GM Halts Third-Party Apple CarPlay Upgrades for EVs, Citing Safety Concerns
General Motors (GM) has instructed dealerships to cease offering third-party Apple CarPlay upgrade kits for their electric vehicles (EVs), citing potential impacts on critical safety features. The automotive giant has warned that these aftermarket services may void parts of the vehicle’s warranty.
This decision comes in the wake of GM’s 2023 move to remove Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from their EVs, while retaining these smartphone mirroring features in gas-powered vehicles. At the time, GM’s Vice President of software cited improved EV-centric features as the rationale behind this decision.
In response to consumer demand, White Automotive and Media Services (WAMS) developed a kit in late 2024 that restored phone mirroring features in Chevrolet and GMC EVs. The kit, which promised “OEM like integration,” required professional installation and was exclusively available at LaFontaine Chevrolet in Plymouth, Michigan.
However, GM has now instructed the dealership to discontinue offering the WAMS kit. As a result, WAMS has listed the product as “discontinued” on its website and provided an explanation to customers regarding the decision.
The future of already installed kits remains uncertain, with no official statement from GM regarding their fate. This development raises questions about the long-term viability of third-party solutions in the rapidly evolving EV market.
As the automotive industry continues to grapple with the integration of smartphone technology and vehicle systems, this move by GM underscores the complex balance between consumer preferences, safety considerations, and manufacturer control over vehicle features.
