A Complete OEM-Pattern Retrofit Guide for 2013–2015.5 HMI Systems**

Many GM owners of early MyLink, IntelliLink, and Cadillac CUE systems want to know whether Apple CarPlay or Android Auto can be added to their vehicle. For a large number of 2013–2015.5 GM models, the answer is yes. When completed correctly, the upgrade provides a fully OEM-integrated CarPlay/Android Auto experience using brand-new GM hardware and VIN-matched programming.

This guide outlines which vehicles are compatible, what hardware is required, how IO4 can be converted, what makes WAMS the only source for full OEM steering-wheel and cluster behavior, and how to verify eligibility.

This article applies only to HMI-based infotainment systems (IO4, IO5, IO6).

CSM-based vehicles already have factory CarPlay/Android Auto and are not included here.

Supported GM Vehicles

The following vehicles equipped with HMI-based infotainment systems (IO5 or IO6) support an Apple CarPlay and Android Auto retrofit. Coverage below reflects North American configurations.

Buick

2014–2015 LaCrosse
2014–2015 Regal

Cadillac

2013–2015 ATS
2014–2015 CTS
2014–2015 ELR
2015–2015.5 Escalade / Escalade ESV
2013–2016 SRX
2013–2015 XTS

Chevrolet

2015 Colorado
2014–2019 Corvette (C7)
2014–2015 Impala
2014–2015.5 Silverado 1500
2015–2015.5 Silverado 2500/3500
2015–2015.5 Suburban
2015–2015.5 Tahoe

GMC

2015 Canyon
2014–2015.5 Sierra 1500
2015–2015.5 Sierra 2500/3500
2015–2015.5 Yukon / Yukon XL

If your vehicle appears in this list and has IO5 or IO6, it is compatible with the upgrade.

Main upgrade kit:

CarPlay and Android Auto Retrofit Kit

Can IO4 Vehicles Be Upgraded? Yes — With a Screen Conversion

IO4 (4-inch screen) vehicles can still receive CarPlay and Android Auto, but require a conversion to the factory 8-inch IO5/IO6 configuration before the retrofit can be applied.

Required upgrade path:

4-inch to 8-inch Screen Upgrade (IO4 → IO5/IO6)

Once converted, IO4 vehicles follow the same upgrade process as IO5/IO6 applications.

**What the Upgrade Actually Requires

(Full OEM-Level Integration)**

Adding CarPlay and Android Auto to earlier GM vehicles is not simply a matter of swapping the HMI. A correct retrofit requires upgrading several modules so that the system behaves exactly like a factory-equipped CarPlay vehicle. WAMS supplies the only full OEM-pattern upgrade using brand-new GM components with VIN-matched programming.

1. New GM Radio/ACM

The radio module is responsible for projection audio routing and must support the updated CarPlay/Android Auto transport layers. Earlier ACMs cannot handle this functionality.

The WAMS kit includes the correct updated ACM matched to the specific vehicle HMI and Audio configuration.

2. New GM HMI 2.5 Module

This is the component that enables CarPlay and Android Auto. WAMS programs each unit to:

The vehicle’s VIN
Navigation or non-navigation configuration
Correct regional market
Correct firmware package and custom retrofit calibrations.

Every HMI is a brand-new GM part, not salvage or remanufactured hardware.

3. Correct USB Hub

CarPlay and Android Auto require a high-speed USB hub that supports enhanced device negotiation and throughput. Pre-2016 hubs do not support projection protocols. The necessary updated hub is selectable when ordering the retrofit kit.

**4. Optional but Important: Full OEM Steering-Wheel and Cluster Integration

(WAMS Exclusive)**

Most retrofit attempts stop at basic CarPlay functionality. WAMS goes further.

WAMS is the only provider offering cluster upgrades to support:

Steering wheel audio and voice control behavior
Correct metadata and projection indicators
OEM-style cluster messaging and integration
Proper command routing between ACM, HMI, BCM, and cluster

This level of OEM-pattern integration is not available from dealers or third-party sellers. If customers want the full factory experience, including steering wheel button behavior that feels native, a cluster upgrade is required.

5. Optional Navigation Map Update

For IO6 Navigation applications, WAMS can apply the final GM map update available for HMI 2.5 units.

6. VIN Matching and System Configuration

Every module is:

Brand-new GM hardware
Programmed to your VIN
Updated to correct software levels
Matched to original RPO configuration
Validated to ensure correct communication with existing vehicle modules
Thoroughly tested prior to shipping

This ensures stability and OEM-correct behavior.

Special Case: Vehicles With RPO UE0 (OnStar Delete)

Vehicles built with UE0 (OnStar Delete) require unique infotainment programming. WAMS is the only source able to correctly configure HMI 2.5 hardware for UE0 vehicles so that all functions operate as expected without OnStar hardware.

CSM-Based Vehicles and Ultium EVs

Later CSM-based vehicles already include native CarPlay/Android Auto and do not require any retrofit.

Ultium EVs removed CarPlay entirely. For a complete explanation of why WAMS discontinued the Ultium retrofit, see:

Why We Discontinued the Ultium CarPlay & Android Auto Upgrade

Quick Eligibility Checklist

Your vehicle can accept the CarPlay/Android Auto retrofit if:

It appears in the supported list above
It is equipped with IO5 or IO6, or an IO4 converted to IO5/IO6
It uses an HMI-based infotainment system
It is a North American model

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