qualcomm Will You Buy an Auto Without Android Auto or Apple Carplay?

[G. David Felt]

An interesting force is happening in the auto industry, and it comes down to supporting or not supporting the use of Android Auto / Apple Carplay.

This feature which is pretty standard across the internal combustion auto's (ICE) is only found on a select group of electrical vehicles (EVs) as the global auto industry has chosen to move to a Qualcomm Snapdragon Digital Chassis running the Android operating system.

If you wish to understand all the tech details about this platform, you can read it here:

QUALCOMM Snapdragon Automotive 5G Platform

The basic understanding of this system is it is an auto-to-cloud over-the-air (OTA) high speed computer network running the Android operating system. Like android smartphones, this system allows the AUTO OEM to run their own eco system with pay store. Yes, this system does work seamlessly with Android Auto and Apple Carplay and as of today this is where the difference is coming to the consumer.

End result is the auto manufacture can totally control what you buy, install and do on your EV and keep everything to just the auto company or sell it to 3rd party companies. This system allows you to log into your existing Android apps and use them as you would on your phone but on your EV. 

Currently the Auto OEMs have gone into two camps, those keeping everything to themselves and disabling the support for Android Auto/Apple Carplay and those OEMs that support Android Auto/Apple Carplay.

Currently GM, Ford, VW, BMW, Nissan and others have stated they will not enable Android Auto/Apple Carplay in their EVs.

Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, Honda, Volvo and Polestar all currently support Android Auto / Apple Carplay in their EVs running on the same Qualcomm Snapdragon Automotive 5G platform.

You then have the only two EV companies that are exceptions to the above, Rivian and Tesla.

Rivian uses the QUALCOMM Snapdragon Ride Flex system with their own custom software stack, thus not supporting Android Auto or Apple Carplay.

Tesla uses their own inhouse controller board and software stack also not supporting Android Auto or Apple Carplay.

This brings us back to the question stated as the title of this write up.

Would you buy an auto without Android Auto or Apple Carplay?

[Drew Dowdell]

I voted "No".  We're looking at the Honda Prologue over the Blazer EV for this exact reason.  For now, the EValanche seems to be grandfathered in under the old policy.

[G. David Felt]

3 hours ago, Drew Dowdell said:

I voted "No".  We're looking at the Honda Prologue over the Blazer EV for this exact reason.  For now, the EValanche seems to be grandfathered in under the old policy.

My concern is that since GM is using the Qualcomm system that they could turn it off. 

Course the opposite is that they come to see customers leaving them and end up turning it on for everyone.

This whole thing has me looking at the Kia EV9, Hyundai equal and the Genesis GV90 EV as a potential next new auto for us.

[Robert Hall]

Definitely a 'No', Car Play is a must have for me. 

[Drew Dowdell]

15 hours ago, David said:

My concern is that since GM is using the Qualcomm system that they could turn it off. 

Course the opposite is that they come to see customers leaving them and end up turning it on for everyone.

This whole thing has me looking at the Kia EV9, Hyundai equal and the Genesis GV90 EV as a potential next new auto for us.

I'm not sure how the Qualcomm system effects whether they turn it off or not, but if they want to really piss off customers and spark lawsuits, they'd turn off CarPlay after selling the car.

[G. David Felt]

2 hours ago, Drew Dowdell said:

I'm not sure how the Qualcomm system effects whether they turn it off or not, but if they want to really piss off customers and spark lawsuits, they'd turn off CarPlay after selling the car.

The Qualcomm Snapdragon Android Auto system has a basic software switch that allows the OEM to enable or disable Android Auto and Apple Carplay. This is an easy change that can be done by an OTA update.

This is how Honda on the same system is supporting the two-cell phone connectivity versus GM not supporting it.

Back in 2022 more details were released along with updated SDK for the system. 

Connected Car and the Snapdragon Digital Chassis - Qualcomm Developer Network

This does make me wonder how long before a company like Jet Chips for custom ICE chip replacements gets into an SDK Break package that unlocks everything the OEM thinks the end user does not need.

Yes, this would be aimed at the more technical type folks, much like a cell phone that is broke open for use anywhere.

Interesting times we live in for sure.

[Drew Dowdell]

25 minutes ago, David said:

The Qualcomm Snapdragon Android Auto system has a basic software switch that allows the OEM to enable or disable Android Auto and Apple Carplay. This is an easy change that can be done by an OTA update.

This is how Honda on the same system is supporting the two cell hone connectivity versus GM not supporting it.

Back in 2022 more details were released along with updated SDK for the system. 

Connected Car and the Snapdragon Digital Chassis - Qualcomm Developer Network

This does make me wonder how long before a company like Jet Chips for custom ICE chip replacements gets into an SDK Break package that unlocks everything the OEM thinks the end user does not need.

Yes, this would be aimed at the more technical type folks, much like a cell phone that is broke open for use anywhere.

Interesting times we live in for sure.

Theoretically, they could also switch the carplay on in the EVs in the future.  We just need to pressure them to do it.  The systems in both the ICEs and EVs are not remarkably different.

[G. David Felt]

@Drew Dowdell @Robert Hall Very cool here as Porsche retrofits older cars with Carplay.
Porsche brings CarPlay to older models with new upgrades | AppleInsider

Seems Carplay 2.0 is coming to Porsche and Aston Martin this year.
Apple CarPlay 2.0 confirmed for 2024 as iOS 17.4 reveals a ton of features — here's everything it can do | Tom's Guide (tomsguide.com)

[ccap41]

On 1/22/2024 at 2:22 PM, Drew Dowdell said:

I voted "No".  We're looking at the Honda Prologue over the Blazer EV for this exact reason.  For now, the EValanche seems to be grandfathered in under the old policy.

