You can now add Cadillac to the growing list of Android Auto compatible cars hitting the road in the 2016 Model year. Today, GM announced that 2016 Cadillac models will support both Apple’s CarPlay as well as Android Auto. Cadillac will be pushing out Apple CarPlay first, beginning with the 2016 models, however Android Auto will be available later and GM says that owners will be able to bring their cars into a dealership to get Android Auto added to their car. Now to get either CarPlay or Android Auto, you’ll need to have Cadillac’s Cue system, which is their own connected platform. It’ll be using an 8-inch display for CarPlay and Android Auto.
Chevrolet recently announced CarPlay and Android Auto support for all 16 of their models starting with the 2016 Model year. They are also doing CarPlay first with Android Auto coming later on. So it’s possible that car makers are still working to figure out how to get these systems integrated into their existing system, and have it working properly, and safely. Hyundai, who was actually first to get Android Auto cars on the road is doing it the opposite. Having Android Auto available now, with CarPlay being delayed.
Cadillac, Chevrolet and Hyundai are not the only car makers that will be implementing Android Auto. Google has over 100 partners in the Open Automotive Alliance, all of which will be supporting Android Auto. Which includes GM’s other brands, as well as Chrysler, Dodge, Ford and many others. At the North American International Auto Show in January, Audi and Honda also had demos of Android Auto, in addition to Hyundai and Chevrolet.
Android Auto didn’t really get any updates at Google I/O this year, but I wouldn’t expect to see lots of updates when it comes to Android Auto. Simply because car tech takes a bit to implement. And this is a prime example, actually. Google announced Android Auto over a year ago, and we are just now seeing it in cars on the road. Hopefully it’ll speed up in the future, but I wouldn’t count on it.