GM begins phasing out CarPlay and Android Auto as it pivots to its own in-car software

GM’s shift to software-defined vehicles

General Motors is projected to generate between $20 billion and $25 billion annually from software and services revenue by 2030. This new focus on software-defined vehicles is supported by the Ultifi end-to-end software platform, which started rolling out on some cars for the 2024 model year.

The Ultifi system is built on GM’s Vehicle Intelligence Platform (VIP), which enables fast data sharing and wireless updates for new features. The Linux-based Ultifi platform is designed to simplify the process for the company to send new software and applications directly to the car.

The Ultifi software platform and its features

Ultifi is the primary software that will enable GM vehicles to receive new features and personalized settings over the air, eliminating the need for owners to visit a dealership. One potential future paid service could be a “Max Power Mode” for electric vehicles, allowing for quicker acceleration.

The system is designed to allow approved owner accounts to easily transfer personal settings and digital keys between different GM vehicles that utilize Ultifi. The platform is also expected to integrate with smart homes, allowing drivers to adjust thermostats or turn on lights before they arrive.

Large infotainment screens and Google built-in

Many of GM’s modern electric vehicles feature a large, central display used to control nearly all the car’s functions and applications. For example, the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV features a large 17.7-inch diagonal infotainment screen positioned in the center of the dashboard.

This screen utilizes GM’s latest software, which features “Google built-in” functionality, allowing users to access apps like Google Maps and Spotify directly within the car. The system is built on Android OS and allows for new apps to be downloaded directly to the car’s screen from the Google Play Store.

Super Cruise hands-free driving network

GM’s Super Cruise is a highly advanced driver-assistance technology that enables hands-free driving on pre-mapped roads. The hands-free road network was expanded to cover nearly 750,000 miles across the U.S. and Canada by early 2024, which is a significant increase.

This extensive hands-free network is the biggest of any such system in North America, covering divided highways and certain minor roads that connect smaller towns. Super Cruise requires OnStar connectivity to function and includes features such as automatic lane change on demand.

Super Cruise users and subscription revenue

GM says Super Cruise has exceeded 500,000 active subscribers as of Q3 and expects over 600,000 by year-end; coverage of the update notes that approximately $200 million in 2025 Super Cruise revenue is expected.

GM’s total deferred revenue from prepaid connected services, like Super Cruise and OnStar, grew to about $5 billion by the end of the recent third quarter.

Super Cruise safety and usage data

GM’s Super Cruise system has maintained a remarkably safe record since its launch in 2017. According to a recent announcement, the system has successfully logged approximately 700 million total miles of hands-free driving on compatible highways.

The system boasts an excellent safety record, with zero officially reported crashes attributed to Super Cruise technology since its initial release. This strong safety data builds trust and supports the plan to keep expanding the system to more GM vehicle models.

Super Cruise subscription success rate

General Motors closely tracks the number of drivers who continue to pay for Super Cruise after their first three-year prepaid trial period has expired. The rate of people who sign up for a post-trial subscription recently reached a new high of over 40 percent.

This subscription success rate is a key part of GM’s financial plan to achieve double-digit revenue growth from its software and connected services. Super Cruise is now available on a total of 23 different vehicle models across GM’s various brands.

Eyes-off driving technology for 2028

GM is planning to release a new “eyes-off” driving system, classified as a Level 3 semi-autonomous technology. This highly advanced system is scheduled to be introduced first on the Cadillac Escalade IQ electric SUV model in the year 2028.

The eyes-off system will initially only work on mapped highways, but it will allow the driver to take their attention entirely away from the road while it is active. The system utilizes a combination of sensor fusion, incorporating data from lidar, radar, and cameras, to comprehend the car’s surroundings.

AI and future software integration

Starting in 2026, GM vehicles across the full lineup will feature a new conversational AI assistant powered by Google’s Gemini. This new technology is designed to make speaking with the car feel more like talking to a passenger for simple commands.

This conversational AI is planned to eventually replace the existing “Google built-in” system, offering more natural and accurate responses to various speech styles. GM announced plans to roll out a Google Gemini-powered conversational assistant starting in 2026, with a longer-term shift to a unified in-vehicle platform and GM-tuned AI.

