GM Trucks Get Smarter: Less Swiping, More Driving

General Motors is enhancing the software experience in its top-selling trucks, aiming to minimize distracting tapping and swiping by enlarging frequently used controls. The 2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2027 GMC Sierra 1500, launching later this year, will feature updated graphics for driver-assist systems and smoother transitions across displays. These trucks will offer over 60 inches of combined screen real estate, designed for improved functionality, especially on rough roads.

GM is integrating a swipe-down notification interface for quick access to settings and controls, similar to smartphone design. Physical buttons for essential functions like HVAC remain, but some features, like the oil dipstick reading, are now digital. The new interface aims to prevent the screen from being completely taken over by a single function, using side panels and animated transitions for a more contextual experience.

A significant update includes picture-in-picture displays for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This feature allows phone mirroring to occupy a large card on the screen while retaining access to native GM functions, such as trailering information. This approach accommodates customer preferences for phone projection without sacrificing access to the truck's core systems, a key goal for GM's infotainment strategy.

The updated UI will be available on new 2027 Silverado and Sierra models. GM anticipates substantial customer feedback from the nearly 900,000 annual sales of these trucks, with plans to refine the system through over-the-air updates. This strategy places the new interface on GM's core products to maximize customer reach and gather rapid insights for future improvements.