GM Continues Hiring of Ex-Apple Talents as it Rejects CarPlay in EVs

General Motors (GM) has hired two more former senior Apple executives in its push to build its own software and services division. The automaker wants to moves away from offering Apple CarPlay support in new electric vehicles.

According to a report by 9to5Mac that cites a source familiar with the matter, GM recently hired David Richardson as vice president of software and services. Richardson spent nearly 12 years at Apple, most recently as director of engineering focused on Apple's cloud infrastructure and services like iCloud, FaceTime, and Siri.

GM also added Baris Cetinok, a former senior director at Apple who led product management and marketing for iCloud, Apple Pay, and other digital services during his nine years at the Cupertino giant.

Richardson and Cetinok both report to Mike Abbott, the former Apple services executive who joined GM earlier this year as senior vice president of software and services. Abbott directly reports to GM CEO Mary Barra.

The hiring of Apple talent is part of GM's major push to develop its proprietary infotainment system and services as the auto industry shifts to electric vehicles. By rejecting Apple CarPlay support in new EVs, GM aims to follow Tesla and Rivian in creating a closed software ecosystem.

Ford has also hired former Apple executives, recently adding Peter Stern, deputy to Apple services chief Eddy Cue. Stern will run Ford's new services division.

Apple has long been rumoured to have an autonomous vehicle project in the works, but the talent departures to legacy automakers like GM and Ford could signal a shift in Apple's vehicle strategy.