Hitting the open code… As cars become smarter and more connected, automakers are speeding to build what they hope will become an industry standard software foundation. This month, GM took a cue from Apple’s playbook and released open source APIs to allow outside developers to build apps for its cars (picture: the App Store, but for Chevys). The goal: ramp up monetizable auto software.
Not playing: In March, GM said that its future EVs won’t support phone mirroring systems like Apple CarPlay, instead defaulting to GM’s upcoming system dubbed Ultifi.
Revving up: GM’s targeting up to $25B in annual software revenue by 2030, up from about $2B currently. Rivals like Ford and Stellantis also have big plans for in-car tech… and any associated subscription fees.
Computers on wheels: Future dashboards could feature apps like TikTok or smart home functions like turning on the house A/C from the highway. Sony and Honda’s joint EV venture, Afeela, even features PlayStation 5 remote play.
Mount Fuji-sized ambitions… As EV demand cools, automakers are shifting focus to software features that can be put in cars quickly while easing off the gas on long-term moonshots. In 2021, Toyota created its own tech startup with lofty plans like building a city for testing futuristic products at the foot of Mt. Fuji. Now, the startup has a new CEO and the city still isn’t open. Volkswagen is reportedly planning to lay off 2K software unit workers after delays to car launches.
Going it alone ain’t easy… Computers are hard enough when they don’t go 120mph. GM wants its APIs to become the industry standard, meaning its apps could also work in rivals’ cars. While GM’s rivals also want to set the standard, collaboration on one system could help carmakers lower costs and compete with techier rivals like Tesla and Apple — the latter of which has long been rumored to be building a car.