GM to add Google Gemini AI assistant to cars in 2026

General Motors will introduce an AI assistant powered by Google Gemini to its vehicles starting in 2026, the company announced at an event in New York City.

The assistant will be available as an over-the-air update through the Play Store for OnStar-equipped GM cars, trucks, and SUVs from model year 2015 and newer.

It is designed to handle driver requests, provide web-based information, and interact with vehicle features such as maintenance alerts and climate control.

GM said drivers will have control over what data the assistant can access, following concerns about privacy and recent controversies over data sales.

Other automakers, including Mercedes, Stellantis, and Tesla, are also integrating generative AI assistants into their vehicles.

GM also plans to test other foundational AI models in addition to Google Gemini for future updates.

🔗 Source: TechCrunch

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Gemini rollout and compatibility; subscription tier not specified

Gemini arrives through an over-the-air update for OnStar vehicles from model year 2015 and newer 1. GM has not specified the needed OnStar plan. It has not said if it comes with safety plans or only with higher tier connectivity packages.
Buick, Chevrolet, Cadillac, and GMC with Google built-in OS 1 already have the setup for Gemini. The company has not explained how it will run on older OnStar cars without Google built-in infotainment.
Market size depends on how many GM model year 2015 or newer vehicles have OnStar and whether an active plan is needed. It has not shared those numbers 1.

Third-party developers can add voice-first apps via Google built-in and Gemini intent formats

Teams building for Android Automotive operating system (Android Automotive OS) can ship apps through Google Play on Google built-in cars 2. Gemini understands natural language so drivers can launch apps with plain voice commands, not fixed phrases.
Navigation tools can plug into Gemini using intent formats, predefined voice intents that apps implement, to start navigation, show results, or report traffic by voice 3. That creates room for logistics, fleet management, and location-based services to build hands-free features.
More than 300 apps sit in the Play Store for cars 3. Developers must handle limits like Google Play Billing, Google’s in-app purchase system, which requires finishing purchases on another device such as a phone 4. That shapes monetization for Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) tools aimed at GM’s Android Automotive footprint.