GM's New Truck Tech Is Surprisingly Thoughtful in the 2027 Chevrolet Silverado (Plus It Includes Apple CarPlay!)MotorTrendFrank MarkusTue, September 15, 2026 at 4:38 PM UTCAdd us on Google2027 Chevy Silverado + GMC Sierra Tech First LookGeneral Motors - MotorTrendAmong the most crucial General Motors product launches happening this year will be the 2027 Chevrolet Silverado and 2027 GMC Sierra half-ton pickup trucks we previewed back in June, noting among other things that—as with seemingly all new products—the quantity of available screen real estate is increasing. Well, we just got a first look at some of the specifics about how the General plans to improve the quality of user screen interaction as well.Holistic ApproachExecutive director of human interface design Sebastian Bauer walked us through the new system noting, "Everything was considered as a whole, whether it's the cluster, or the center display, or the front passenger infotainment, it's really one cohesive role." Screen-mirroring programs like CarPlay and Android Auto are accommodated on the right side of the infotainment screen, with a nice-size area to the left—closest to a hand on the wheel—that can be programmed with whatever information the driver prefers, including controls for frequently accessed items.These programmable buttons can include a garage door opener, which can be geofenced to appear only when in range of the garage door. Similarly, the parking proximity warning button can appear just when you need to press it to stop it squawking. Controls for traction control or off-road accessories like winches, lights, etc. could be ganged here as well (wiring is provided to hook up accessories and give the virtual aux switches something to do).General Motors - MotorTrendWhen navigating via CarPlay, the media player can be displayed to the left of the CarPlay screen, allowing the driver to change sources, advance tracks, etc. without navigating to a dedicated audio display. Artist/title info can also show up as a tile on one of the optional instrument cluster views. Other home-screen possibilities include fuel consumption info, trailering data, and other frequently accessed controls. It's all quite programmable.AdvertisementAdvertisementThere are also some neat quick workarounds—like simply swiping from the top down brings up a screen that offers shortcuts to frequent pain points. It will, for example, show the most recently connected phones, allowing the user to switch between them. Privacy information, microphone settings, location data, Wi-Fi connectivity—it can all be accessed from that pull-down screen.19 Views From 11 CamerasMost of the camera views are familiar, but off-road models get two underbody cameras (with cleaners that draw from the windshield washer reservoir), and interior cameras can give a focused view of the rear seat passengers or a fisheye view of the entire cabin. Naturally, the trucks will be able to display the feeds from additional trailer-mounted cameras.2027 Chevrolet Silverado passenger screen built-in streaming servicesGeneral Motors - MotorTrendPassenger ScreenNew to both Silverado and Sierra are passenger infotainment screens, and they're designed to be more entertaining than some. For starters, there are several built-in apps (Disney+, YouTube, YouTube Kids, Hulu, AMC, TuneIn, SiriusXM, Tubi, ViX, Amazon Music, DirecTV, iHeartRadio, AirConsole) that allow direct streaming via the onboard internet connection. Need to do some work? Connect your laptop to the screen as an auxiliary display screen via the HDMI port down by the passenger's left knee. Motion picture content is invisible to the driver, while static "widget" type displays (time, temperature, etc.) can remain visible.2027 GMC Sierra Off-Road mode screenGeneral Motors - MotorTrendBrand DifferentiationGraphic design elements are tailored to telegraph the different brands' aesthetics. Speedometer and tachometer sweeps use a double line that echoes the Chevy's headlamps, while GMC uses a completely different look and font that strives to convey a finer, more sophisticated look. And the GMC's passenger screen gets partially covered by a retractable dash panel when it's not infotaining anyone, leaving a strip that can display various static information.2027 Chevrolet Silverado High Country InteriorGeneral Motors - MotorTrendErgonomically TestedDuring our tour of Bauer's human interface studio he showed off an amazing new tool that, with a few screen touches on an iPad screen, can virtually replicate the precise seating environment of any cockpit that's been digitized. The screens, steering wheel, console, door panel, and more can be moved into any desired position. This then allows physical controls to be placed, manipulated, and evaluated by a user viewing a virtual version of a new design. (There will be no excuses if anything ends up feeling out of reach in these new trucks!)AdvertisementAdvertisementStay tuned for more as we approach the late 2026 launch of these highly anticipated trucks.Photo credit: General Motors - MotorTrendPhoto credit: General Motors - MotorTrendPhoto credit: General Motors - MotorTrendPhoto credit: General Motors - MotorTrendAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: General Motors - MotorTrendPhoto credit: General Motors - MotorTrendHome screen with Apple CarPlayPhoto credit: General Motors - MotorTrendHome screen with Android Auto
