The Rise and Fall of Infotainment Screens in Cars

Today’s technology-driven vehicles are more advanced than ever before, but some features have not been well-received by the public. One of the most notable and problematic trends in the automotive industry is the infotainment screen.

The Initial Attraction of Infotainment Screens

It’s easy to understand why touch screens and large displays initially gained popularity. They offer a sleek and interactive way to control various car functions, similar to using a smartphone. However, in practice, this technology has proven to be flawed, and drivers are now pushing back against it.

The Proliferation of Infotainment Screens

Infotainment screens have been around for years, but their popularity surged after Tesla introduced its iPad-like controls in the mid-2010s. Today, approximately 97% of new vehicles come equipped with a touch screen, and nearly a quarter of them have a screen that is 11 inches or larger. Automakers have been eagerly adding new functions to these screens, including access to iMessage, Netflix, and other features that can be controlled from the driver’s seat.

The Limitations and Concerns of Infotainment Screens

Despite the efforts of automakers to enhance the infotainment experience, tech companies have been promoting plans to take these displays even further. However, the trend towards touch screens and digitalization may be slowing down due to growing concerns about safety and convenience. The pushback against vehicle touch screens is ultimately a matter of safety and convenience, as navigating between menus to find the right settings can be frustrating, slow, and unsafe while driving.

Safety Concerns and Recalls

In 2021, Tesla had to recall vehicles due to an issue with the flash memory in its infotainment systems, which made the rearview camera unviewable and took defrost and turn signal functions offline. More recently, a class-action lawsuit against Stellantis alleges that defective infotainment screens led to backup camera failures and distracting audio glitches. These shortcomings, alongside the obvious distracting features of an iPad in the center console, pose significant safety concerns.

Consumer Preferences and the Future of Infotainment Systems

As much as carmakers seem to love infotainment screens, consumers are less enthusiastic about them. Only 15% of drivers in 2024 said they would want a full-width infotainment display. In response to these concerns, some car brands have started toning down the "screenification" of their vehicles. Volkswagen, for example, has announced that it will bring back physical buttons after backlash against its more screen-heavy models.

Alternative Solutions

Given the growing push against infotainment touch screens, automakers will likely respond by introducing alternative solutions. Some companies think the solution is to keep digital displays but change how they operate. BMW, for instance, has unveiled a new heads-up display (HUD) that puts more information along the bottom of the windshield instead of keeping it on the dash. This system allows the driver to decide which information they want to display in their own field of vision.

The Evolution of Infotainment Systems

The evolution of infotainment systems is far from over. Growing attention on common issues should kick-start some much-needed changes. Voice commands have emerged as another alternative, with Mercedes introducing ChatGPT-backed voice controls in 2023, and Apple giving CarPlay voice functionality with iOS 18. These solutions don’t make screens go away, but they do offer a way to use them that doesn’t require taking your hands off the wheel or eyes off the road. As the industry explores these voice-activated solutions, it’s clear that the future of infotainment systems will be shaped by a balance between technology, safety, and convenience.