When your vehicle outlives its cloud: What happens next?
Modern connected vehicles rely heavily on cloud-based services that may eventually become obsolete as automakers discontinue support for older models. This creates a future where vehicle features like remote start or app-based diagnostics may stop functioning as the underlying infrastructure ages.
Why it matters
This highlights the 'planned obsolescence' of software-defined vehicles, raising concerns about long-term ownership and the value of connected car features.
☁️🚗 When your vehicle outlives its cloud: What happens next? Automakers love connected vehicles, but support isn’t open-ended.
49 Credit: Aurich Lawson | Getty Images Credit: Aurich Lawson | Getty Images Text settings Story text Size Small Standard Large Width * Standard Wide Links Standard Orange * Subscribers only Learn more Minimize to nav Do you use your vehicle’s app to pre‑cool the cabin on a scorching day, confirm the doors are locked from bed, or have the car automatically call for help when the airbags go off?
Savor those connected, cloud‑based conveniences while you can—the clock is already ticking on their obsolescence. In a few short years, you may be driving today’s vehicle without many of the features you currently enjoy.
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