GM Launches Native Apple Music App With Spatial Audio as It Moves Away From CarPlay

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Posted 18 hours ago by Shalom Levytam

General Motors has announced a native Apple Music app for its vehicles, bringing the service directly into the built-in infotainment system without requiring a connected iPhone. The rollout starts today on select 2025 and newer Cadillac and Chevrolet models, with additional brands expected to follow.

GM Launches Native Apple Music App With Spatial Audio as It Moves Away From CarPlay

iClarified's Take

GM bringing Apple Music to its vehicles in native form highlights the tension behind its decision to move away from CarPlay in future models. The company clearly wants its own software front and center, but demand for Apple's services hasn't gone away. With Apple Music now built in and reports that Apple Wallet and Digital Keys are also on the way, GM is selectively reintegrating parts of Apple's platform without restoring full phone projection. The open question is whether a growing collection of native apps will be enough for drivers who value the seamless, all-in experience of CarPlay and Android Auto, or if GM's tighter grip on the interface will remain a point of friction.

The integration lets drivers access their Apple Music library, playlists, and live radio stations straight from the dashboard. For Cadillac models, the update also enables Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos, taking advantage of higher-end speaker setups like the 23-speaker AKG system found in vehicles such as the Cadillac VISTIQ. The native integration also supports hands-free control via the vehicle's voice assistant and appears automatically on the dashboard after a software update. Existing Apple Music subscribers can sign in with their current account, while new users can subscribe directly from the vehicle.

To remove concerns about data usage, GM is bundling audio streaming with OnStar Basics. Buyers of eligible 2025 and newer vehicles in the U.S. and Canada will receive up to eight years of connectivity for music and podcast apps at no extra cost.

The move comes as GM continues its shift away from phone projection systems in favor of native software. In October, CEO Mary Barra confirmed the company would drop Apple CarPlay from future gas-powered vehicles, expanding a decision previously announced for EVs. While the built-in Apple Music app restores access to the service, it keeps the interface fully under GM's control rather than mirroring the iPhone experience.

The update is rolling out now via software update. Supported models include the 2025 and 2026 Cadillac CT5, ESCALADE IQ, and VISTIQ, along with the Chevrolet Blazer EV, Equinox EV, Silverado EV, Corvette, Suburban, and Tahoe. Buick and GMC support is expected to arrive soon.

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