GM Infotainment Systems Ditch Text Messaging Feature
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GM infotainment systems have done away with built-in text-messaging functionality, replacing it instead with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The built-in text messaging functionality was introduced on GM’s second-gen Chevrolet MyLink, GMC and Buick IntelliLink and Cadillac CUE systems. It was capable of reading incoming text messages via the car’s speakers and provided the ability to reply with several pre-composed responses.
“The Message app has been removed from the App shop. Users can access their messages via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.” – Stephanie Lang of General Motors Advanced Technology Communications told GM Authority in a statement.
GM’s built-in text messaging feature was released at a time when neither Android Auto nor Apple CarPlay was available. As such, it provided a nice stopgap before the automotive infotainment interfaces from Google and Apple came to fruition.
Though GM’s solution was useful, it could be clunky at times by improperly reading a message, or simply providing very limited preconfigured responses when replying to a text. In that regard, both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offer superior functionally when it comes to handling text messages.
The GM Authority Take
Like other carmakers, GM appears to be realizing that investing large amounts of money into its own infotainment systems isn’t necessarily worth it. After all, car buyers are clamoring for Android and Apple services, which not only work well, but also update themselves at the same rate as the vehicle owner’s phone – which is much faster than the rate at which a vehicle’s infotainment system is updated (if one is so lucky).
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I have been fighting the texting thing shortly after purchasing my 2019 Silverado LTZ. I configured the texting options with my salesperson (Braden at CenturyLink rocked). After that I have been a number being pushed through Century’s service. How can GM sell something, charge me for it and then take it away? The texting app worked great everything i wanted. Android Auto is horrific and I do not want a cable plugged in to my phone while im driving. You get different responses from everyone. I paid for the app and I want it back. I sure hope GM fixes this. I love my truck other than their infotainment.
I just picked up my 2020 Equinox 5 days ago. I finally had time to sit in my car and learn about its new features. I am very disappointed that after spending a large chunk of time trying to figure out how to receive a text message that I can’t unless I use android auto. I am very annoyed that it will not just pop up and read it to me. I like everything else but not that.
I know right doesn’t make sense to take a feature away. Don’t want to or need to plug in everytime! Wasted a bunch of time trying to get it to work to find out it doesn’t anymore.
I couldn’t believe they got rid of bluetooth texting, thats ridiculous, my 2018 silverado had it. Just traded it in and was frustrated that it wasn’t working. Tried the android auto which worked on last truck. The android auto app isn’t even working right! Horrible reviews for Android auto app as well. Come on, this is ridiculous, bring back the simple Bluetooth text messages. I want simple!
Exactly!!!
If I would have known that feature was being cancelled I would have bought a Ford, very disappointed
UPDATE: 10/29/2020 – I am Case# SR:9-6320289909 in the ExecReferral at GM.
I had requested a call back from a supervisor when I was notified that “GM does not support the specific app” (SMS Text Messaging) and I received a call from Kenneth Brooks, Supervisor/Team Lead, Exec Resolution Team, Michigan. Initially, I complimented the talents of the individual I had made the request to, “Jada” and then unfortunately, Mr Brooks could only repeat the “sorry, but not going to help” song. He eventually offered $100. in service coupons as a compensation for having, as I put it, “stolen a product I had paid for.” I declined his offer, asked for the next person up the chain and was refused any further opportunity. VERY POOR in my opinion. …..and I had been considering my next vehicle being a Tahoe. Rethinking that completely.
To make matters even worse about having to plug in for the text messaging to “work” you have to hit the screen for it to play. It doesn’t allow you to use the steering wheel function …. why would you take away something that makes it easier than having to reach over to hit the screen! I would think you can do an update to make your customers happy!
All these comments are very true. The inconvenience and hassle of plugging in the phone, the fact that it disconnects often causing the driver to interact with the phone and select the feature on the infotainment center to attempt to get it working again is distracting. It seems like with all the other auto manufacturers that have it figured out, we wouldn’t be dealing with this. I have neighbor’s and friends ask about liking the truck… I’m very honest about how annoying this is and watched two neighbor’s choose a Ford and Dodge over it. Get the word out and hit them where it hurts!
