General Motors is sticking firmly to its decision to move away from CarPlay in its electric vehicles, pursuing a vision of an entirely integrated, GM-designed infotainment experience. Despite early challenges—especially with models like the 2024 Chevy Blazer EV—GM’s leadership believes this shift will ultimately provide a more cohesive, seamless in-car environment.
In a recent interview, Baris Cetinok, GM’s senior vice president of software and services, elaborated on the reasoning behind this approach. Having joined GM after the CarPlay phase-out was announced, Cetinok brought insights from his previous role at Apple, where he managed products like Apple Pay and iCloud. He clarified that the decision wasn’t solely about excluding CarPlay; rather, it was rooted in the belief that GM can best deliver a superior, fully optimized experience by controlling all aspects of the software, including potential innovations like a GM-specific voice assistant.
While acknowledging that maintaining CarPlay would have been the easier route, Cetinok highlighted that GM’s long-term vision is to build an infotainment system designed and maintained entirely in-house. Though the decision has met resistance from CarPlay enthusiasts, GM remains confident that this independent approach will ultimately redefine how drivers engage with their vehicles.
As GM continues to refine this platform, the company aims to set itself apart with a distinctive, fully integrated system that blends vehicle control and digital interaction, creating a unique, personalized experience for customers across its EV lineup.