Ultium platform and electric vehicle technology

GM’s entire electric vehicle (EV) strategy is based on the Ultium battery platform, which has a flexible, modular design for its battery and drive unit parts. This flexible design enables the platform to be used for various types of vehicles, including cars, SUVs, and pickup trucks.

The platform features modern EV technologies, including “Regen on Demand” and “One Pedal Driving,” which enhance the car’s efficiency. The Regen on Demand feature lets the driver manually slow the vehicle down, sending energy back to the battery for later use.

Ultium EV rollout and global plans

GM is rapidly bringing out electric vehicles that use the Ultium platform in different markets around the world. The company has announced a plan to release more than 15 Ultium-based EV models, specifically in China, by 2025.

The Ultium platform is officially recognized as the industry’s first hyperscale EV platform, meaning it was designed for both flexibility and high-volume production. This targeted launch in the Chinese market shows GM’s plan to make its global electric cars more connected and technologically advanced.

General Motors financial performance and revenue

GM’s total revenue for the twelve months that ended in a recent quarter was more than $188.45 billion on its financial statements. The company reported a second-quarter revenue of $47.1 billion in 2025, which was slightly higher than the expected forecast of $45.81 billion.

For the full year 2025, General Motors is still expecting its adjusted earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) to fall between $10.0 billion and $12.5 billion. The first half of 2025 saw the company record a total revenue of $91.141 billion.

GM’s earnings and cash flow guidance for 2025

GM’s financial predictions for the year 2025 project a net income for stockholders to be between $7.7 billion and $9.5 billion. The guidance also forecasts an adjusted diluted earnings per share (EPS) for the year to be between $11.00 and $12.00.

The expected expenditure on capital projects for 2025 is projected to be between $10.0 billion and $11.0 billion, which includes investments in battery cell manufacturing. The automotive operating cash flow is expected to be between $21.0 billion and $24.0 billion for the year 2025.

Super Cruise availability and expansion history

The Super Cruise system has been made available on a total of 23 different vehicle models across GM’s brands since its launch in 2017. This large-scale availability includes vehicles from the Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC brands.

The first significant expansion of Super Cruise road coverage occurred in late summer 2022, adding approximately 200,000 miles to the initial 400,000 miles of coverage. The road network continues to expand with new wireless updates sent to all compatible vehicles.

GM’s push for in-house software revenue target

General Motors (GM) aims to achieve an annual software and services revenue of $20 billion to $25 billion by the end of calendar year 2030. This financial goal is the reason for moving away from phone-based projection systems, such as Apple CarPlay, in vehicles. The first GM Electric Vehicle (EV) without support for these systems was the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV.

The company has already recognized almost $2 billion in software income year-to-date through the third quarter of 2025. Deferred revenue from subscriptions, such as OnStar, has also increased to approximately $5 billion, representing a 90% surge over the previous year.

Want to know why GM changed course on tax credits at the last minute? Check out GM reverses decision to claim last-minute EV tax credits.

Customer reaction and market data on projection systems

Surveys indicate a strong preference among car buyers for having phone projection systems, such as Android Auto, in their vehicles. McKinsey research indicates that nearly half of buyers wouldn’t consider a car without Apple CarPlay/Android Auto; other surveys show a strong preference, but the percentages vary.

GM’s own advanced driving system, after the included 3-year period, costs $39.99/month via OnStar; hardware pricing varies by model and package. A poll by GM Authority of GM customers found that 88% viewed the removal of Apple CarPlay as a “dealbreaker” for a potential vehicle purchase.

Wondering how Ford’s move compares to GM’s latest shift? Read more in Ford mirrors GM decision, removes EV models from credit list.

What do you think about GM cutting out CarPlay and Android Auto? Drop your thoughts below.

Read More From This Brand:

• GM’s Super Cruise now in over 500,000 vehicles
• GM’s Equinox EV leads its electric lineup in 2025
• Tesla and GM go head to head over EV thermal efficiency

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.