Android smartphone users often complain that manufacturers do not support their devices for the first few years. After that, the software updates will stop and only the critical security updates will appear. This raises concerns about Android Auto in cars, as new vehicles last longer than smartphones, and the loss of access to an essential infotainment feature would be a huge turnoff for owners. Volkswagen recently announced it would support Android Auto for up to 15 years, which it considers to be the life of a vehicle.
Dirk Hilgenberg, CEO of the VW group’s CARIAD software division, said the automaker has been working to contract with VW brands to provide lifetime support for software and usability updates. However, he said some brands would offer extended support periods for their technologies. Hilgenberg outlined some of the initiative’s challenges, which have forced CARIAD to be cautious about creating too many new features to support for years to come.
He said the car group must be particularly careful to maintain services in its more exclusive vehicles, as VW Group hosts heavy hitters like Porsche, Bugatti and Lamborghini. Analysts have reason to be optimistic as new software frameworks don’t rely as heavily on the underlying hardware, making it possible to support operating systems for much longer than smartphones.
However, there are challenges associated with long-term support, including automakers’ desire to establish subscription programs for vehicle features, which may involve infotainment. Buyers are already dissatisfied with the prospect of paying more for a product they’ve already bought, and the desire to sign up is even lower among used car buyers. Linking over-the-air updates to a monthly subscription can significantly reduce the number of cars receiving new software.
Volkswagen’s announcement is a major step forward in allaying the concerns of Android Auto users. The company’s commitment to supporting Android Auto for up to 15 years is commendable and will no doubt be appreciated by its customers. However, the challenges associated with long-term support cannot be ignored.
Automakers have to be careful not to create too many new features that need to be supported for years. They should also consider the desire to establish subscription programs for vehicle features, including infotainment. Buyers are already dissatisfied with the prospect of paying more for a product they’ve already bought, and the desire to sign up is even lower among used car buyers.
In conclusion, Volkswagen’s commitment to support Android Auto for up to 15 years is a major step forward in alleviating the concerns of Android Auto users. However, automakers need to be careful not to create too many new features that require support for years to come, and they need to consider the desire to establish subscription programs for vehicle features, which may involve infotainment. This way they can ensure that their customers can enjoy the benefits of Android Auto for years to come.