General Motors announced at its GM Forward media event that it will integrate Google’s Gemini AI into its vehicles starting in 2026. The integration will create an advanced conversational assistant for the company’s cars, trucks, and SUVs, replacing its current system.
The Gemini-powered system is set to replace the existing “Google built-in” operating system, which currently provides access to applications like Google Maps and Google Assistant. The new AI assistant will be able to access vehicle data to identify and report potential maintenance issues directly to the driver. Its functions also include assisting with route planning and explaining the operation of various vehicle features upon request. A key capability is remote vehicle control, which will allow a driver to activate the heating or air conditioning systems before entering the car.
This upgrade is intended to address common user frustrations associated with existing voice command technology. GM Vice President Dave Richardson explained the advantage of the new platform. “One of the challenges with current voice assistants is that, if you’ve used the…you’ve probably also been frustrated by them because they’re trained on certain code words or they don’t understand accents very well or if you don’t say it quite right, you don’t get the right response,” Richardson stated. He added, “What’s great about large language models is they don’t seem to be affected by that.”
A distinct feature enabled by the Gemini AI will be web integration, allowing the chatbot to answer real-time, location-based questions. GM offered an example of a driver asking for the history of a bridge they are currently crossing. Following its launch, the assistant will be available via the Play Store as an over-the-air upgrade. This update will be accessible to OnStar-equipped vehicles, including a wide range of models dating back to the 2015 model year.
This initiative follows a recent Federal Trade Commission action that banned GM from selling OnStar Smart Driver program data to insurance companies without explicit user consent for five years. Richardson affirmed that the Gemini software will be privacy-focused, granting drivers specific controls over what information the system can access and utilize. In addition to the partnership with Google, GM is concurrently developing its own proprietary AI chatbot that has been “custom-built for your vehicle,” though a release date has not been announced for this separate project.
The GM Forward event also served to announce other long-term company initiatives. General Motors plans to roll out its proprietary self-driving platform in 2028. This timeline coincides with the planned launch of its own in-house computing platform. As part of this broader technological strategy, GM will phase out Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration from its vehicle lineup over the next few years.
