as it may sound, the smartphone in your pocket could influence the next wave of car buyers. This issue matters—it's time to speak up and push back against a subscription-based future that diminishes user choice.