The 2026 Chevy Silverado EV continues the evolution of Chevrolet’s all-electric full-size pickup with a number of important updates and changes, including the launch of the new off-road-focused Trail Boss trim, as well as a few notable changes to the entry-level Work Truck (WT) variant. Among the most significant changes to the WT is the removal of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, a feature that many new-vehicle buyers have likely come to expect as standard. That said, the deletion of this feature also includes something of a silver lining.
The good news is that the 2026 Chevy Silverado EV Work Truck drops the smaller 11.3-inch infotainment system (RPO code URL) in favor of a larger 17.7-inch touchscreen system with Google built-in (RPO code URW), the latter of which was previously reserved for higher-end trims like the LT and RST. However, while the new system includes a larger display and a long list of Google-based features, it does not support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
The deletion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality from the 2026 Chevy Silverado EV WT features list aligns with GM’s broader strategy to phase out the smartphone mirroring platforms in favor of a proprietary infotainment system designed with EV-specific functionality in mind. According to General Motors’ Infotainment Business Strategy and Planning Manager Ryan Buffa, who spoke with GM Authority back in late 2023, eliminating CarPlay and Android Auto will allow GM to offer more seamless control over EV-related data, especially as it relates to navigation and route planning.
During the GM Authority interview, Buffa explained that EV-specific features like battery health monitoring, range estimates, and charger routing are more effectively managed through the company’s native Google-based system. For example, when plotting a route, the system considers the vehicle’s current battery status, available charging stations, and charger condition in real-time. It can even begin preconditioning the battery en route to ensure peak charging efficiency upon arrival at a DC fast charger.
While the deletion of Apple and Android integration may prove divisive among buyers, GM contends that the decision will result in a more cohesive and efficient experience for Silverado EV drivers, especially those relying on public charging infrastructure. To note, the Silverado EV Work Truck continues to target fleet customers, rather than retail buyers.
Comments
With the lower pricing along with this the WT becomes a great value with little compromise.
Lookie! It’s the Decontenting Department’s work of this week!
What do you lose that the built in system can’t do? Then again, if they were adding Carplay to vehicles that don’t have it, you would still whine about it.
Okay, they/them.
It’s a cop out to drop the functionality. There’s more than one screen on the unit, built-in information could always be displayed on the DIC screen ahead of the driver. Additionally, with the large screen they could choose to keep CarPlay but limit it to partially filling the larger 17” display allowing for other management wanted functionality to still be visible.
This is a push long-term for additional value-added subscription services.
The modern day version of the “SSR” truck.
Not bad looking, but limited sale potential.
I wish Ms Mary is FIRED. She has caused more than enough problems already…
None of these are reasons to drop AA/CarPlay. They’re reasons the customer should choose the native infotainment over phone mirroring. But rather than give that choice, they force the customer into it. I guess they’re not all that confident their system is actually better.
Why can’t I have both gas and diesel in the same vehicle. The apps displayed are better natively especially Spotify than what’s offered on your phone. Stop wanting to spot progress.
So many rotting on the dealer lots.
Dropping support for CarPlay and Android Auto reminds me of GM in the 80’s with their acquisition of EDS. Roger Smith thought he had an information business, not a transportation provider. GM should stick to what their core business is. It certainly requires better attention instead of trying to compete w ubiquitous smartphone providers. We use our vehicles perhaps 2-10% of the time. I use my iPhone constantly.
Are we sure this isn’t just about selling a subscription service. As I recall Barra was giddy at one time about how much money GM was going to make off of already tapped-out customers by forcing them into long-term subscription contracts for in-car services.
BMW never did it here but they were building cars in Europe with heated seats but in order to get them to work, you had to be a heated seat subscriber and pay a monthly fee which is preposterous. I’ve always thought that was GM’s angle with getting rid of CarPlay. It’s not about better functionality for consumers; it’s about better profitability for General Motors.
So you take away what we really wanted and give us something we didn’t ask for or care about. Mary you can shove that subscription where the sun don’t shine.