Since the release of iOS 9 last year, Apple’s CarPlay, a svelte infotainment system modeled after iOS, has been able to wirelessly communicate with approved vehicles. But up until now, not a single automobile supported the function. The new 2017 BMW 5 Series, which was unveiled today, will be the first automobile to offer wireless CarPlay. Therefore, drivers won’t need to plug in their iPhone through USB to update the vehicle’s main software with Apple’s version.
“The BMW 5 Series Sedan also has CarPlay. The iDrive Controller or touch control on the screen in the car may be used to control the smartphone and any apps on it thanks to the integration of the smartphone into the system environment of the vehicle “reads the advertising for BMW. BMW is the first automaker to incorporate Apple CarPlay wirelessly.
Why the original deployment took so long is a mystery. The fact that Apple apparently prevented Volkswagen from demonstrating the technology at CES in January suggests that the company has been holding up wireless CarPlay up until now. However, with BMW’s new vehicle on board, future software upgrades supporting the capability are almost certain.
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Wireless CarPlay support is coming to the BMW 5 Series Sedan.
The 2017 BMW 5 Series Sedan, one of the first vehicles to offer wireless CarPlay, was unveiled by BMW today. Press materials made available today claim that iPhones will be able to wirelessly connect to the BMW iDrive system, doing so using Bluetooth rather than a Lightning connector.
The BMW 5 Series Sedan also has CarPlay. The iDrive Controller or touch control on the screen in the car can be used to control the smartphone and any apps that are on it thanks to the integration of the smartphone into the operating environment of the vehicle. BMW is the first automaker to incorporate Apple CarPlay wirelessly.
Apple first announced wireless CarPlay technology in 2015 along with iOS 9, but no fully compatible in-car infotainment system has been made available as of yet.
Wireless CarPlay support has been sluggish to spread for unknown reasons, but Apple has stopped at least one business from demonstrating the capability. In January 2016, Volkswagen tried to demonstrate wireless CarPlay functioning, but Apple rejected it. When Volkswagen will introduce a car with wireless CarPlay or when it will expand its deployment to more cars is unknown.
Users must currently utilize a Lightning cable to connect their iPhone to a car using a regular USB port in order to use CarPlay.
Beginning in February 2017, the 5 Series Sedan will be marketed globally.
Coming in February, the BMW 5 Series Sedan will be the first vehicle with wireless CarPlay built-in.
In a press release issued today, BMW stated that the 2017 BMW 5 Series Sedan will be the first vehicle to be sold that supports wireless CarPlay. In February 2017, the 5 Series Sedan will start traveling the world.
iPhone users will be able to wirelessly connect to the BMW iDrive system and utilize the CarPlay interface through that connection, according to the press release issued today. BMW boasts that it is the first automaker to integrate Apple CarPlay completely wirelessly.
And smartphone connectivity has been further enhanced, including the WiFi hotspot for up to ten devices, inductive phone charging, and Apple CarPlay (which, in a first for an automaker, has been totally wirelessly integrated). BMW is the first automaker to incorporate Apple CarPlay wirelessly.
Since iOS 9 introduced Wireless CarPlay, however, no automobile has been able to use the function. According to a rumor from earlier this year, Apple abruptly cancelled Volkswagen’s plans to demonstrate its wireless CarPlay integration at CES. It would be interesting to know what became of VW’s ambitions in light of the fact that BMW is now preparing to introduce the first vehicle with wireless CarPlay.
For iPhone owners, wireless CarPlay will make for a far more seamless experience. They will no longer need a Lightning cable to connect their phones in order to use CarPlay. Due to the fact that many motorists use Bluetooth instead of cables in their vehicles, this is likely to lead to an increase in the number of CarPlay users.
Beginning in February 2017, the BMW 5 Series Sedan will be sold on the open market. Although it’s not yet known whether wireless CarPlay is part of the base package or whether it’s an update, we wouldn’t be shocked if there was a premium for it.
In the meanwhile, a variety of third-party head units are available at a wide range of pricing ranges if you’re looking to add CarPlay functionality to your current vehicle.
Is Apple CarPlay available on the 2019 BMW 5 Series?
- For all vehicles with navigation, BMW is making Apple CarPlay the default feature without any additional fees, after charging a monthly charge for 2019 and subsequent models.
- BMW wanted to be more respectful of its tech-obsessed customers after hearing complaints.
- BMW is one of the few automakers to offer wireless CarPlay, albeit Android Auto is still not available, so owners already enjoy an added benefit.
BMW doesn’t frequently offer freebies, but following negative news and a large number of dissatisfied consumers, the carmaker is eliminating all payments for Apple CarPlay. It is currently working.
BMW introduced CarPlay some years ago with a straightforward but crucial feature that no other manufacturers could match: the ability to wirelessly connect an iPhone without a USB cable. For the 2019 model year, BMW changed CarPlay from a $300 stand-alone option to a subscription through its ConnectedDrive suite of app services, costing $80 per year or $300 for 20 years. For the first year, CarPlay was offered without charge to owners; however, after that, it was remotely disabled unless a subscription fee was paid.
When Apple released software updates, BMW informed C/D that it would have to charge customers for CarPlay in order to prevent compatibility difficulties with other factory-installed features. The payment was intended to cover BMW’s effort spent creating new iDrive system updates. BMW has now determined that continuing CarPlay’s free operation is a better idea.
It’s a pleasant victory for customers, especially coming from BMW, which offers a number of extras that other manufacturers provide as standard, such as proximity entry, garage-door openers, and lumbar support. Maybe this will signal the start of a new strategy.
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The BMW 5 Series has Apple CarPlay, but does it?
We discovered both aspects we liked and disliked about technology. The 5 Series is the first car to have Apple’s CarPlay smartphone integration system in a wireless configuration. I adore how CarPlay takes the role of a car’s frequently problematic in-car entertainment and navigation system.
Has the 2017 BMW got Apple CarPlay?
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.
Do 2015 BMW models feature 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.
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.
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.
How can I tell if Apple CarPlay is compatible with my BMW?
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 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.