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was made in 2016, 2015, or 2014 and has modern technologies, it might only have ID4 hardware or normal NBT, which is outdated head unit hardware.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.
In This Article...
BMW BMW CarPlay retrofit versus Apple CarPlay
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 Activation in BMW
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.
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.
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.
For those BMW F Badge automobiles from 2012 to 2016, an Apple CarPlay Retrofit Upgrade is available.
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 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.
Has the 2017 BMW got Apple CarPlay?
Apple CarPlay is a feature that many automakers provide in their latest models, but BMW charges extra for it on every model. It’s unlikely that will change, but those who don’t use iOS or don’t like Apple’s smartphone integration system for the car may soon be cut out.
He explained, “This enables the customer to switch devices.” “Many people purchase [CarPlay] and believe it to be acceptable, but occasionally they stop using it or move to Android.”
For 2017, BMW launched CarPlay as a $300 add-on for vehicles with built-in navigation. The newest iDrive 6.0 user interface was used to introduce a wireless CarPlay configuration with charging on the 5 Series last year as well.
According to Smith, the first year of ownership of a new BMW would be free under the new scheme. Owners would then need to pay $80 a year to maintain the service after that. It would still cost less over the course of a three or four-year lease than the current alternative, he claimed.
Android Auto is not currently available on any BMW automobiles. But Smith claimed that later in 2018, Google Assistant would be available in new BMW models. The business previously disclosed that Amazon Alexa would be included with its latest models. According to Smith, more Alexa abilities will be made available later this year to operate features other than just the locks and lights of a vehicle.
How do I add Apple CarPlay for nothing to my BMW?
I’d like to utilize Apple CarPlay in my BMW, but I seem to recall that it used to be somewhat expensive. Is there a way for me to obtain Apple CarPlay on my BMW for nothing?
In less than two minutes, find out if your auto insurance is being overcharged.
Yes! All of Apple CarPlay’s capabilities are available for free on your BMW. BMW will stop charging users a fee to utilize Apple CarPlay as of 2020. The service is easily downloaded and connected to your car without cost.
Check out the Jerry app to learn how to get the greatest auto insurance coverage for the cheapest price if you’re looking for more methods to reduce your car expenses.
Jerry is a private insurance agent who resides in your wallet. Jerry is an app, so don’t worry about purchasing little office furniture. After you download Jerry, all you have to do is respond to a few questions that will take you around 45 seconds to do, and you’ll get car insurance rates for coverage that is identical to your current plan right away. Customers of Jerry save $879 year on average.
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.