Dude, Where's My CarPlay?

"Before Apple CarPlay debuted, about a decade ago, drivers were stuck with whatever clunky tech features were preloaded into their car. By projecting a simplified iPhone layout onto the car's central screen, CarPlay lets you use apps such as Apple Maps and Spotify without fumbling for your phone, make hands-free calls, and dictate text messages."

"Ditching smartphone mirroring may seem to make as much sense as removing cup holders: Recent preliminary data from AutoPacific, a research firm, suggest that CarPlay and Android Auto are considered must-have features among many new-car shoppers. But according to GM, the company can create an even better experience for drivers by dropping Apple and making its own software. And like it or not, the move says a lot about where the auto industry is headed."

Apple CarPlay projects a simplified iPhone interface onto car screens to enable navigation, streaming, hands-free calls, and voice-dictated texts without handling the phone. General Motors announced that many new GM models will not support CarPlay or Android Auto, arguing that proprietary software can provide a better driver experience. GM has already removed smartphone mirroring from numerous electric vehicles while keeping it in many gasoline models. GM's replacement infotainment is fast and intuitive, includes apps like Spotify and HBO Max, and will add a Gemini-powered voice assistant, though some popular third-party apps are missing.

Read at The Atlantic