Does 2016 BMW X3 Have Apple Carplay?

BMW / By

BMW CarPlay is a relatively new invention. Since it’s only compatible with 2017 and newer models, many BMW owners are unable to use it in their vehicles.

According to Apple, the full list of BMW vehicles that support Apple CarPlay as of August 2022 is as follows:

  • F20 and F21 models of the 2017–2022 BMW 1 Series
  • 2017–2022, BMW 2 Series, e.g., F22, F23, F45
  • 2017–2022, BMW 3 Series models such the F30, F31, F34, F80, and G20
  • BMW 4 Series models F32, F33, F36, F82, and F83 from 2017 to 2022
  • BMW 5 Series models from 2017 through 2022, such as the G30, G31, and F90
  • BMW 6 Series models F06, F12, F13, and G32 from 2017 to 2022
  • 2017-2022 BMW 7 Series, for example, G11 and G12
  • 2021-2022 BMW 8 Series models such the G14, G15, and G16
  • 2018-2022 BMW X1, for instance, F48
  • 2018–2022 BMW X2, such as the F39
  • BMW X3 models G01 through 2022
  • 2017-2022 BMW X4 models F26 and G02
  • 2017-2022 BMW X5 (e.g., F15, G05)
  • BMW X6 models like the F16 from 2017 to 2022
  • 2021 – 2022 X5 M
  • 2021 – 2022 X6 M
  • 2018-2021 BMW i3
  • 2019-2020 BMW i8
  • 2019-2022 BMW Z4 G29
  • 2022 i4
  • 2022 iX

Apple CarPlay can be added to vehicles without factory support with the appropriate hardware retrofit, even though it is only officially supported by cars made after 2017. Read on for a few potential solutions if you’re interested in installing BMW CarPlay (including the aftermarket alternative) in your older vehicle.

Visit our guide to F30 upgrades to learn more about retrofits for the BMW 3-Series.

How to Set Up CarPlay on a BMW X3?

Let’s face it: infotainment gadgets like BMW Apple CarPlay are what make urban SUVs practical with a capital “P” and truly enjoyable to cruise in. It’s fantastic when your urban SUV can boast an economical fuel consumption, quiet engine, or spacious luggage capacity. Addicts of Google Maps will understand exactly what we’re talking about.

The best thing is that the BMW X3 doesn’t just come with Apple CarPlay on the newest G01 variant. Even your 2010 F25 BMW X3 can get this roomy system for iPhone apps without sacrificing any of its OEM iDrive capabilities.

We’re going to show that installing Apple CarPlay shouldn’t be difficult no matter what car type you drive in the sections below.

Is it possible to retrofit AppleCarPlay into earlier BMW models?

A 2016 BMW is unquestionably not an old automobile, but it is somewhat of a dinosaur in the realm of technology. However, it is possible to retrofit aftermarket head units for the complete CarPlay experience in older BMWs and gain access to all those iPhone apps, including the music collection, contacts, maps, and navigation.

We won’t get into the details of installing units in pre-2017 BMWs, but you can read more about it here on bimmer-tech.net.

The 2017 BMW X3 is Apple CarPlay compatible.

A few days after the i-step was upgraded, the CarPlay preparation became available in the ConnectedDrive store, and I was able to purchase it. I experienced this with a 2017 X3 and was successful in getting CarPlay to function.

The 2016 BMW X1 is Apple CarPlay compatible.

The factory BMW iDrive screen can now be mirrored from a smartphone in this vehicle. You obtain access to a variety of apps, including Waze, Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Deezer, and Apple Maps.

When was the BMW X3 introduced?

The Positive The 2017 BMW X3 comes equipped with an excellent head-up display, a linked navigation system, and Apple CarPlay compatibility.

Can a 2016 BMW have Apple CarPlay installed?

Because the NBT Evo head unit with ID5 or ID6 software is required, BMW Apple CarPlay compatibility is constrained. In other words, your BMW need the most recent operating system and on-board computer. Even if your car was made in 2016, 2015, or 2014 and has modern technologies, it might only have ID4 hardware or normal NBT, which is outdated head unit hardware.

If your BMW has a head unit that is suitable, BimmerTech can activate the software to make Apple CarPlay available. If your car does not already have a WiFi antenna, you might need to add one in specific circumstances to enable the establishment of a wireless connection between your iPhone and BMW head unit. If your BMW requires one, you may check here and get it from us. Contrary to BMW, BimmerTech can activate BMW CarPlay even if your nation is not listed in Apple CarPlay’s availability list if the necessary hardware is installed in your car.

Regarding the Apple CarPlay subscription, BMW confirmed in December 2019 that owners of 2019/2020 models with the most recent iDrive 7.0 software would not be required to pay any fees. Of course, that only applies to 2018 models of newer autos. A one-time $300 fee will be applied to older BMW models (like an earlier lifetime subscription). However, 2020 and later BMW models are moving forward rather than backward by finally providing free BMW CarPlay.

There are still two options to upgrade your BMW if the initial BMW Apple CarPlay activation is not supported by your car.

Will the 2018 x3 support Apple CarPlay?

Accessed through the attached drive store, the answer is yes. Additionally, you can have it remotely programmed for the car. You would not be able to add the feature if your vehicle had the smaller screen system.

Why doesn’t my BMW have Apple CarPlay?

Due to the carmaker switching its chip supplier, BMW is temporarily shipping new vehicles without Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability (via Automotive News Europe).

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto require updated software to function on the new CPUs found in many BMWs produced this year. Dealerships are advising BMW customers who purchase a new vehicle without CarPlay to wait for an over-the-air upgrade that will add the feature “by the end of June at the latest.”

