It’s official: GM EVs still have Apple CarPlay—you just have to live outside the U.S. to get it. While General Motors moves ahead with plans to phase out Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in future EVs, drivers in countries like Australia and New Zealand are still getting full access to these smartphone integrations in their electric vehicles.
Models such as the Cadillac Lyriq, Lyriq-V, Vistiq, and Optiq will all ship overseas with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, alongside GM’s new Google-based infotainment system. That means international drivers get the best of both worlds: voice-controlled navigation, music apps, and personal assistant services from both Apple and Google.
Meanwhile, here in the U.S., GM is cutting off access to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for its future EVs. This decision came as part of a broader strategy—GM plans to phase out Apple CarPlay in EVs with Google’s help. The argument? GM says removing phone mirroring reduces distractions and allows drivers to rely on a fully integrated system built in-house. And while their Ultium-based EVs do offer a sleek infotainment experience, many drivers—myself included—still miss the flexibility of CarPlay or Android Auto.
I took a short trip in a Lyriq recently, and while the layout was smooth, using Google Maps instead of my usual Apple interface took some adjusting. Honestly, having the choice would’ve made the experience feel more familiar.
The truth is, GM to phase out Apple CarPlay Android technologies in future EVs still feels like a step backward for those of us who value personal tech preferences. Until GM reconsiders, those looking for Apple CarPlay in a GM EV might have to look abroad.