GM Expands Android Auto Beyond Chevrolet

Due to a software upgrade, select 2016 Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac models will have Android Auto capabilities. The brands will offer the free technology upgrade through their dealers. 

Model-year 2016 Chevrolet sedans that will get the upgrade include the Malibu (excludes Limited trim), Impala, and the Volt. Also, the software update enabling Android Auto on the Colorado, Silverado, Tahoe, and Suburban, will take approximately 30 minutes to complete, according to a press release from the car brand. Chevrolet models with the seven-inch MyLink system already include both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability and therefore do not require any update.

Buick's 2016 LaCrosse and Regal will also come with Android Auto capabilities. Apple CarPlay already comes as standard equipment. For GMC, the model-year 2016 Canyon, Sierra and Yukon models equipped with the 8-inch IntelliLink system will now be offered with the upgrade.

For the 2017 model-year, Android Auto availability will expand to the Regal and the all-new LaCrosse, as well as the Envision compact crossover and redesigned Encore small SUV. In 2017, GMC's Acadia will also come with Android Auto capabilities. 

And, Android Auto will also come available for Cadillac's 2016 CT6 sedan and the 2017 Cadillac XT5 crossover. Current customers of model-year 2016 vehicles with Cadillac CUE can receive a complimentary software update by making an appointment with a local Cadillac dealer.

Android Auto joins Apple CarPlay, which was unveiled last year, offering phone compatibility via the available IntelliLink and Cadillac CUE screens.

Model-year 2016 Cruze sedans with compatible MyLink systems will arrive in dealer showrooms with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability installed and will not require the software update.

A “Projection” icon on the MyLink or Cadillac CUE screen is visible when a phone is not connected, then changes to indicate either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto (whichever is applicable) when a compatible phone is connected via USB.

Android Auto requires a phone running the Android Lollipop 5.0 operating system or higher, while Apple CarPlay requires an iPhone 5 or later. The user interfaces themselves are designed and developed by Apple (for Apple CarPlay) and Google (for Android Auto).

Compatible third-party apps need to be downloaded to a phone before using. Apple and Google’s privacy statements and terms of use apply. Data rates will also apply.