Android Auto and CarPlay have become indispensable equipment in most cars, and more data supports this claim. Apple’s figures claim that nearly eight in ten new car buyers in the United States wouldn’t even consider purchasing a vehicle without CarPlay.
Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution
A study published by McKinsey indicates that almost half of car buyers would not buy a vehicle without Android Auto and CarPlay, with 85% of owners preferring smartphone projection systems to software offered by the automaker that comes preloaded with the vehicle.
But even though CarPlay and Android Auto are so important to the modern driver, few customers are willing to pay extra for both systems.
The study reveals that less than 20% of car owners are willing to pay more for Android Auto and CarPlay connectivity when ordering a vehicle. ICE vehicle. The percentage is a little higher (nearly 30 percent) for VE buyers, but overall most drivers expect Android Auto and CarPlay to be standard in a new car.
ICE buyers also expect advanced hazard warnings, traffic and speed camera warnings, proactive suggestions for alternative routes and real-time traffic information to be offered as standard in their cars, with around 20% or less willing to pay more for these features.
Photo: McKinsey
Almost all could be had with an Android Auto app and CarPlay. Real-time traffic information is already available in most navigation apps, such as Google Maps and Waze. Hazard warnings, traffic warnings, and speed cameras are core features of Waze, with other navigation apps also benefiting from similar features. Alternate routes are a core feature of most Google Maps alternatives, including Waze and Apple Maps.
Customers unwilling to pay extra for Android Auto and CarPlay could pose potential challenges for automakers considering including phone projection systems in their future subscription plans.
General Motors is among the companies whose long-term strategy could include charging for access to Android Auto and CarPlay. Starting with the 2024 Blazer EV, all zero-emission vehicles sold by General Motors block Android Auto and CarPlay, giving customers access to Android Automotive. As a full operating system powering the infotainment capabilities, Android Automotive can also run Android Auto and CarPlay, so GM isn’t willing to offer both systems yet.
Critics believe the controversial strategy could be part of a broader plan for General Motors to make money from its infotainment system by charging drivers for Android Auto and CarPlay. The company has so far denied these claims, explaining that the move to Android Automotive is part of its drive to provide drivers with more advanced capabilities behind the wheel. Android Automotive has deeper access to vehicle functions, while Android Auto and CarPlay are limited to a mirror interface of the smartphone and the data that the mobile device can read.
