General Motors announced that several of its upcoming vehicles will offer support for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Both technologies will allow drivers to access some smartphone apps through the use of a touchscreen built into the infotainment system.
GMC will have three models: the 2016 Canyon, Yukon and Sierra, which will have an 8-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay at the beginning of the model year. Android Auto will only be available on early Sierra models fitted with a 7-inch touchscreen, but they will be available across the lineup later in the year on the 8-inch display.
Buick will be offering Apple CarPlay on the 2016 LaCrosse and Regal models, which will feature the same 8-inch display as the GMC models. Android play will also be available later in the model year for these vehicles.
Using a USB cable, Apple phones running iOS 7.1 or higher and Android devices running Lollipop 5.0 and higher will be able to connect to the vehicle’s infotainment system through GM’s IntelliLink technology, allowing drivers access to the various apps each platform has to offer.
Apple iPhones will be able to play music, answer the phone, read messages, view maps, and run a number of third party apps that you can find listed here. Android phones will be able to use Google Maps, Google Now, and audio message apps such as WhatsApp and Skype. Google play music, Spotify, and some podcast players are also compatible. The list of currently available Android Auto apps can be found here. Voice commands through Siri and Google are also supported.
