Imagine stepping into your car, ready to enjoy your favorite in-vehicle apps, only to discover they’ve vanished into thin air. That’s the harsh reality for many General Motors (GM) car owners right now. According to a recent report by GMAuthority, a significant number of GM vehicles manufactured between 2017 and 2020 have lost access to their in-vehicle app store. But here’s where it gets even more frustrating: once an app is deleted or the system undergoes a factory reset, it’s gone for good—no re-downloading, no support, and no way to recover it.
This change isn’t just a minor inconvenience; it’s a stark reminder of the limitations of modern vehicle technology. While in-car infotainment systems have become a selling point for many automakers, this incident highlights the potential downsides of relying on software that can be discontinued or unsupported over time. And this is the part most people miss: when you buy a car with connected features, you’re not just purchasing a vehicle—you’re entering into a long-term relationship with the manufacturer’s tech ecosystem. What happens when that ecosystem evolves, or worse, shuts down?
For affected GM owners, this situation raises important questions about the longevity of in-vehicle technology and the responsibilities of automakers. Should companies be required to provide long-term support for features they’ve marketed as part of the vehicle’s value? Or is it the owner’s responsibility to adapt to changes in technology? This is where it gets controversial: some argue that GM should have anticipated this issue and offered a solution, while others believe it’s a natural consequence of rapid tech advancements.
What do you think? Is this a fair trade-off for the convenience of connected cars, or does it signal a need for greater accountability from automakers? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on this evolving debate.
