Automakers Pivot to Native Software to Capture Data and Recurring Revenue

Automakers are increasingly abandoning third-party infotainment integration in favor of proprietary ecosystems. As Engadget first reported, General Motors has already begun removing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support from its newest electric vehicles, including the Chevrolet Blazer EV. GM plans to phase out this support for gas-powered vehicles by approximately 2028 following the release of its own centralized computing platform.

While Tesla and Rivian have never offered CarPlay support, GM's pivot represents a strategic shift toward native software. GM executive Mike Hichme stated in a 2023 interview that the company aims to remove the dependency on a user's cellphone for infotainment. GM is building its alternative using Android Automotive, a standalone operating system that runs apps directly on the vehicle rather than mirroring a phone.

From an operational standpoint, this shift allows OEMs to capture high-margin opportunities. Engadget reports that native systems give manufacturers greater control over user data and create opportunities to sell connected services or require subscriptions after free trial periods expire. Additionally, native software allows for deeper vehicle integration; for example, Google Maps on Android Automotive can factor in an EV's remaining charge and range for route planning—features that standard CarPlay does not support.

However, this strategy carries significant risk regarding user retention. Engadget cites Apple data from WWDC 2022 indicating that 79% of car buyers would not choose a model without CarPlay, while another survey found that losing the service was a "deal breaker" for 55% of users. Furthermore, GM faces a trust deficit after the FTC banned the company from selling driver data for five years following allegations that it sold behavioral data without informed consent.