Among the most popular vehicles on the road today, BMWs are prized for their cutting-edge technology.
Apple CarPlay is one of such features. With it, you may use the BMW’s dashboard screen to access the apps on your iPhone.
Several inquiries about this function will be addressed in this article, along with information on its availability across the whole BMW lineup.
BMWs with iDrive 5 or later equipped have Apple CarPlay available. Since 2019, BMW has offered this as a free upgrade on newer vehicles equipped with iDrive 7.
One feature that many potential BMW owners find to be quite appealing is Apple CarPlay.
Continue reading to find out which BMWs support Apple CarPlay and how to add it to a BMW that doesn’t currently have it.
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SERPRESULT
You must have the optional additional ConnectedDrive Services, which include BMW apps, in order to utilize Apple CarPlay(r) Preparation in a BMW vehicle.
The best way to link your new BMW to your Apple iPhone is through Apple CarPlay, which is available on all BMW models with the iDrive 7 system.
Is a USB cable necessary for my iPhone to connect via CarPlay? No
Can my BMW be equipped with Apple CarPlay?
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. Additionally, your BMW must be outfitted with Navi Professional.
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.
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.
Can a 2016 BMW have Apple CarPlay installed?
You must first choose the finest BMW CarPlay retrofit option for you. CarPlay is fully supported by the iDrive system in many vehicles made after 2016, even if it hasn’t been turned on. If that applies to you, getting a professional to unlock the built-in BMW Apple CarPlay option is one approach to activate Apple CarPlay in your BMW.
There are BMW CarPlay aftermarket options that can get you up and running if that isn’t an option—either because your BMW is a little older or doesn’t have a suitable iDrive system.
The native BMW Apple CarPlay option and aftermarket BMW CarPlay retrofits differ significantly in this regard. Android Auto is not available in older BMW CarPlay-compatible automobiles, so if you use a Samsung phone or another Android device, you are out of luck.
Additionally, aftermarket alternatives may provide extra freedom. The manufacturer CarPlay interface in older vehicles can only use a portion of the screen, but all BMW models come with full-screen mode in CarPlay MMI Prime. Unlike BimmerTech’s retrofit, which enables both wireless connection and connection via a USB cable, which can be more dependable and less draining on the battery, the OEM alternative forces you to rely solely on a wireless connection with your phone.
The BMW CarPlay upgrade from BimmerTech utilises the dashboard display already in your car and is simple to use with the iDrive controller, unlike many alternatives on the market. However, the native BMW iDrive CarPlay option may be easier to use for somebody who frequently shifts between using CarPlay and other iDrive functions.
Apple CarPlay: Does a 2012 BMW have it?
The majority of “near new” or recent vehicles still feature the same or similar styling as Apple CarPlay is only available for the most recent models from automakers.
Systems with infotainment screens, but lacking Apple CarPlay functionality and unable to be updated.
Most factory infotainment systems that were released before those with Apple CarPlay capabilities lack video ports to facilitate attaching your phone.
In the case of BMW, starting in 2017, the majority of the company’s vehicles were equipped with either the iDrive 5 or the iDrive 6, both of which are regarded as iDrive NBT-EVOs and allow Apple CarPlay via download from BMW’s ConnectedDrive.
While it’s admirable that BMW offers a similar service to Mercedes Benz and Audi, Apple CarPlay is only compatible with vehicles that have the ConnectedDrive feature, which is an additional optional package that must be paid.
Additionally, ConnectedDrive appears to not be retrofittable for vehicles that have already been delivered and is only compatible with professional/business versions of iDrive (with big screen displays) with versions above iD5 and is only available for models produced after 2014 (MY15).
In spite of this, getting an Apple CarPlay or Android Auto seems to be very impossible for early F series models or vehicles that were delivered without one.
So, the issues are: Will BMW offer assistance in those situations, and will owners in those circumstances be unable to obtain one in their vehicle?
Additionally, we are now officially offering Apple CarPlay for BMW vehicles with iDrive CIC-NBT models from 2012 (MY13) to the present that do not have Apple CarPlay or EVO grade audio setup by BMW.
We offer a full retrofit type Apple CarPlay Platform into non-EVO iDrive CIC-NBT systems without modifying or removing anything from the car.
You will be able to connect your iPhone to a dedicated USB port and control with the existing iDrive Controller as a result, and Apple CarPlay will be shown on the current iDrive screen regardless of the screen size or vehicle difference.
The iDrive controller’s MENU button, when pressed and held, toggles between the Apple CarPlay mode and the iDrive radio on the screen.
And from there, you can move around, choose an app, and issue commands by button or voice with SiRi using the built-in iDrive controller.
For those of you who are reading this blog post right now, we’ll break down the advantages of having Apple CarPlay in your BMW so you can get a better understanding of what it is and how it works.
If you must use your phone while driving, at least do so through the Apple-supported vehicle audio screen, which gives you complete control over all crucial functions.
Free turn-by-turn navigation with lane assistance, real-time traffic updates, points of interest, and more with the Apple Maps / Waze GPS app.
Hands-free phone and messaging – Use Phone and iMessage to make calls and send messages without taking your hands off the wheel.
Information and assistance – Access simple cards with weather, traffic, commuter information, and more.
Bring your own music and use the built-in sound in your vehicle to listen to it.
Can my 2017 BMW X3 have Apple CarPlay installed?
The Positive The 2017 BMW X3 comes equipped with an excellent head-up display, a linked navigation system, and Apple CarPlay compatibility.
Can my 2018 BMW x1 have Apple CarPlay installed?
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.
How can I tell whether my BMW is CarPlay compatible?
What conditions must be met for my BMW to use Apple CarPlayTM? BMW Navigation System and iDrive 5.0 are required for Apple CarPlay. Additionally, you need an iPhone(r) 5 or later running iOS 9.3 or a later version. In addition, your iPhone’s Siri, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth capabilities need to be enabled.
How can CarPlay be installed on my older BMW?
You must upgrade your BMW iDrive head unit to NBT EVO with the ID5/ID6 software in order to enjoy the complete original CarPlay experience in an older vehicle. Even though this is a more sophisticated upgrade, it offers many extra advantages, like an HD screen upgrade, an iDrive Touch controller, full coding from BimmerTech, pre-installed CarPlay & BMW Apps, and more.
Included with a complete head unit and software upgrade are:
- Full FSC retrofit activation with CarPlay, Voice Control, Navigation, and BMW Apps
View our video guide on installing NBT EVO ID5/ID6 into a BMW 3-Series F30 to see how the installation is done.
NBT EVO ID4 is a common feature of BMW models from 2016 or 2015. Fortunately, in this instance, only the aftermarket head unit and maybe the ATM module will be needed for your automobile.
Older vehicles with ordinary NBT (not NBT EVO) from 2015, 2014, and 2013 will need a different head unit upgrade but already have the necessary 8.8″ HD screen and touch controller.
A more involved upgrade is needed for vehicles with even older head units (ENTRY, ENTRYNAV), as the full NBT EVO ID5/ID6 set needs to be adapted.
The only thing left to do is turn on CarPlay once your BMW has been outfitted with the appropriate components. If the entire NBT EVO head unit set is upgraded, CarPlay will be pre-installed and available for usage.
Want to see what components your BMW might require to switch to a newer iDrive? On the NBT EVO ID5/ID6 product page, enter your VIN to access the appropriate retrofit link.