Will Carmakers Lose Customers by Turning Their Backs on Apple Carplay and Android Auto?

Apple Carplay and Android Auto have become familiar features for many vehicle owners.

The “Smartphone Mirroring” function is a system that allows users to connect their smartphones to the center display to access maps, play music, or make calls while driving.

Android Auto and Apple Carplay are the two most popular software globally, enabling smartphone-vehicle connectivity, and they have gradually become standard equipment in new cars. However, not all automakers are keen on this trend.

Striving for Independence

In the US, Tesla and Rivian are among the few automakers that do not offer smartphone mirroring functions, forcing owners to use the built-in infotainment systems. This has been a point of criticism for both brands for several years.

Previously, a Rivian representative shared that over 70% of their customers had requested the installation of Apple Carplay and Android Auto. However, this percentage has gradually decreased to 30% as users have learned to adapt to the standard infotainment system.

General Motors (GM) has also recently started phasing out Apple Carplay and Android Auto from their new models, encouraging users to embrace their new infotainment system.

“GM’s exclusive infotainment system allows users to personalize programs, integrate vehicle controls, and utilize smart virtual assistants. We are confident that customers will grow to love this feature,” said Anna Yu, a GM spokesperson, to the media.

GM believes that by offering their infotainment system and removing Apple Carplay and Android Auto, they can generate additional revenue by selling subscription services tailored to customers’ needs.

However, the question remains whether their plan to “discontinue” these popular features will succeed, given that users have come to expect Apple Carplay and Android Auto as standard in their vehicles.

Automakers Risk Losing Customers

A recent study by McKinsey & Co highlights the importance of smartphone connectivity features in vehicles. According to the report, 30% of electric vehicle buyers and 35% of internal combustion engine vehicle buyers stated that they would change their purchasing decision if the car did not support smartphone connectivity to the infotainment system.

Meanwhile, according to Wards Intelligence, more than 90% of new cars launched in 2023 offered this feature. The statistic also confirms that the vast majority of users prefer to connect their phones using Apple Carplay and Android Auto instead of the built-in software.

Another report by Auto News found that over 30% of electric vehicle owners were willing to pay extra to have Apple Carplay and Android Auto. If these features were absent, they would be open to switching to another automotive brand rather than accepting the standard infotainment system.

In reality, automakers have been developing their own smart software to connect smartphones to vehicles, enabling functions such as calling, messaging, accessing contacts, playing music, and voice commands.

However, the advancement of Apple Carplay and Android Auto, backed by their strong technology ecosystems and the widespread availability of mobile devices, has caused these automaker-developed software solutions to be overlooked.

Users prefer a smartphone that can seamlessly work with any vehicle, and they don’t want to relearn a new system every time they switch cars. This is something that only Apple Carplay and Android Auto can offer, and automakers are unable to replicate this level of convenience and compatibility.