General Motors Hires Former Apple Executive to Lead Software After Announcing Plans to Nix CarPlay

General Motors (GM) has hired Mike Abbott, a former Apple executive responsible for the company's cloud services division, to lead a new software unit, just over a month after the automaker announced the controversial move to phase out Apple CarPlay on new vehicles (via CNBC).

Michael Abbott via Recode
After working at tech companies such as Twitter, Microsoft, and Palm, Apple hired Abbott in February 2018. He oversaw Apple's cloud infrastructure for services like iCloud, iMessage, and FaceTime before leaving the company in March.

Abbott's role at GM will encompass several key functions, including information and digital technology, software-defined vehicle and operating systems, and the company's digital business.

He will report directly to GM CEO Mary Barra. In a statement, Barra said "Mike's experience as a founder and entrepreneur coupled with his proven track record creating and delivering some of the market's most compelling software-defined solutions for consumers and companies make him an excellent fit at GM."

In March, GM announced plans to phase out Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in its vehicles starting this year, shifting to a built-in infotainment system co-developed with Google. The move is expected to help the automaker gather more data about how consumers drive, incentivize vehicle-related digital subscription services, and create recurring revenue opportunities. Abbott is said to play a key role in implementing this strategy.

Top Rated Comments

mystery hill Avatar
8 months ago

former Apple executive responsible for the company's cloud services division
Responsible for iCloud? GM are screwed.
Score: 49 Votes (Like | Disagree)
CasinoOwl Avatar
8 months ago
Sadly, I have seen people go down the road of just buying into new subscription services and micro-payments for things that used to be free. Younger people are used to it and it gets worse and worse. I'm old and I will resist it. I hope others do too.

The motivation behind what GM is doing is money. Time will tell, but I doubt they will add anything better to the user exerience.
Score: 47 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheYayAreaLiving ?️ Avatar
8 months ago
I don't think GM knows exactly what they are doing. GM made the biggest mistake by phasing out Apple CarPlay on new vehicles.
Score: 42 Votes (Like | Disagree)
msackey Avatar
8 months ago
I guess I don't really understand why car manufacturers are interested in mucking around this part of the car experience rather than leaving it to more experienced companies to do it. Maybe they see this as encroaching on their domain?
Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)
moabal Avatar
8 months ago
Mike, blink twice if GM is holding you hostage.
Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)
cwkoller5 Avatar
8 months ago
I'm only buying cars that are CarPlay compatible. Why would I want to drive something that barely works with my iPhone?
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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