GM Joins the Apple CarPlay and Android Audio Tsunami

Like Hyundai, GM is set to provide an infotainment solution from Apple and Google that works better than the rest.

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – May 31, 2015

Apple CarPlay in use.

With more than 2.3 billion smartphones in use around the world and rising, auto buyers are demanding better integration between their phones and their vehicles. Whether they have an Apple or Android phone, Chevrolet will provide to its future customers the smartest, simplest connected driving experience possible.

For the 2016 model year, Chevrolet will offer Android Auto and Apple CarPlay to more models than any automotive brand. The 14 Chevrolet models include the all-new 2016 Cruze.

Chevrolet’s seven-inch MyLink infotainment system gives owners a smart way to access both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The eight-inch version of MyLink will be compatible only with Apple CarPlay at the beginning of the 2016 model year. R&D on the 8” MyLink systems are not yet complete so Android Auto may be available later in the 2016 model year.

Android Auto is built around Google Maps, Google Now and the ability to talk to Google, as well as a growing audio and messaging app ecosystem that includes WhatsApp, Skype, Google Play Music, Spotify, and podcast players. A full list of supported apps is available at Android.com/auto.

Apple CarPlay takes the iPhone features you’d want to access while driving and puts them on the vehicle’s display in a smart, simple manner. That allows drivers to make calls, send and receive messages and listen to music right from the touchscreen or by voice via Siri. Apple CarPlay supported apps include Phone, Messages, Maps, Music and compatible third-party apps.

Many features can be controlled via voice commands through a button on the steering wheel, helping drivers spend more time with eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

Chevrolet was the first brand to introduce Siri Eyes Free functionality and the first and only car company to offer OnStar 4G LTE across a range of cars, trucks and crossovers in the U.S. and Canada.

Chevrolet customers in markets around the world including Brazil, Mexico and Canada will benefit from this new level of smartphone integration. Specific market availability for Android Auto can be found here.

Using either application is simple in a compatible 2016 Chevrolet. A “Projection” icon on the MyLink screen is visible when a phone is not connected, then changes to indicate either CarPlay or Android Auto (whichever is applicable) when a compatible phone is connected via USB. Android Auto requires a phone running the Android Lollipop 5.0 operating system or above, while Apple CarPlay requires an iPhone 5 or later.

Compatible apps need to be downloaded to a phone before using. Apple and Google’s privacy statements and terms of use apply. Data plan rates may also apply.

2016 Model Year Chevrolet Infotainment Systems

7” MyLink Infotainment	8” MyLink Infotainment
Spark	Cruze
Cruze	Malibu
Malibu	Impala
Camaro	Volt
Camaro Convertible	Camaro
Silverado	Camaro Convertible
Silverado HD	Corvette
	Corvette Convertible
	Colorado
	Silverado
	Silverado HD
	Tahoe
	Suburban

GM moves to the front of the pack in infotainment. Hopefully the Cadillac CUE System receives this “upgrade” as well.

GM Joins the Apple CarPlay and Android Audio Tsunami