Cadillac Keeping Apple Carplay/Android Auto for Foreign Markets, Not U.S.
While the Lyriq still comes with phone mirroring in the United States, the rest of Cadillac’s EV lineup goes completely without.
Cadillac is reportedly offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on its electric-vehicle lineup in other countries.
Specifically, Cadillac EVs sold in Australia and New Zealand will be equipped with the software, according to the Australian outlet Car Expert.
Apart from the Cadillac Lyriq, which debuted before GM shifted away from phone mirroring, Cadillac’s EV lineup misses out on the technology.
When it comes to track cars, weekend cars, or maybe even your daily commute, we get it, phone mirroring isn’t necessary. But after you’ve used phone mirroring in your car on one road trip or to find a route that skips seriously backed-up traffic, it’s hard to go back. Despite widespread adoption, General Motors—and by extension, Cadillac— has announced a plan to sell its entire electric vehicle portfolio without Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
That plan may be shifting slightly, as a new report from the Australian outlet Car Expert confirmed that Cadillac’s entire EV portfolio for Australia and New Zealand will be equipped with the technology.
“All Cadillac Lyriq, Lyriq-V, Vistiq, and Optiq vehicles coming to Australia and New Zealand will offer Cadillac Connected Services as well as wireless smartphone projection, which is currently available in Lyriq models (i.e., Apple CarPlay and Android Auto),” a GM spokesperson told the outlet.
In a statement to Car and Driver, Cadillac was not forthcoming about whether or not the change in course for Australia and New Zealand would have any impact on the North American market. “The features available in our infotainment systems vary by region based on local network capabilities and OnStar service availability,” a Cadillac spokesperson told C/D. “Ultimately, we’re working toward a consistent global platform that will offer integrated native features, including entertainment, charging, navigation, and voice commands. In Australia and New Zealand, phone projection is currently available in select vehicles.”
As things stand in the U.S., the only electric Cadillac equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is the Lyriq, which made its debut ahead of GM’s announcement. The news also raises questions about how Cadillac will proceed in Europe, where the automaker is currently pushing for an increased presence.
