[DigitalToday reporter Jinju Hong] A third-party device has emerged that allows Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to be used again in General Motors (GM) electric vehicles where they had disappeared. However, sustainability is uncertain as GM could block the function through future software updates, an assessment says.

InsideEVs reported on June 5 that startup EV Play has launched a device called the EV Play LT that can add Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functions to GM EVs.

The price is $199. Users can install a dedicated app from the vehicle's built-in Google Play Store and then connect the device to a USB port to use wired and wireless CarPlay and Android Auto. The manufacturer said the entire installation process takes about 2 minutes.

A higher-end model, the EV Play Max, sells for $425. In addition to CarPlay and Android Auto, it supports streaming services such as Netflix and YouTube. It can connect game consoles such as the Nintendo Switch or PlayStation to the vehicle display via an HDMI port, and it also supports pairing game controllers and headphones via Bluetooth.

Supported models include 2024 to 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV, Blazer EV and Silverado EV, as well as the GMC Hummer EV, Sierra EV and Cadillac Escalade IQ and IQL, Optiq and Vistiq.

The product is drawing attention because of GM's vehicle software strategy pursued in recent years. GM has stopped supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in EVs and is expanding the same policy to vehicles to be released in the future.

Instead, it is building an ecosystem centered on a Google-based built-in vehicle operating system. GM has said this allows deeper integration of functions such as navigation, charging route planning, battery preconditioning and vehicle diagnostics.

Consumer reaction is mixed. Drivers accustomed to a smartphone-centered user experience still prefer CarPlay and Android Auto. A key strength cited is the ability to keep using familiar apps and services without having to learn different user interfaces by automaker.

EV Play's approach is not a complete solution. Third-party solutions enabling CarPlay in GM EVs have appeared before, but GM has been reported to have asked dealers to stop installations.

EV Play also acknowledged in an FAQ on its website that GM could disable the function in the future. "GM can ultimately block the function," the company said. "We will respond within what is possible, but ultimate system control lies with GM," it added.

For consumers, whether the function will be maintained remains a more important variable than price. With EV Play LT costing $199 and the higher-end Max reaching $425, critics say users should take into account the possibility the function could be halted by future vehicle software updates or policy changes.

The industry assesses the product as an example showing the gap between GM's software strategy and consumer demand. Automakers are moving to strengthen control over vehicle software, but many consumers still want smartphone-based platforms.

EV Play could be an attractive option for GM EV owners who want to restore CarPlay now. However, uncertainty remains because whether the feature can continue to be maintained will ultimately depend on changes in GM policy.