General Motors Rolls Out Apple Music on New Models, but No CarPlay for EVs

The automotive scene in the GCC is witnessing rapid changes in in car entertainment and connectivity. General Motors recently announced the integration of native Apple Music into the infotainment systems of select 2025 and 2026 CadillacUAE CadillacOman CadillacBahrain CadillacQatar CadillacKuwait CadillacKSA CadillacEgypt Cadillac and ChevroletUAE ChevroletKSA ChevroletKuwait ChevroletQatar ChevroletOman ChevroletBahrain ChevroletEgypt Chevrolet models, while CarPlay remains unavailable on its new electric vehicles. This move is capturing the attention of car enthusiasts in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, especially those keen on smart tech and in car entertainment options.

A Leap Forward in In Car Entertainment

GM has decided to enhance the driving experience in selected Cadillac and Chevrolet models by introducing Apple Music as a native app in its infotainment system, starting with 2025 models. This gives both drivers and passengers access to an extensive library of songs and playlists right from the main car screen, with no need for a phone or cable connection.

• Apple Music is now available on the 2025 and 2026 Cadillac CT5UAE Cadillac CT5KSA Cadillac CT5Kuwait Cadillac CT5Qatar Cadillac CT5Bahrain Cadillac CT5Oman Cadillac CT5Egypt Cadillac CT5, Escalade IQ, and Vistiq

• The app is also supported by the 2025 and 2026 Chevrolet BlazerUAE Chevrolet BlazerKSA Chevrolet BlazerKuwait Chevrolet BlazerQatar Chevrolet BlazerBahrain Chevrolet BlazerOman Chevrolet BlazerEgypt Chevrolet Blazer EV, Equinox EV, Silverado EV, Corvette, Suburban, and Tahoe

• The Chevrolet Bolt 2027 will get Apple Music access when launched

• Buick and GMCUAE GMCKSA GMCKuwait GMCQatar GMCBahrain GMCOman GMCEgypt GMC models are expected to receive the app in the future

This step highlights GM’s broader strategy to support native entertainment streaming apps, offering alternative solutions to customers as CarPlay and Android Auto remain missing from its latest EVs.

The Absence of CarPlay in GM Electric Vehicles

While the addition of Apple Music will delight many music enthusiasts, the lack of CarPlay and Android Auto in GM’s electric vehicles remains a point of contention between customers and the company. GM continues to develop its own infotainment system and expand its native app offerings to compensate for the absence of traditional phone mirroring options.

• Apple Music allows users to control their music directly from the car’s screen without needing a phone

• Drivers cannot use navigation apps like Apple Maps or Google Maps through CarPlay

• The company only provides access to its built in navigation system in its electric vehicles

• Apple Music comes with eight years of free access as part of the OnStar Basics package, after which a paid subscription is required

This strategy highlights GM’s desire to maintain full control over the in car user experience, offering opportunities to generate future revenue from digital service subscriptions. However, the absence of CarPlay remains an obstacle for some customers who prefer the seamless, direct connectivity with their smartphones.

Future Expansion Plans

General Motors continues to expand its support for streaming apps across all future vehicles, focusing on meeting the needs of GCC drivers who value luxury and advanced smart technology in their cars. With Apple Music now available in select new Cadillac and Chevrolet models, and the company confirming plans to bring the service to other brands like Buick and GMC, car enthusiasts can expect more tech surprises in the coming years.

• Adding Apple Music marks an important step to boost the entertainment experience in GM vehicles

• The continued absence of CarPlay and Android Auto in GM’s electric cars is pushing the company to develop its own infotainment system

• There are expectations for a broader expansion of digital apps and services across all GM models in the GCC region

These developments point to increased competition in the GCC automotive market, especially around in car entertainment and connectivity. The focus remains on delivering a seamless driving experience that blends smart features, comfort, and effortless connection to the digital world.