A growing number of automakers are scaling back or removing support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in newly launched vehicles. The move reflects a broader shift in how manufacturers approach in-car connectivity, with increasing emphasis on proprietary infotainment systems designed to offer deeper integration with vehicle functions.
Even as smartphone mirroring technologies continue to evolve, carmakers are placing greater value on controlling the digital environment inside the vehicle. Software has become a strategic element of modern cars, influencing not only user experience but also long-term business models.
Infotainment system of the new GWM Haval H6 2026 (Image: GWM)
Focus on Native Platforms
The transition away from Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is most visible in new vehicle architectures, particularly electric and next-generation models. Instead of relying on the driver’s smartphone, manufacturers are introducing built-in platforms that manage navigation, climate settings, energy consumption, and advanced driver assistance features within a single system.
These native solutions provide automakers with more flexibility in interface design and system behavior, while also enabling direct access to vehicle and user data—capabilities that are limited when infotainment systems function primarily as smartphone extensions.
Industry Examples
General Motors has drawn attention for confirming that upcoming models will adopt a proprietary infotainment platform built on Android Automotive, excluding traditional smartphone mirroring. The strategy was first applied to electric vehicles and is expected to expand across future product lines, while existing models retain current functionality.
Other manufacturers have followed similar paths. Tesla has long relied on its own software ecosystem, while brands such as Volvo, Polestar, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Renault continue to invest in in-house platforms like Android Automotive, MBUX, and iDrive.
Data, Integration, and the Driver Experience
Control over data is a key factor behind this shift; proprietary systems allow manufacturers to collect insights on driving behavior, navigation patterns, and app usage, supporting connected services, remote updates, and software-based revenue streams. They also enable tighter integration with vehicle systems that smartphone mirroring cannot fully support.
For drivers, the change may reduce reliance on familiar mobile interfaces, requiring adaptation to manufacturer-specific software. While Android Auto and Apple CarPlay remain widely available today, their role in future vehicles is becoming less certain as automakers redefine in-car connectivity.
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