The Data War Behind Your Dashboard
It's been more than a decade since Apple CarPlay and Android Auto debuted, transforming how drivers interact with their vehicles' infotainment systems. But in 2025, major automakers including General Motors, Tesla, and Rivian are actively moving away from these platforms. The reason? Data control.
Why Data Is the New Currency
When you enter a navigation destination or select music through CarPlay or Android Auto, the data gathered primarily flows to Apple and Google—not the car manufacturer. According to Andrew Hart, CEO of SBD Analytics, "They don't know how you are using their infotainment system. That starves car companies, and they lose intelligence that could help them improve their offerings."
This data is invaluable for automakers seeking to improve vehicle design, predict maintenance needs, and create more personalized ownership experiences.
GM's Bold Move
General Motors has been the most aggressive in this shift. The company is phasing out Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in favor of its own Google Automotive Services-based infotainment system. GM's new approach integrates Google Maps, Google Play, and a suite of proprietary apps, allowing the company to capture valuable usage data.
GM also recently stopped its dealers from installing third-party CarPlay upgrade kits for its EVs, citing safety concerns — a move that underscores how seriously automakers are taking this data battle.
Software-Defined Vehicles: The New Paradigm
Companies like Rivian have built their entire vehicle architecture around proprietary software. According to Rivian VP of Software Development Wassym Bensaid: "Software is at the center of the experience we provide to customers, and data is at the center of what enables software to run well."
For auto parts suppliers, this shift has implications beyond infotainment. As vehicles become software-defined, more components will require software updates, calibration, and digital integration — creating new categories of replacement parts and services.
The Road Ahead
While Apple CarPlay Ultra has launched in Aston Martin vehicles, and companies like Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis have committed to it, the broader industry trend is clear: automakers want control of their data. For the automotive aftermarket, this means parts and services will increasingly need to integrate with proprietary software ecosystems.
Carval Auto Parts is monitoring these trends to ensure our product offerings remain relevant as vehicles become increasingly connected and software-defined.
