Some cars have started getting rid of Android Auto and this is why

Published on Jan 02, 2026 at 5:15 AM (UTC+4)
by Alessandro Renesis

Last updated on Dec 30, 2025 at 12:44 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by Mason Jones

Automakers are getting rid of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto at a record rate.

This is happening very quickly, and it is happening for several minor reasons and at least three major ones.

It feels like a secondary issue, but it isn’t.

There are a few reasons why this is a bigger deal than it looks.

DISCOVER SBX CARS: The global premium car auction platform powered by Supercar Blondie

The reason why manufacturers have been relying on third-party services

Not long ago, back when infotainment screens were becoming a thing, all automakers relied on their systems.

And it showed.

Trying to use a sat nav from a 10-year-old car is a great experience as long as you’re actively trying to get lost.

Then Google (Android) and Apple saw a pie, and decided they wanted a piece of it.

They created Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which completely took over the car world.

For years, it was basically impossible to find a vehicle that did not support both.

But this is changing now.

This is why so many automakers are getting rid of Android Auto (and Apple CarPlay)

Automakers are shifting away from Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for three main reasons: revenue, system integration, and control over data.

Integrating Android Auto or Apple CarPlay into your car is a bit like running your own hotel but you need to ask permission every time you want to change the furniture or the bathroom fixtures.

This is a financial problem (among other things), because Apple and Google will always want a share of the aforementioned pie.

And the third reason – control over data – is perhaps even more important.

If your car runs on Android, then Google holds the data.

And the same goes for Apple.

By getting rid of CarPlay and Android Auto, car makers will be able to collect more data through their own platforms.

After beginning his automotive writing career at DriveTribe, Alessandro has been with Supercar Blondie since the launch of the website in 2020. In fact, he penned the very first article published on supercarblondie.com. He’s covered subjects from cars to aircraft, watches, and luxury yachts - and even crypto.He can largely be found heading up the site’s new-supercar and SBX coverage and being the first to bring our readers the news that they’re hungry for.