GM’s New Era: Apple Music Takes Center Stage
General Motors is shaking things up. No more Apple CarPlay—now it’s all about bringing Apple Music directly into select 2025 and newer Chevrolet and Cadillac vehicles. You heard that right. This is a significant shift in how GM views in-vehicle entertainment.
Starting this week, drivers in the U.S. and Canada can access Apple Music natively through a new built-in app. This isn’t just an add-on; it’s a core feature of the vehicle’s software. Free streaming is included through OnStar Basics for up to eight years. That’s right, up to EIGHT YEARS without extra charges. No one’s offering that kind of deal these days.
Cadillac models will see an upgrade with studio-quality Spatial Audio using Dolby Atmos, creating a sound experience that feels like you’re in the front row of a concert. Picture this: high-end Cadillac vehicles, like the Escalade IQ and Vistiq, will be equipped with multi-speaker AKG audio systems that redefine how you experience music. Forget traditional left-right stereo; this is a 3D sound experience that wraps you in sound.
The vehicle lineup includes the 2025 and 2026 Cadillac CT5, Escalade IQ, and Vistiq, as well as the 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV, Equinox EV, Silverado EV, Corvette, Tahoe, and Suburban. And there’s more to come. The next-gen Chevrolet Bolt is also in the pipeline for this app integration.
But let’s not forget the context. GM’s decision to phase out Apple CarPlay didn’t come without backlash. Consumers were NOT happy. However, it aligns perfectly with GM’s long-term goal of embedding apps directly into their operating system. Why? To take control of the user experience, vehicle functions, and—critically—over-the-air updates. It’s a bold strategy, but in this age of software-defined vehicles, they’re betting big.
Apple Music is more than just a music app now; it’s a game-changer in how drivers engage with their cars. The integration allows for faster startup times and voice control capabilities that phone-based systems just can’t match. And GM isn’t stopping here. Expect the rollout to expand to Buick and GMC in future updates. This is a big moment for the automaker.
So, if you’re looking to upgrade your ride, keep your eyes peeled. This isn’t just a new feature; it’s a statement. GM is not playing around. They’re steering into the future, and it’s going to be loud.
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