Most Users Want Android Auto and CarPlay as Standard, Not Willing to Pay Extra

Research published by McKinsey says nearly half of car buyers wouldn't purchase a vehicle without Android Auto and CarPlay, with 85 percent of owners preferring the smartphone projection systems over the software offered by the carmaker pre-loaded with the vehicle.

But while CarPlay and Android Auto are so important for the modern driver, few customers are willing to pay extra for the two systems.

The study reveals that less than 20 percent of car owners are willing to pay more for Android Auto and CarPlay connectivity when ordering an ICE vehicle. The percentage is a little higher (close to 30 percent) for EV buyers, but overall, most drivers expect Android Auto and CarPlay to come as standard in a new car.

ICE buyers also expect advanced hazard warnings, traffic and safety camera warnings, proactive suggestions for alternative routes, and real-time traffic information to be offered as standard in their cars, with approximately 20 percent or less willing to pay more for these features.

Nearly all of them could be had with an Android Auto and CarPlay app. Real-time traffic information is already available in most navigation apps, such as Google Maps and Waze. Hazard warnings, traffic, and safety camera warnings are essential features of Waze, with other navigation apps also getting similar capabilities. Alternative routes are a primary feature of most Google Maps alternatives, including Waze and Apple Maps.

Customers unwilling to pay extra for Android Auto and CarPlay could pose potential challenges for carmakers planning to include phone projection systems in their future subscription plans.

General Motors is one of the companies whose long-term strategy could include a charge for accessing Android Auto and CarPlay. Starting with the 2024 Blazer EV, all zero-emission vehicles sold by General Motors block Android Auto and CarPlay, providing customers with access to Android Automotive. As a fully featured operating system powering the infotainment capabilities, Android Automotive can also run Android Auto and CarPlay, so GM isn't yet willing to offer the two systems.

Critics believe the controversial strategy could be part of a broader plan allowing General Motors to make money out of its infotainment system by charging drivers for Android Auto and CarPlay. The company has so far denied these claims, explaining that the switch to Android Automotive is part of its desire to provide drivers with more advanced capabilities behind the wheel. Android Automotive has deeper access to vehicle functions, whereas Android Auto and CarPlay are limited to a smartphone-mirrored interface and the data the mobile device can read.