General Motors is adding native Apple Music to the infotainment systems of select 2025 model year Cadillac and Chevrolet vehicles, the company announced today. The news comes as the automaker is racing to add more native app experiences to some of its vehicles to make up for the absence of popular phone mirroring services like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Apple Music will arrive in 2025 or newer Chevy and Cadillac models through an over-the-air software update. The update is being made available through GM’s OnStar Basics package, which comes standard on all 2025 and newer vehicles at no additional cost for eight years. Eligible models include the 2025 and 2026 Cadillac CT5; 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ; 2026 Cadillac Vistiq; 2025 and 2026 Chevy Equinox EV, Blazer EV, and Silverado EV; and 2026 Corvette, Suburban, and Tahoe. Buick and GMC vehicles will get Apple Music at a later date.
For Cadillac owners, GM notes that Apple Music is the “leading” provider of spatial audio through Dolby Atmos. The new Cadillac Vistiq, for example, has a standard 23-speaker AKG sound system that’s compatible with Dolby Atmos. Another advantage is that Chevy and Cadillac owners can start streaming as soon as they enter the vehicle, rather than having to wait for CarPlay or Android Auto to sync up. It will also allow them to control music selection hands-free through the vehicle’s voice assistant.
GM is framing the addition of native Apple Music as “expanding entertainment choices built directly into our vehicles,” as noted by Tim Twerdahl, GM’s vice president of global product management, in a statement. Of course, the automaker is one of the few globally to restrict use of phone projection through which many customers typically enjoy apps like Apple Music. GM has argued it can provide a better, more embedded experience through its native infotainment system than services like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
In addition to Apple Music, GM says it is also rolling out support for Apple Wallet and Digital Keys.