It’s unclear how many BMW models are impacted, but a lot of consumers in the UK, France, Italy, and the US have complained online about receiving new cars without CarPlay. Models that are affected have the specification code “6P1” in them.

While some BMW owners may have to temporarily do without CarPlay capability, BMW is moving chip suppliers to enhance its supply chain over the long run, which could help to alleviate component shortages in the second half of the year.

With support for Digital Key, Ultra Wideband Digital Key Plus, and a feature-rich dual-screen wireless CarPlay experience, BMW provides one of the most integrated experiences with Apple’s ecosystem. BMW only began providing CarPlay in 2016 and faced criticism for charging a $80 yearly subscription charge before canceling the subscription in response to the backlash.

When did BMW introduce Apple CarPlay?

In 2017, BMW released Apple CarPlay as an add-on that was only available with vehicles that had built-in navigation.

Previously an option, CarPlay is now a requirement for all BMW models with navigation systems.

You must determine whether CarPlay has been enabled on a used BMW manufactured before 2020.

It’s crucial to remember that the automobile needs a wifi antenna and head unit that are compatible. If your vehicle has the necessary configuration in place, your nearby BMW dealership will be able to let you know.

Although it’s unlikely that the technology will be put in BMWs manufactured between 2014 and 2016, a small number may do so given that retrofitting is technically doable.

On my BMW, how can I install Apple CarPlay?

Choose your BMW from the Bluetooth menu on your iPhone. Your iDrive 7 screen will validate the pairing request as the two start to pair. Verify the PIN is the same on your iPhone and iDrive 7 screens, then select Yes. On your iDrive 7 screen, select the option to connect to Apple CarPlay.

Can my 2015 BMW have Apple CarPlay?

You can, indeed! You can add Apple Carplay to a number of BMW models, including the 2018 BMW x1 and 2015 BMWs.

Do you want to use the maps, music, messaging, and Siri commands from your iPhone on your iDrive device? For customers to quickly connect their phones to the iDrive unit and use the apps they have loaded on their iPhones, Apple created the software “Apple CarPlay” for automobiles. applications for calls, messaging, music, and maps. Additionally, Apple is continuously expanding the number of apps that its CarPlay software supports. The whole list of apps that are already compatible with Apple CarPlay is available on the Apple website.

Can I add Apple CarPlay to my BMW?

With firmware beginning with iOS 7.1, Apple CarPlay(r) Preparation is available for all iPhone devices starting with the 5. You must have the optional additional ConnectedDrive Services, which include BMW apps, in order to utilize Apple CarPlay(r) Preparation in a BMW vehicle (6AK). Additionally, your BMW must be outfitted with Navi Professional.

Can BMW be retrofitted with Apple CarPlay?

This upgrade may be applied to any vehicle that was manufactured with a Professional Navigation (609 option code) NBT Evo ID5, ID6, or MGU head unit.

Before we begin, your car must have been produced in September 2016 or later and have a professional wide screen navigation system (609 option code). We regretfully cannot provide this service for your car if it does not meet the requirements. The good news is that if these requirements have been met, it may already be equipped with the majority of the hardware required to operate Apple CarPlay.

We must emphasize that your vehicle’s navigation system must be one of the following, factory installed (this is not an option, and there is no workaround; if it does not have one of these head units factory installed, we regretfully cannot provide you with this retrofit):

  • NBT Evo ID5 for Professional Navigation.
  • NBT Evo ID6 for professional navigation.
  • MGU for Professional Navigation (G-Series).

Then, if your vehicle lacks any of the following features, we will provide, fit, and code them as part of the retrofit cost.

  • Head unit and WiFi antenna.
  • Bluetooth was improved by option 6NS.

The entire CarPlay retrofit costs PS299 including VAT. This includes the additional WiFi antenna and the necessary coding, FSC codes, etc (if required).

For the sake of completeness, BMW built CarPlay to operate in split-screen mode (this is how BMW designed the system so the retrofit will follow suit). By upgrading the vehicle’s iDrive firmware to the most recent BMW software version and then altering this version, we may offer the option of full-screen CarPlay. If desired, we will make this option available for free for vehicles made after 2019, however earlier vehicles will need an update that will cost extra.

Please make sure your headunit is running a later software version than “N” for full screen compatibility to determine if it is ready for full screen.

What firmware version you presently have can be determined by:

Navigate to “Navigation” Select “Map” Click the Options button. Navigate to “Navigation settings.” Select “Version information” under “Position and version” after scrolling down.

This upgrade is not essential; rather, it is a choice. Only those who want CarPlay in full screen mode should upgrade. It has a separate cost of PS119.52 including VAT for earlier (2019 and earlier).

How can I make my BMW CarPlay-compatible?

  • Turn on the Bluetooth, Siri, and WiFi on your iPhone.
  • On your iDrive 7 interface, press COM, then click Mobile Devices.
  • Now that Bluetooth is enabled on your iPhone, you should be able to choose your BMW.

If my car has Apple CarPlay, how do I know?

Most vehicles made in 2014 or after feature Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. You can check the user manual or conduct a Google search using the year, make, and model of your car to find out if it has Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. If your car doesn’t have a wireless dock, you can alternatively use the primary USB connector to connect your phone and view the menu. If your vehicle is equipped with it, an app will appear on the screen and request your permission from your phone. Although these apps are incredibly user-friendly, if you need help, Google (and YouTube!) are always available.

When you connect in your phone, some automobile systems (like Hyundai’s) instantly open Apple CarPlay or Android Auto; however, other systems require you to activate them through the infotainment system (BMW, for example). The technologies are there in your car if CarPlay or Android Auto are listed on the Monroney window sticker, although you might need to look for them.

The Pioneer AVH-3300NEX ($529.97 on Amazon) is a nice system to look into if you’re upgrading your current car but only have one installation slot.