Apple Music is on its way to becoming a permanent feature in certain future General Motors (GM) vehicles. This comes after the motor company previously announced getting rid of Apple CarPlay in its electric vehicles. GM hopes that this change will allow customers to have a fuller experience, expanding the catalog of listenable music, playlists, and radio. Customers who purchase newer GM vehicles will be able to experience these benefits for eight years with no additional costs. Customers can also access this deal with a $10 a month Apple Music subscription.
It’s a new feature that has become a solution for GM, especially since it seems that the company is catering to Apple users with its switch to using Apple Music. However, with this change likely involving all of its vehicles, it’s a troubling sign for the future of listening to music within cars.
Recent years have seen Western motor companies incorporate subscription models into their vehicles. While features like Apple Music might seem convenient for users who have those particular devices, newer cars are being gradually redesigned to rely less on Android technology.
Not only is this giving companies like GM and Apple more control over customers’ personal data, but it is also eroding the ownership people have over their vehicles. Motorists in the future shouldn’t have to break their bank to listen to music; aux inputs in past car models and even Bluetooth options show that there are still plenty of ways for customers to listen to music for free.
Streaming music has been a convenient feature for many across the globe, but recent years have seen that it can become more of a hassle than an asset.