This is what Motor Trend wrote today on this. It sounds atrocious and that sucks. Soooo many aspects of this truck seem perfect, but the actual infotainment seems like shet. 

"The one thing missing from the equipment list will be a deal-breaker for some shoppers. GM’s latest infotainment system doesn’t support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Instead, the 17.7-inch screen runs Google Maps, Google Assistant, and your favorite music streaming app natively. It all works well enough that we’d embrace the change if it didn't mean you'll eventually need to pay a second monthly payment on top of the monthly payment for the truck itself. After a three-year trial, you'll need to a subscription (currently $15 a month) to stream music on downloaded apps like Spotify and after eight years basic Google services such as navigation and voice commands will stop working unless you pony up for an OnStar plan (the exact cost is unclear right now). Apparently the only thing built in to Chevy's Google Built-In features is a method for processing credit card payments. As a workaround, you can stream music from your phone over Bluetooth like it's 2009 again—or buy a different truck."

https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2024-chevrolet-silverado-ev-rst-first-drive-review-2/

On 1/22/2024 at 10:08 AM, G. David Felt said:

Currently GM, Ford, VW, BMW, Nissan and others have stated they will not enable Android Auto/Apple Carplay in their EVs.

Ford/Lincoln have not said this, unless there is newer news.  Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both on the Lightning and Mach-e. 

[Drew Dowdell]

1 minute ago, ccap41 said:

This is what Motor Trend wrote today on this. It sounds atrocious and that sucks. Soooo many aspects of this truck seem perfect, but the actual infotainment seems like shet. 

"The one thing missing from the equipment list will be a deal-breaker for some shoppers. GM’s latest infotainment system doesn’t support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Instead, the 17.7-inch screen runs Google Maps, Google Assistant, and your favorite music streaming app natively. It all works well enough that we’d embrace the change if it didn't mean you'll eventually need to pay a second monthly payment on top of the monthly payment for the truck itself. After a three-year trial, you'll need to a subscription (currently $15 a month) to stream music on downloaded apps like Spotify and after eight years basic Google services such as navigation and voice commands will stop working unless you pony up for an OnStar plan (the exact cost is unclear right now). Apparently the only thing built in to Chevy's Google Built-In features is a method for processing credit card payments. As a workaround, you can stream music from your phone over Bluetooth like it's 2009 again—or buy a different truck."

https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2024-chevrolet-silverado-ev-rst-first-drive-review-2/

Ford/Lincoln have not said this, unless there is newer news.  Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both on the Lightning and Mach-e. 

Oh I'm going to blast them for that.

[ccap41]

Just now, Drew Dowdell said:

Oh I'm going to blast them for that.

GM or Motor Trend? I assume GM? 

If so, deservingly so. I just cannot comprehend WHY they would get rid of such a feature that everybody loves. I know it's all about the dollar, but this seems like the wrong direction by a long shot. 

[Drew Dowdell]

1 minute ago, ccap41 said:

GM or Motor Trend? I assume GM? 

If so, deservingly so. I just cannot comprehend WHY they would get rid of such a feature that everybody loves. I know it's all about the dollar, but this seems like the wrong direction by a long shot. 

GM.  It is an incredibly consumer-hostile move they are taking with their stance on phone projection.  This will probably swing me to the RAM electric when it's time.  I still have a reservation, but I'm inclined to cancel it now.

[Drew Dowdell]

Of note, Rivian is rumored to be adding CarPlay and Android Auto on the R1 refresh. 

[ccap41]

3 minutes ago, Drew Dowdell said:

Of note, Rivian is rumored to be adding CarPlay and Android Auto on the R1 refresh. 

As they should. Companies without CarPlay/Android Auto should be adding it, not companies with it, removing it. 

[A Horse With No Name]

On 1/23/2024 at 10:17 AM, Drew Dowdell said:

I'm not sure how the Qualcomm system effects whether they turn it off or not, but if they want to really piss off customers and spark lawsuits, they'd turn off CarPlay after selling the car.

Never doubt folks ability to do the dumbest thing posible. 

22 hours ago, Drew Dowdell said:

GM.  It is an incredibly consumer-hostile move they are taking with their stance on phone projection.  This will probably swing me to the RAM electric when it's time.  I still have a reservation, but I'm inclined to cancel it now.

I am really thinking electric for a future vehicle. Although RAV 4 or RAV 4 Hybrid are in my sights at the moment. 

On 1/22/2024 at 3:22 PM, Drew Dowdell said:

I voted "No".  We're looking at the Honda Prologue over the Blazer EV for this exact reason.  For now, the EValanche seems to be grandfathered in under the old policy.

I never thought I would see you look at another Honda product as much as you hated Albert's CRV. 

[Drew Dowdell]

5 minutes ago, A Horse With No Name said:

I never thought I would see you look at another Honda product as much as you hated Albert's CRV. 

I hated it for what it wasn't... a comfortable luxury vehicle. But for what it was meant to be, it was fine.

Besides, the Prologue is mostly GM tech and interior bits. 

[G. David Felt]

On 5/23/2024 at 2:08 PM, Drew Dowdell said:

Of note, Rivian is rumored to be adding CarPlay and Android Auto on the R1 refresh. 

That is awesome as the reason we did not go with a Rivian is the lack of Android Auto / Apple Carplay. If they truly do this on the refresh, then a R1T is in my future as the wife wants a truck to compliment the EV9. Heck, I might even go and replace the EV9 at the end of the lease with an R1S.

10 hours ago, Drew Dowdell said:

I hated it for what it wasn't... a comfortable luxury vehicle. But for what it was meant to be, it was fine.

Besides, the Prologue is mostly GM tech and interior bits. 

With the proper addition of Android Auto / Apple Carplay which GM is stupid enough to remove.