2025 Rear Seat Entertainment via HDMI and Apple Device w/out Wi-Fi?

[tjonesdfw]

There are several threads on streaming with the updated aka decontented rear seat entertainment systems in the 2025 trucks. Rather than have a recurring OnStar data plan, we would rather connect an Apple device loaded with movies to the HDMI input. It appeared this was possible back in 2021 or 2022 with an official Apple lightning to HDMI adapter, but I'm seeing mixed info on whether 1.) it will work anymore, 2.) whether it will work on a 2025, 3.) whether it works with the new USB-C Apple devices. We would prefer NOT to have Wi-Fi in the truck and just want to plug in when needed for trips IF we are forced to have the useless screens.

 

[Big Mama]

my bet is GM found out there was a loophole and closed it but there are some guys on here that’ll figure it out. If it’s a no go you’re right that getting your own monitors that allow input is much cheaper than GM’s data price.
Way back when I had a 2000 xl and used an inverter to power a tv/vcr for the kids to watch driving from NC to CA. There’s always a way.

 

[Stbentoak]

I got 3 years of "free" data with my vehicle FWIW.....

 

[WalleyeMikeIII]

I got 3 years of "free" data with my vehicle FWIW.....

Not "free," it was "included!"

 

[WalleyeMikeIII]

There are several threads on streaming with the updated aka decontented rear seat entertainment systems in the 2025 trucks. Rather than have a recurring OnStar data plan, we would rather connect an Apple device loaded with movies to the HDMI input. It appeared this was possible back in 2021 or 2022 with an official Apple lightning to HDMI adapter, but I'm seeing mixed info on whether 1.) it will work anymore, 2.) whether it will work on a 2025, 3.) whether it works with the new USB-C Apple devices. We would prefer NOT to have Wi-Fi in the truck and just want to plug in when needed for trips IF we are forced to have the useless screens.

I don't know for sure, but if you have an HDMI input, and buy the Apple USB-C to HDMI adapter (the one from apple, dont' buy an off brand one), you should be able to send it over. I can plug my iPhone into my USB-C Computer monitor and the phone screen is on the monitor.

Another option, assuming there is still HDMI inputs is a laptop.

USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter

USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter lets you connect your USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) enabled Mac to a HDMI display, standard USB device, and charging cable. Buy now at apple.com.

www.apple.com

 

[BrianM3CX]

There are several threads on streaming with the updated aka decontented rear seat entertainment systems in the 2025 trucks. Rather than have a recurring OnStar data plan, we would rather connect an Apple device loaded with movies to the HDMI input. It appeared this was possible back in 2021 or 2022 with an official Apple lightning to HDMI adapter, but I'm seeing mixed info on whether 1.) it will work anymore, 2.) whether it will work on a 2025, 3.) whether it works with the new USB-C Apple devices. We would prefer NOT to have Wi-Fi in the truck and just want to plug in when needed for trips IF we are forced to have the useless screens.

Yes this will work for the rear entertainment screens to “mirror” your iPhone or iPad or Mac display, but you will need two for each screen $69 Apple USB-C Digital AV Multimode adapters/1-3 ft HDMI cables that can be purchased from Best Buy or Apple. This uses your Apple Device’s data. *Apple developers decide which apps can display/stream content through the Apple USB-C Digital AV Multimode adapter. It fully mirrors your iPhone device without a problem but some streaming videos apps might “protect” their content stream due to copyright or DRM restrictions i.e ESPN’s current app. Hopefully this restriction is lifted with their new upcoming DTC ESPN app.

You could also download the movies on your Apple Device’s via WiFi at home and then easily “mirror” display/play them on the Rear Seat Entertainment Monitors with a Apple USB-C Digital AV Multimode adapter and a HDMI cable plugged into the rear seat HDMI connection. Example from the Apple TV App/library of movies from your old iTunes purchases.

With the addition of a true web browser now on the 2025 Yukon/Tahoe Rear entertainment monitors the use/value of an Unlimited data package for the vehicle is worth it. (Separately you can now even download a full Chrome Browser/apps on the front screen to use while in park, from the Google play store so the unlimited WiFi data throughout the vehicle is more useful for a variety of use cases now).

GM still needs to bring the full Google Play Store to the Rear Entertainment monitors so the end user can customize/download to their liking instead of just a pre-set app’s YouTube, YouTube Kids, Hulu, Tubi, Browser, and HDMI inputs.

 

[Sgt1411]

Just a question for those with our 2025/26 SUV's with RSE, I can see the App icons for Disney, You-Tube, You-Tube Kids on my front multimedia screen. When I am in the RSE configuration menu on front multimedia screen it gives you the option to select an input and then it gives you those three Apps plus HDMI 1 and HDMI 2 as input options to select.

When I select any of the icons they do not transfer to the rear screens.

Does anyone else have this issue or is it functioning correctly?

There are no icons on the rear RSE screen other then HDMI 1 and HDMI 2 Vehicle Info.

The multimedia unit was recently upgraded to the latest firmware Android 14

Also Apple Music just showed up on my friends Escalade IQ front screen as well.

 

[Sgt1411]

So after much interaction with OnStar and my dealership we were able to determine why my RSE had no streaming icons.

Just in case someone else has same issue.

Onstar directions were.......

Our tier 2 technician team advised of need to visit dealership to update rear passenger screen software to the latest version as this update is only available through the dealership. Current calibrations have content calibrated OFF (calibration s/w part number 85791344). Once the vehicle has received the necessary updates, you will be able to access in-vehicle video streaming apps and a web browser on the passenger screen in your vehicle.