GM’s New Software Plays Nice With Apple CarPlay, Android Auto

General Motors unveiled a suite of enhancements to its dashboard infotainment system for its latest pickups this week. The new software boasts an overhauled home screen that can display more information more flexibly and an improved interface for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The 2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 will be the first models to receive this updated technology.

GM has been offering CarPlay and Android Auto on its gas-powered vehicles for years, but discontinued support for these features in its electric vehicles in 2023, favoring its own Google-built software. Despite this, GM has continued to develop Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, suggesting they still believe these technologies are relevant for their internal combustion engine models.

The new software will provide more seamless integration between GM's native software and the popular phone-mirroring apps, with content appearing in a split-view panel alongside native features like trailering data and vehicle status. Drivers will be able to easily switch between the two experiences, taking advantage of features specifically developed for their truck and device.

The redesigned home screen features a split-view layout that can be customized to show a large map, trailering and fuel-efficiency data, and media sources. GM has also improved its one-tap "quick access" control window for easier control and redesigned notification notifications to be less intrusive. The new infotainment system is built as a single software platform across GM's gas, diesel, and electric powertrains, though feature sets may vary depending on the vehicle type and intended use.