Is My BMW Apple Carplay Compatible?

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What prerequisites must my BMW meet in order to use Apple CarPlay(tm)? 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. Along with Siri, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth turned on, your iPhone must have an active data plan.

SERPRESULT

Due to its flawless integration into your BMW, Apple CarPlay(r) has been developed specifically for use in vehicles and is the most intelligent method to conveniently use your mobile device.

BMW debuted Apple CarPlay when?

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 can I tell if my BMW is compatible with 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 BMW get Apple CarPlay?

Apple Car Play is referred to as (r).

While operating your BMW, you can use a number of iPhone features thanks to Apple CarPlay.

You can quickly use several apps on your iPhone while driving in your BMW thanks to Apple CarPlay(r). Both the control system in your BMW and Apple Siri can be used to voice-command the programs. To engage the virtual assistant on your smartphone, just say “Hey Siri” or click the voice button on the steering wheel.

Why doesn’t my BMW have Apple CarPlay?

Please assist! Something odd is happening with my BMW’s Apple CarPlay system. It appears to have suddenly vanished! My BMW has been leased for just over a year, and the CarPlay has been functioning well. My phone stopped being associated with my computer yesterday, and now I can’t get it to operate. Why doesn’t my BMW have Apple CarPlay?

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My God! That seems very frustrating. But it’s not that unusual for something like this to happen. There could be a number of reasons why your BMW does not support Apple CarPlay. Many drivers have reported similar problems following software updates from BMW.

Fortunately, you can try a few different things. This is what you ought to do:

  • Unpair and re-pair your phone after making sure that Siri, Bluetooth, and WiFi are all turned on. You should be able to connect to Apple CarPlay, we hope. If so, connect right now. Then you ought to be prepared.
  • Push the volume knob in and hold it if that doesn’t work. That should restart the computer and fix any software issues. After that, connecting to CarPlay should be simple.
  • Check your phone for software updates and install them if you’re still having trouble connecting.
  • By visiting to Settings > Screen Time > content & privacy restrictions, make sure CarPlay isn’t set to aRestricteda. Press Allowed Apps. If you see that CarPlay is off, turn it on. Your CarPlay should then function properly.
  • For a few hours, leave your automobile in a location where you know WiFi and Bluetooth signals will be strong. Some BMWs experience problems with CarPlay simply because they are parked in garages with inadequate signal.

After doing all of that, if CarPlay is still not functioning, it may be time to bring your BMW in for a software update. If everything else fails, a system update ought to restore order.

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BMW can be upgraded to Apple CarPlay, right?

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.

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. 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.

On my BMW X3, how do I install Apple CarPlay?

It’s time to sync your iPhone with your BMW X3 when Apple CarPlay has been enabled. Here’s how to configure it:

1. Switch on WiFi and Bluetooth on your iPhone.

2. Open the ‘Communication’ menu on the iDrive screen of your BMW X3.

3. Click on “Mobile Devices.”

4. Select “New Device.”

Choose “Phone calls and audio via Bluetooth or Apple CarPlay” on step 5.

6. On the screen of the BMW X3, choose your phone.

7. When you see the prompt “A Bluetooth Pairing Request,” choose “Pair.”

8. Click “Allow” to accept the popup to sync your contacts and favorites.

9. Your iPhone will then display a “Use CarPlay with BMW?” question. Click “Use CarPlay.”

10. Once more, on the screen of your BMW X3, choose “Confirm note and connect to Apple CarPlay.”

11. Select the name of your phone under “Connected Devices.”

12. Click “Connection Mode,” followed by “Apple CarPlay.”

Press the Apple CarPlay icon when it displays on the X3 home screen to start CarPlay.

By choosing the BMW emblem in Apple CarPlay, you can return to the BMW X3 infotainment system display that came with the vehicle.

How can I tell if Apple CarPlay is compatible with my car?

CarPlay-compatible vehicles ought to have built-in controls, like a touchscreen, rotary dial, or touchpad. Consult the owner’s manual that comes with your car to find out how to use the CarPlay display. Even if your device already has built-in controls, you can still utilize Siri to operate CarPlay.

When did BMW introduce 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.

Does BMW’s support for Apple CarPlay end?

BMW has not only changed the CarPlay interface but also its CarPlay-related policies.

CarPlay actually had a deadline when it was originally made available in new BMW vehicles. It might be available to you for the period of your lease, but after that, in order to keep using it, you’d have to pay an annual subscription charge.

That you would avoid having to pay a greater upfront activation cost simply to trade in your automobile after a few years was BMW’s illogical justification. But the BMW CarPlay subscription model wouldn’t persist for very long because so many rival automakers provide CarPlay either as standard equipment or as a stand-alone option.

Apple CarPlay does not expire, as BMW decided to make it permanently available.

How can I install Apple CarPlay in my vehicle?

CarPlay, a more intelligent and secure method of using your iPhone in the car, is available on a few models. CarPlay displays the activities you want to perform on your iPhone while driving directly on the in-dash display in your vehicle.

Connect your iPhone to the USB port on your car’s audio if it supports CarPlay utilizing the USB port. There may be a CarPlay icon or a smartphone icon on the USB port’s label.

Press and hold the voice command button on your steering wheel to set up CarPlay if your vehicle supports wireless CarPlay. Alternatively, check sure your car is in Bluetooth or wireless pairing mode. Next, select your vehicle on your iPhone by going to Settings > General > CarPlay > Available Cars. For more details, consult the owner’s manual that came with your vehicle.

How can I make Apple CarPlay work?

  • Connect your smartphone to the USB port in your car and check for the CarPlay icon.
  • After selecting “Settings,” select “General” and “CarPlay.” Select your car from the list of “Available Cars.”