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Chevrolet's 2016 models support both CarPlay and Android Auto

Apple's and Google's in-car efforts aren't mainstream just yet, but manufacturers have given us a glimpse at how these features will work going forward. Soon enough, most automakers are expected to support CarPlay or Android Auto, even though others like Toyota won't be playing along anytime soon. Chevrolet, meanwhile, announced today that 14 of its 2016 models, including cars, trucks and crossovers, will be compatible with CarPlay and Android Auto, making it easy for people to enjoy either platform based on which smartphone they own. What this means is that buyers don't have to worry about choosing one over the other; instead, Chevy's MyLink infotainment system is compatible with both simultaneously.

Let's say you have an iPhone 6, for instance. All you have to do is plug it in via USB and, in a matter of seconds, the console will automatically recognize it as a CarPlay device, after which you'll have access to select core applications. The same goes for drivers who own an Android handset (running Lollipop or above), but with Android Auto showing up on the 7- or 8-inch screen, depending on the vehicle. Obviously, one of the concerns here is data usage, so Chevrolet is letting users pick between what they have through their carrier or one of its OnStar 4G LTE plans -- if the latter option is chosen, you'd simply need to connect your smartphone to the car's WiFi hotspot.


Chevrolet won't be limiting the functionality to its cars in the US, either. The company says it will be available in the same places as Apple's CarPlay and Google's Android Auto -- great news for everyone who's a fan of the recently introduced Spark or Malibu. Unfortunately, there's no backward compatibility, so you'll need one of the 2016 models if you want to have this on your Chevy. Below is the full list.

  • Camaro

  • Camaro Convertible

  • Colorado

  • Corvette

  • Corvette Convertible

  • Cruze

  • Impala

  • Malibu

  • Silverado

  • Silverado HD

  • Spark

  • Suburban

  • Tahoe

  • Volt