Arguably essentially the most controversial determination any automotive firm has made in recent times is not associated to batteries, the transition to electrical energy and even autonomous driving. It is in all probability Common Motors’ determination to desert Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, beginning with its new technology of EVs. That transfer hasn’t gone over effectively with a car-buying public that is needed to put up with years of irritating and questionable software program from automotive corporations. However not each automaker is taking GM’s strategy—one thing Ford CEO Jim Farley made clear on social media this week. 

“We’re dedicated to protecting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto,” Farley mentioned on X and later Threads. “Ford clients love the options as a result of they assist maintain their eyes on the highway and fingers on the wheel. We work intently with Apple and Google to create a really high-quality expertise for purchasers. And I feel we have now the perfect expertise on the market with SYNC 4A.”

Now, this is not precisely information from Ford; the automaker has reiterated that CarPlay and Android Auto might be a part of its future earlier than. So why would Farley carry it up this week, you ask? As a result of this week was when the primary drives of the Chevrolet Blazer EV went on-line, and like the entire different future Ultium-platform EVs from GM, it doesn’t assist CarPlay and Android Auto.

In truth, as the primary car to get GM’s new Google-based infotainment system, the Blazer EV can also be the primary to omit these in style smartphone projection techniques. And that is typically described as a dealbreaker by potential patrons; simply have a look at the various responses to our personal tales and social media posts. 

Are you able to blame them? One of many many causes these techniques are so in style is that they only work, interval—and in a manner that is acquainted to folks as a result of it replicates the experiences they’re used to on their smartphones and tablets. After years and years of janky infotainment techniques, unresponsive screens, buggy proprietary apps and poor smartphone integration, patrons would quite belief precise tech corporations like Apple and Google to make software program, not GM. 

Now, as I discussed in my First Drive assessment of the Blazer EV, GM has its causes for this. To start with, the brand new Google-based infotainment system on the Blazer EV presents an ecosystem similar to what clients use of their day by day lives (and the built-in Google Maps is definitely a plus.) Seeking to the long run, GM needs to do issues like EV charger route-planning and subscription software program companies that won’t mesh with smartphone projection. Furthermore, GM does not need to simply change into a {hardware} producer for tech corporations to place their software program on—simply have a look at how aggressive the deliberate next-generation Apple CarPlay is and you might even see why. (GM additionally says that this determination was executed to counter driver distraction, however my Motor1 colleague Brett Evans explains why that does not actually add up.) 

In the end, it is on GM to show it may provide a software program expertise that is not on par with what they get from the tech corporations, however higher. I had a good expertise with the brand new infotainment system within the Blazer EV, however since that drive, I’ve realized a couple of of my trade colleagues encountered screens blinking on and off and smartphone pairing issues. Plus, GM (like most automakers, frankly) has had a ton of struggles on the software program entrance. We’ll definitely be taught extra as we do real-world testing of those vehicles, beginning with the Blazer EV. 

Within the meantime, Ford, a minimum of, is not prepared to danger such buyer ire. Meaning being tethered to Apple and Google for some time longer, however which will repay for them in the long term as a substitute.

Contact the creator: patrick.george@insideevs.com