GM is giving OnStar an AI makeover

Your car's infotainment and assistance systems can now understand complex, conversational requests and proactively offer help.

General Motors is integrating a personal AI assistant into its OnStar connected car service, marking a significant evolution from its traditional call center function. This AI Assistant will debut in the 2027 Cadillac Lyriq EV and subsequently roll out to other GM vehicles. A new, unified OnStar mobile app is also slated for a 2027 release, replacing existing brand-specific apps and the current OnStar Guardian app. This initiative leverages generative AI, with GM developing the core assistant in-house, aiming to provide drivers and passengers with an interactive, predictive, and proactive support experience. Features will include voice control for vehicle functions like climate, AI-powered responses to queries, and the ability for connected cameras to automatically record and upload potential safety events. This move is part of GM's strategy to build a substantial subscription business and keep pace with automotive technology advancements, particularly concerning in-car software.

GM's pivot to an in-house AI assistant for OnStar signals a broader industry trend where automakers are prioritizing the development of proprietary connected intelligence platforms. This move away from relying solely on third-party AI providers like Google aims to create more deeply integrated and customized user experiences, potentially unlocking new revenue streams through enhanced subscription services. The focus on proactive and predictive support, enabled by vehicle sensors and AI interpretation, suggests a future where cars become more like personal digital assistants. The introduction of the AI Assistant and the unified mobile app signifies a significant shift in GM's software development strategy, requiring new electrical architectures and a greater emphasis on AI tools. This approach also addresses past criticisms regarding data privacy, with GM emphasizing user control over data sharing and implementing security measures for recorded events. As the automotive sector increasingly competes on technology, GM's investment in an agentic AI core for its connected services positions it to challenge competitors and further embed its vehicles into customers' daily digital lives.