Major carmakers are beginning to phase out support for Android Auto and similar phone-based systems in favor of in-car operating systems powered by artificial intelligence. The shift is expected to gather pace in 2026, with companies such as General Motors already announcing plans to abandon familiar smartphone mirroring tools in favor of AI platforms based on Google’s Gemini.
The article says the main driver is control of user data. Today, Google and Apple collect information about driving habits, locations and updates, data that is highly valuable to advertisers. Carmakers say disconnecting from the phone is also needed to improve energy management in electric vehicles, but they also want to reclaim access to that data for themselves.
General Motors says it needs navigation data to improve EV charging experiences. A company source said phone projection systems “lock” energy data inside the smartphone, making it harder for the car to plan routes that account for battery status and real-time charger availability. The companies also see a new revenue stream in subscriptions, replacing free phone-linked services with paid in-car packages.
Tesla and Rivian already charge about $150 a year for premium connectivity, and there is concern that more basic functions will move behind paywalls. The piece notes that BMW previously tried charging monthly for heated seats, prompting public backlash. As apps become built into the car itself, manufacturers could charge for navigation, music streaming and even remote door unlocking. Still, many traditional automakers continue to support both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for now, wary of alienating buyers.
