Update (October 22 23:54 PT): In response to our query, GM clarified that offline recording support is already available on eligible vehicles. Like Tesla’s Sentry Mode, it requires owners to connect a USB drive to save incident recordings, which can be viewed on the vehicle’s infotainment screen. The upcoming Connected Cameras feature will build on this by giving owners remote access to these recordings via the revamped OnStar app, allowing them to check footage without walking out to their car.
General Motors has announced plans to add a new Connected Cameras feature to its OnStar service starting next year, giving drivers a way to monitor parked vehicles remotely and capture footage of certain incidents.
GM is bringing Tesla Sentry Mode-style monitoring to its cars
GM says the Connected Cameras feature will arrive alongside the redesigned OnStar app in 2027, which will replace the current OnStar Guardian app along with the separate Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC apps. The feature will utilize onboard cameras to record a short clip when a trigger event happens, such as aggressive honking or a sharp impact. The footage will then be uploaded to the OnStar app and the owner will be notified.
This functionality directly rivals Tesla’s Sentry Mode, which relies on exterior cameras to record surrounding activity around a parked vehicle. However, it’s not immediately clear whether GM’s implementation will support offline recordings on a USB drive, something that Tesla already offers. We’ve reached out to the company for clarification and will update this post as soon as we hear back.
If you’re worried about privacy, GM promises all recordings will be encrypted and completely inaccessible to the automaker, with users having full control over their camera feeds.
Part of a broader OnStar AI overhaul
Connected Cameras is just one component of the massive AI upgrade heading to GM vehicles next year. The automaker is also introducing an OnStar AI Assistant, which will debut on the 2027 Cadillac LYRIQ through an over-the-air update before expanding to other GM models. It will allow drivers to use natural language prompts for things like adjusting cabin temperature, checking remaining range, mapping charging stops, or explaining warning symbols on the dashboard.
Beyond basic in-car controls, GM says the assistant will be able to complete complex vehicle-specific tasks and smoothly hand off queries to a live OnStar advisor whenever human support is needed.
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