02/07/2026
GM/Cadillac will likely require a paid connectivity plan after the 8-year included period ends — which means the built-in Apple Music app would effectively cost you monthly ongoing fees around 2033 if you want to keep using it without tethering a phone.
But there isn't a separate “extra Apple Music fee” just for GM or Cadillac starting in 2028 — you’d continue paying Apple’s normal subscription fee if you already subscribe, and GM’s free connectivity would still be active until the 8-year period lapses.
People are upset about the GM + Apple Music situation for a few clear reasons social media and owner forums show — and most of them aren’t just about music, but about what it represents for the car-ownership experience.
🚗 Some feel stuck using GM’s system.
💸 Many don’t like extra fees after the introductory period.
📱 Users expected convenience, not complexity or extra charges.
Right now, this Apple Music integration and fee situation is currently specific to General Motors vehicles (like Cadillac, Chevy, with Buick and GMC coming soon). Other major automakers have different approaches: Most other brands (e.g., Toyota, Ford, Honda, etc.) still include Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, meaning you use Apple Music through your phone’s interface, not a built-in GM-style app — so there’s no extra car connectivity fee tied solely to Apple Music. (This is general industry status, with GM being one of the first U.S. mass brands dropping CarPlay widely.)
Tesla — Has its own built-in media apps (including Apple Music for Tesla riders), not tied to Apple CarPlay, but no GM-style fee announcement for basic music yet. Rivian — Also supports Apple Music without needing CarPlay.
Mercedes-Benz — Previous agreements include built-in Apple Music in some models.
The monthly fee people are worried about isn’t Apple charging you extra for Apple Music — you already pay Apple separately for your subscription. The future cost will be for GM’s OnStar/connected services after the eight-year period. Owners of older GM/Cadillac vehicles that do still have CarPlay are not affected by this native Apple Music rollout or the connectivity changes.
🔥 Main Reasons People Are Upset
1. GM is removing Apple CarPlay / Android Auto
Many drivers loved Apple CarPlay because it mirrored their iPhone and gave them a familiar interface. GM is phasing that out, and some owners feel like they’re being forced into GM’s own infotainment instead of using the phone features they’re used to.
Confusion about connectivity fees
Even though GM says streaming Apple Music will be free for eight years through OnStar Basics, people see that after the included period ends there will be a fee for the car’s internet connection — and that frustrates owners who think basic features should stay free forever.
You still pay Apple for Apple Music
Some users mistakenly expected this to include an Apple Music subscription — it doesn’t. You still need your own Apple Music plan ($-per-month) in addition to any car connectivity, which makes some feel like they’re paying twice.
Some older/newer model frustration
Owners of 2024 models discovered that their cars won’t even get the native Apple Music app, even in some cases where the hardware could handle it. That inconsistency has made people feel left out or mistreated.
Subscription fatigue
There’s a larger backlash over subscription economics in cars in general. Many owners don’t like the idea of recurring fees for things that used to be included — whether it’s connectivity or in-car features — and they’re projecting that onto this Apple Music deal too.
💡 Why the Reaction Is Stronger Than You’d Think
For many drivers, especially Apple users, CarPlay was a major reason they chose a particular vehicle. Losing it — even if Apple Music arrives — feels like a downgrade because people want a consistent, familiar in-car experience, not something different that still costs money.
