General Motors Is Doing The Unthinkable: A Paid Feature Is Now Becoming Free On Some Of Its Cars

"General Motors is offering free internet connectivity for audio streaming in some new cars. The perk is now part of the automaker's OnStar Basics connectivity bundle. The Apple Music app is also available natively on GM's infotainment systems; for Cadillac owners, it brings Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos. General Motors is offering free internet connectivity for audio streaming services in new cars sold in the United States and Canada."

"The free audio streaming feature is called Standard Streaming and is now part of the OnStar Basics connectivity bundle, which is included at no extra cost for all 2025 and newer GM models. For these cars, the connectivity feature is valid for eight years after the first vehicle purchase, but it's unclear what happens when that period expires, as the car manufacturer hasn't provided a price for OnStar Basics. The 2026 Cadillac Vistiq is one of the eligible models for the free audio connectivity feature."

"Previously, 2025 and newer GM car owners had to pay a $9.99 monthly subscription to access a connectivity service called OnStar Connect, which includes features like automatic crash response, remote vehicle commands, navigation and voice assistance. Audio streaming is now part of the free OnStar Basics pack, but the other features still require a paid subscription. Furthermore, 2024 and older GM cars equipped with an Android Automotive-based infotainment system don't get to join the free music party."

General Motors is offering free internet connectivity for audio streaming in new cars sold in the United States and Canada. The feature, called Standard Streaming, is included in the OnStar Basics connectivity bundle at no extra cost for all 2025 and newer GM models. The connectivity is valid for eight years after the first vehicle purchase, with pricing after that period not provided. A native Apple Music app will run on GM's Android Automotive-based infotainment systems, and Cadillac models receive Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos. Other OnStar features such as automatic crash response, remote vehicle commands, navigation and voice assistance still require a paid subscription. 2024 and older GM cars with Android Automotive do not receive the free streaming or the native Apple Music app.

Read at insideevs.com