An Apple alum revamped GM’s truck interface for the screen fatigue era
The newest trucks from General Motors are getting a completely redesigned user interface. For most car companies throughout the past decade, this kind of redesign would typically mean one thing: bigger screens. But sitting in the driver’s seat of a preproduction version of one of these trucks, there’s just as much to push, turn, and click as there is to see. Coming to the 2027 Chevrolet Silverado…
General Motors is revamping the user interface for its newest trucks, aiming to combat the screen fatigue that has plagued the automotive industry over the past decade. Instead of larger screens, the new 2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2027 GMC Sierra 1500 feature a carefully balanced blend of analog buttons and knobs, along with minimally configured screens displaying only the most crucial information.
This approach, spearheaded by GM's head of human interface design Sebastian Bauer, has been in development for two years and is set to be rolled out in later 2027.
Bauer, who joined GM in June 2025 following a 15-year stint at Apple and Google, brings a strong background in user interface design from tech giants. He emphasizes that at Apple, he learned the importance of attention to detail and rigor, principles that have been applied to GM's new user interface. The interface, which spans 60 inches across three areas, features screens that blend into the dash and thin lines of analog controls for common tasks like adjusting volume or temperature.
Notably, the infotainment screen in front of the passenger seat is designed to be completely invisible to the driver. The screens display streamlined information and settings, with the main cluster showing the speedometer and tachometer, while the larger center screen has been pared down to show navigation and music controls. This redesign, which Bauer describes as creating "rooms in a house" rather than separate rooms, aims to provide easy access to essential features without overwhelming the driver.
The user interface is also adaptable for various truck uses, from hauling boats to serving as a work truck on construction sites, reflecting GM's commitment to providing a tailored experience across its diverse vehicle portfolio.
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