by After CarPlay and Android Auto were removed from GM EVs production, a dealer offered a solution. The dealer who installed the CarPlay Kit was required to cease doing so. This happened because GM continues to use the Ultifi software for their EVs on the Ultium platform. Remember the good old days when radio units were standardized and dealers or aftermarket suppliers could quickly and easily upgrade your car’s audio system with a screwdriver and a little effort? The gradual replacement of single and double DIN units with proprietary designs, screens, and software was hailed as progress.
But when automakers decide no longer to include a certain feature, it leaves disgruntled owners without options. That’s what happened when GM decided to stop supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for its Ultium EV platform. Understandably, customers were a bit annoyed, but one dealer came to the rescue by offering to install an aftermarket solution that allows screen mirroring. This has now gone, according to . The dealer claims that GM instructed them to discontinue offering the kit.
Furthermore, the kit manufacturer removed the product from its website, claiming that it is no longer intended to be sold. Hoping for mirrored dreams
In 2023, General Motors made the controversial decision to drop support for their new generation of EVs. Instead, they offered their own software, compatible with smartphones: Ultifi. At the time, GM justified this move by claiming that it helped the company offer a more “deeply integrated experience that can be built with the car,” building the system from scratch. The future of autonomy as well as other features, like battery preconditioning, were listed as reasons why technologies from GM were the way forward.
As is often the case, the aftermarket seemed to come to the rescue when White Automotive and Media Services (WAMS) developed a kit that allowed OEM-like integration of the two most popular screen mirroring apps. The only catch was that WAMS was not something that an enthusiast or casual user could install. Instead, it required a specialized approach. One dealership, LaFontaine Chevrolet in Plymouth, Michigan, was chosen to provide a professional installation. The previous block
As you might have guessed, GM was not too happy with the situation.
The company launched an investigation into the kit, and a company representative said: “Aftermarket services that introduce features that were not originally developed, thoroughly tested, and approved by GM can lead to unforeseen problems for customers. These issues can affect critical safety functions and may also void part of the vehicle’s warranty.”
It all sounds as if it was a specialized kit that, at best, modified and, at worst, completely bypassed GM’s proprietary software. And with the vast amount of data cars can collect these days, there’s also a question of how secure your personal information remains after installing a third-party device. However, as we have reported many times, this is also a major issue for automakers themselves, so it’s a bit like the pot calling the kettle black. Are We at the Mercy of Automakers?
Given that the WAMS system was only offered by one dealership and the complexity of the kit prevents self-installation, it’s safe to assume that with only one distribution channel, WAMS could not see a future for the product. However, it’s another tangible reminder that as cars become more technologically advanced, we increasingly remain at the mercy of manufacturers, who may decide to discontinue support for key features at any moment. Not to mention implementing already available features, despite the hardware already existing. Sure, they can call it subscriptions, but trying to monetize software updates by any other name still smells fishy.
