Car manufacturers are reconsidering their use of Apple CarPlay, a system that has allowed drivers to access their iPhone apps on car displays for over a decade. While many automakers once embraced CarPlay as a convenient alternative to traditional infotainment systems, some are now moving away from it, citing concerns about data control and the need for deeper integration with vehicle systems. General Motors (GM) has started removing CarPlay and Android Auto support from its newest electric models, such as the Chevrolet Blazer EV. The company plans to fully eliminate CarPlay from its vehicles by 2028 once its own centralized computing platform is launched. GM is shifting toward Android Automotive, a car-specific operating system from Google that lets apps run directly on the vehicle’s system without needing a smartphone. This approach gives GM more control over the in-car experience and reduces reliance on the user’s phone. Apple CarPlay has been popular for its simplicity and consistency, allowing drivers to use familiar phone apps on car displays regardless of the vehicle’s built-in system. It has supported over 800 car models, and many buyers consider CarPlay support an important factor in their purchase decisions. However, for automakers, allowing Apple to manage parts of the in-car experience can limit their control and data ownership, especially as electric vehicles require more integration between software and hardware. Electric vehicles, in particular, need tight integration between dashboard software and the vehicle itself, which standard CarPlay may not fully support. Features like battery preconditioning and manufacturer-specific charging controls are not easily handled by CarPlay’s mirroring approach, which simply projects the phone’s interface onto the car’s screen. Apple is addressing these issues with CarPlay Ultra, which goes beyond mirroring and integrates with the car’s instrument cluster, managing systems like radio and climate controls. However, CarPlay Ultra still requires an iPhone for processing power, meaning it doesn’t eliminate the dependency on the user’s smartphone. Some automakers, like Tesla and Rivian, have never offered CarPlay support, though Tesla has reportedly tested it in the past. Aston Martin is the only current manufacturer offering CarPlay Ultra, while others like Hyundai and Kia are considering future support. Despite these changes, CarPlay remains available in hundreds of car models, ensuring that the iPhone experience can continue for many drivers.