I just bought a 2020 XT5 Cadillac and I can’t even believe that it doesn’t have text notification or text message reply. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I would have never bought this car. Feel like I was played.. dealership acted like they knew nothing about it. I spend 2 hours with dealer and they directed me to Auto Play for android where you have to plug in your phone and use and APP. Talk about a step back for a luxury vehicle. SO MAD :0(
I traded in a 2019 jeep for a 2020 buick enclave loaded TO the max or at least I thought. Minus text. Sad to say my jeep had it 😢
I had it in my 2012 Camaro, and my 2015 Cadillac SRX, but I don’t have it my 2019 Chevy Blazer RS. My wife still has it in her 2018 Chevy Equinox. To say say I’m furious is an understatement. I’ll be trading my 2019 Blazer for a Ford in 2021. GM put wireless charging in my car, but then expects me to connect my phone with a cable to Android Auto or the iPhone app. Unbelievable! They must be getting quite a bit of money to railroad into using Android auto or the iPhone app. I have always bought Chevy or Fords my entire life. From now on I guess it’s just Fords. Are you listening GM. Is the money you’re getting to push us to use those two worthless apps worth losing lifetime customers. As far as I’m concerned the GM brand has taken a big it. I bet the new Ford Bronco will have text capability with the Sync system.
I’m not sure about others on this matter, but it really adds to my displeasure that I have to always see the icon for text message app on my screen, yet GM stole the app that it should be linked to! Is there an attorney who wants to take up a class action suit on this????? Give be back what I paid for, that’s all I ask
Thats even worse.. to have had it on a vehicle you bought and have it taken away. I was just taken for stupid when I bought the car. I just can’t even believe it. I really can’t.
I’m in for a class action suit! Even when owners know it’s not lawful to interact with a phone when driving, out of habit to get things working and frustration when it doesn’t, they WILL mess with things when it fails to work properly! Not to mention the inconvenience of time to get everything working, just to have it fail when driving down the road.
Please put out a update for the 2020 buick enclave for text messages. I check updates daily. Was told when I bought it there would be a infotainment update soon. But no almost 3 months later nothing. Hate android auto
Been waiting since February. Good luck!
We are all in agreement – the Infotainment system is clumsy. The system in our 2018 Silverado is BEAUTIFUL. yes, you need to plug the phone in, but it reads text messages, allows me to verbalize a response to texts, lets me do Google searches — all while listening to music, podcasts, etc.
The 2020 Equinox. Sigh. Talk about FRUSTRATION. It let’s me know (sometimes) when a message comes in, but WILL NOT READ THE MESSAGE. Google verbalized requests (“Hey Google, read by text messages) will not work. Bixby? Please. Don’t bring Bixby into this mess.
SOMEONE, PLEASE HOLD MY HAND TO TEACH ME A WORK AROUND. I commute up to 10 hours a day and rely on remaining connected. Looking down at my phone while navigating the USB cable….not smart.
The comments on here are all way too valid. One would almost think that General Motors decision makers obviously don’t drive their own vehicles. This was one feature I was looking forward to most as I was driving my last vehicle for 15 years and didn’t have texting available in my old truck… I did get spoiled in my wife’s van and daughters car. I left work the other night and was sitting in my truck fumbling with my cord and phone as everyone knows it’s not a seamless process and trying to get it up and running. I’m glad I got the door locks, as three guys walked up and tried opening my doors. None the less, I threw it in gear and took off. Had GM not stripped this feature from their customers, this would not have happened. Not to mention all the times Android Auto just decided to stop working (and no, it’s not my cord). Then I find myself working to fix the connection and not paying attention to my primary job… Which is to be safe on the road. Unfortunately, it’s going to take people getting hurt, or worse to see their class. My daughter and wife will be in the market for a new vehicle in the near future. I’m definitely going to persuade them and others to choose another make unless GM gets it together. God knows we pay enough for their vehicles… I couldn’t cost that much to fix this issue. I encourage everyone to get the word out… Hurting their pocket books will be the only way they will listen!
I bought my 2020 Silverado back in February. Found my way to this forum like everyone else. I get notified when others post. Always hoped GM would do something, but alas, nothing yet.
GM, do you care about losing loyal customers over this!?!?!?!
We are currently looking to dump our 2020 Acadia Denali for a car that you can get a text without connecting a cable. Maybe an Explorer or Durango. Maybe a Telluride too.