GM clarifies Apple CarPlay was never removed from gas vehicles
A software update for Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks sparked rumors that GM reversed its decision on Apple CarPlay.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- GM unveiled a new software experience for upcoming Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks
- Reports incorrectly suggested GM reversed its stance on Apple CarPlay
- Gas-powered GM trucks and SUVs have continuously supported phone mirroring
- CEO Mary Barra previously hinted the ban could eventually extend to gas vehicles
The recent unveiling of a fresh software interface for upcoming truck models has sparked widespread confusion regarding the automaker's official stance on smartphone projection systems inside vehicle cabins.
Several media outlets, including Yahoo Finance and Apple Insider, framed the update as a major about-face by General Motors, suggesting the company caved under pressure and decided to bring back the popular mirroring interfaces following previous removals.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
In practice, GM has actually omitted phone projection from all of its pure electric vehicles over the past three years. Models such as the Chevy Equinox EV, Cadillac Lyriq, and GMC Hummer EV run on native Google software built on top of Android Automotive without supporting CarPlay or Android Auto connections.
The situation remains entirely different for internal combustion engine vehicles. GM never disabled phone projection in its top-selling gas-powered trucks and SUVs, allowing tens of thousands of owners to continue projecting their smartphone displays seamlessly.
"We were one of the early adopters of CarPlay and Android Auto when it first came out."
Colin McCormick, GM group product manager
Much of the confusion stems from comments made by GM CEO Mary Barra during an appearance on Decoder in October 2025, where she defended the decision to block CarPlay in EVs and suggested the restriction might eventually apply to gas-powered models as well.
Automakers increasingly favor native infotainment systems powered by Android Automotive to capture software revenue and retain direct control over the user interface, though balancing proprietary software with popular consumer mirroring remains a delicate challenge.
Following pushback from truck owners, GM quickly walked back the implication, clarifying that phone projection systems would remain available in gas vehicles for the foreseeable future, as demonstrated by the latest interface upgrades in the Silverado and Sierra.
Source: The Verge
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