What GM takes away, the aftermarket restores.
Common Motors’ controversial determination to drop Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from most of its electrical autos now has a attainable workaround. As observed by InsideEVs, an organization referred to as White Automotive and Media Companies (WAMS) is promoting a brand new aftermarket improve equipment that restores the favored phone-mirroring options again into Chevy and GMC EVs.
On its web site, the corporate guarantees “absolutely built-in wired and wi-fi CarPlay and Android Auto in all of the methods you’ve come to anticipate (and a few you haven’t!) with out compromising any present options or performance.” The improve is at present appropriate with the Chevy Equinox, Blazer, and Silverado EVs, in addition to the GMC Sierra EV. (Sorry Cadillac!)
A video posted on the corporate’s web site reveals off the improve — and it seems to be fairly good. The acquainted CarPlay and Android Auto interface is displayed on the central infotainment show, and the video guarantees “OEM like integration” along with your most well-liked voice assistant, whether or not its Siri or Google Assistant. You’ll be able to show Apple Maps within the instrument cluster, together with turn-by-turn navigation within the Heads-Up Show.
All of it seems to be slick {and professional}, however in fact the satan is within the particulars.
Sadly, this doesn’t appear to be an answer that will likely be extensively accessible — no less than not at first. WAMS says that because of the “complexity” of the set up course of, in addition to its need to supply the “absolute best buyer expertise,” the aftermarket equipment is barely accessible by means of one dealership, LaFontaine Chevrolet in Plymouth, Michigan. The set up price can also be unavailable. We reached out to WAMS for remark and can replace this publish in the event that they reply.
GM first introduced that it was ditching CarPlay and Android Auto in its EVs in 2023, defending the choice as a need to supply a extra immersive and built-in expertise for purchasers that doesn’t skimp on options.
