If you drive a GM vehicle, or you've been shopping for one, you've probably seen the headlines about GM dropping CarPlay and Android Auto. It's a big change for a feature many of us now treat as standard. Let's walk through what's actually been reported, what hasn't, and what you can do if you want to keep your phone front and center on your dash.
What GM Actually Announced
In October 2025, GM's CEO Mary Barra said the company will stop supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in its new vehicles, gas and electric alike. The Drive reported that GM tied the move to a "radical simplification" of its in-house computing platform. No exact date was given, just "the near future."
Engadget's June 2026 follow-up adds some useful context. GM is already dropping Android Auto from its EVs, and it plans to replace phone projection with its own conversational assistant built on Google's Gemini AI. Engadget also notes that most 2026 models from other brands still include CarPlay and Android Auto.
Why Would an Automaker Do This?
According to Engadget's reporting, automakers want more control over vehicle data (like energy use for EV routing), and they see room for their own features and, in GM's case, possible subscription revenue. Drivers aren't thrilled: the same article says plenty of readers wouldn't buy a car without Android Auto.
We're not here to tell you who's right. We just want you to know your options.
What This Means If You Already Own a GM Car
Here's the part worth being careful about. The coverage we read is about new vehicles. It doesn't say that cars already on the road will lose CarPlay or Android Auto. If your car has it today, nothing in these reports says that changes.
The bigger question is for people with older GM vehicles that never had it, or a car that came with a basic factory screen. That's where an upgrade comes in.
Keeping Phone Projection in the Car You Have
A good example is the OEM Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Upgrade + Navigation for 2013-2017 Cadillac ATS. Per the listing, it uses OEM GM parts, adds CarPlay and Android Auto to the factory touchscreen, and includes harnessing, a GPS antenna, instructions and programming for your vehicle. The listing describes most installs as an hour or less.
One thing to check first: the listing says the vehicle must already have the factory 8-inch touchscreen. If you're not sure what radio you have, the RPO sticker in your glove box is the place to look.
Not a Touchscreen Car? Here's Another Route
If you'd like CarPlay and the CD player some cars no longer offer, take a look at the Intelligent CarPlay USB CD Player Kit. The listing describes a plug-and-play kit with a single-disc CD player, an interface module, and a wired-to-wireless CarPlay converter, with CD control from your factory radio.
Compatibility varies by vehicle, so please confirm yours with us before ordering.
A Few Quick Questions
Will my current GM car lose CarPlay?
The reports we read cover new vehicles only and don't say existing ones will be affected.
Will these kits fit my exact car?
Fitment depends on year, model and radio type. The Cadillac ATS kit lists 2013-2017 and requires the factory 8-inch screen. For anything else, contact GCH and we'll confirm before you buy.
Do other brands plan to drop CarPlay too?
Engadget reports most 2026 models still include it, and suggests many automakers will keep supporting it.
Questions About Your Car?
Tell us your year, make, model and radio, and we'll point you to what fits. No pressure, just a straight answer. Browse GCH Automotive or get in touch anytime.